Written by:
Aimsel L. Ponti
Musician Maia Sharp is on a roll. The list of things for her to be happy about is a lengthy one. For one thing, the daughter of Randy Sharp, a well-known musician and songwriter, is becoming a popular girl. Her songs have been recorded by everyone from The Dixie Chicks and Cher to Bonnie Raitt and Trisha Yearwood (and she makes appearances on the last two albums as well). And critics are still raving about her 2005 release, Fine Upstanding Citizen.
When we talk, Sharp moves easily from discussing music, her super cool parents, a friendship with Bonnie Raitt and balancing work with a relationship. Sharp’s list of people she’d love to work with includes kd lang, Sheryl Crow and Sting. Raitt was at the top of that list until Sharp became the opening act for the legend last fall but she also sat in on several songs during Raitt’s set, both singing and playing saxophone.
“I clearly remember playing along to my Bonnie records when I was 11 years old. The first dream I ever had was to play sax for Bonnie Raitt,” Sharp admits. “Bonnie was in a word, unbelievable. I don’t think I’ve ever had that much fun on the road before. She is a consummate musician, singer and great human being.”
Between playing on Raitt’s record and then hitting the road with her, the two became good friends. Getting back to her own recording career, Sharp’s been working with writing partners in Los Angeles, Nashville and Austin.
“I never stop writing,” she says. “I’m hooked.”
Sharp’s expecting a new record released early next year. Though sax was Sharp’s primary instrument for many years she has aptly evolved into a singer songwriter who also plays guitar and piano. Her voice is downright arresting and, oh yeah, she’s a lesbian who’s been in a nine-year relationship.
“I’ve been off and on the road since we first started seeing each other and it’s actually getting harder,” she admits, adding that they miss each other dearly each time they’re apart. “I’m really lucky.”
Sharp recalls coming out to her parents when she was in her early 20s and according to Sharp, they were very cool about it.
“They said this might not be easy for us for a while but if we have any problem with it, it’s our problem.”
Sharp attributes her parent’s acceptance in part to their community. “We always had friends of all kinds, cultures and subcultures around. There were a lot of musicians — straight, gay, black, white — and there was this kind of hippie thread running through everybody in what was fortunately a very open and loving home.”
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