Shanna Sharp
Running from Bushwick
(Waugh)
First Appeared in The Music Box, March 2005, Volume 12, #3
Written by Joseph O. Patton
On Running from Bushwick, Shanna Sharp has crafted a 13-track suite of
well-balanced and diverse music, which highlights the sweeping progression of
her talent that has taken place since the 1998 release of her stripped-down, yet
beautiful tune No One Wants to Be Alone. Coming in the wake of her move
from the dingy clubs of Montgomery, Alabama to the bright lights of New York
City, the album features her ever-maturing voice as it weaves a series of
candid, poetic stories that shift from the eye-opening wit of Party Girl
to the somber introspection of Two Voices. In addition, Running from
Bushwick serves as an introduction to the latest incarnation of the Shanna
Band. Throughout the set, the ensemble’s rich, broad sound perfectly frames her
sultry, bold, and sometimes sweet style of singing while adding complexity to
her material by folding together bits of jazz, rock, blues, alternative, and
country textures. Where U Wanna Go wraps its near-country vibrations
around a gorgeous melody; New Chance is a rousing, awakening call; Voodoo Man is wildly infectious; and Gotta Get the Love (Mama) exudes
an anthem-like ambience. In the end, this hefty mélange offers the sort of depth
and intrigue that stands in sharp contrast to the countless acts who tend to
pigeon-hole themselves into a one-dimensional sound. 
Joseph O. Patton is the editor and publisher of the Capital City Free Press,
published in Montgomery, Alabama.
Ratings
1 Star: Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!
Copyright © 2005 The Music Box