Enlisting an impressive roster of guests including Bekka Bramlett, Stan Lynch, Michael Rhodes, collaborator and pal Stephen Bruton and McClinton himself on harmonica, Sharp smolders his way through a great mix of roots-rock styles. He dips his toe in Americana, blues rock, folk and Southern rock with great results.

As a lyricist and vocalist Sharp is understated, simultaneously calling to mind Jackson Browne and John Prine, with his breezy tenor cutting notes short and allowing melodies to hover gracefully over the rollicking tracks. The swampy Widow Maker calls to mind Southern rockers from Skynyrd to .38 Special in the best possible way, while the windswept Here & Now combines the concise emotion of Prine with the elegiac tones of bands like The Chieftains. And much of the rest of the record is down-and-dirty blues rock that, for all its similarities to McClinton's style, comes off with all the muscle and blood of Jimmie Vaughan or J.J. Cale.

In short, if you ain't heard of this guy yet, you will soon.

The City Paper
Guitarist to Rock Bluebird
By Ron Wynn

Singer/songwriter Todd Sharp wants fans to know that tonight's show at the Bluebird is going to be a little different from the customary engagements. "We're going to rock out," said Sharp. "The Bluebird is such a great place, with fantastic acoustics, and it's very intimate. We'll be just a little quieter in deference to the surroundings, but this is a rock 'n' roll show, and I'm bringing a full band."

The ace guitarist and composer can truly demonstrate what propulsive, attacking playing is all about. Indeed, Sharp has credentials are incredibly impressive, dating back to his teen years playing with Hall & Oates in the '70s. Sharp has also played the past five years in Delbert McClinton's band, appearing on McClinton's last two critically acclaimed and award-winning releases. However, he's currently spending much of his time touring regionally in support of his album Walking All The Way (Wanna Play Records). McClinton, as well as Bekka Bramlett, Stephen Bruton and Stan Lynch join Sharp on what's only his second solo project despite his many credits.

"This wasn't even supposed to be my record," said Sharp. "The original idea was to produce sessions for another artist, but when that didn't work out, I just go together with some of the guys from Delbert's band, and we booked some studio time and did about 70 percent of the record in four days."

The disc has a loose, free-wheeling attitude and spontaneous sound not often heard on overly produced, contemporary rock dates that can take two and three years to put together. The material ranges from poignant, inspirational tunes such as Here and Now and reflective, autobiographical statements like Widow Maker and Right Down To The Minute as well as thoughtful works I Remember and Walking All The Way To Idaho. Above all, this is a very literate, introspective, yet exuberantly performed and played album.

Sharp's accomplishments go back to 1976, when he auditioned for Hall & Oates as a 19-year-old and won a job. "Working with Hall & Oates was my entry into the music world," said Sharp. "They were so professional, such good musicians, and that was a great era of music." From that start, Sharp would later go on to play with Fleetwood Mac, and even pen one hit for Christine McVie, Got a Hold On Me, and co-write with her on another smash Love Will Show Us Now. Sharp also appeared on McVie's solo album.

He's subsequently toured and recorded with Rod Stewart and Bob Welch as well, but looks back particularly fondly on his recently ended period with McClinton. "Delbert's the best; he's a fantastic musician, and an even better individual. I didn't want to leave the band, but it just go to be too much trying to juggle things with the record. I'm concentrating now on supporting this record, and playing gigs in town here about once a month, or every two months. Nashville, in my estimation, is one of the best live music cities in the world, so there's no better place to play."