Album Highlight Friday: Julio Sharp “Two Ways”
I first met Julio the way I meet a lot of musicians, at Tom Bianchi’s open mic challenge…here for more.
In that piece I wrote: “Julio Sharp-Wasserman was a huge surprise as well. Truly, he blew me away. Beautiful songs and such a tender and gentle jazzy touch to his guitar playing and singing. Very James Taylor-esque. Expect good things from this gent.”
The EP has a relaxed, sleepy feel and vibe to it. Julio is a bit of a relaxed guy himself when talking to him, so it makes sense that his music reflects his personality. It flows to and fro underneath Sharp’s vocal and stories. His voice is reminiscent of James Taylor in tone and inflection. Pleasant, soothing, and makes you want to listen over and over again.
His style and influences are evident in the first track “I Can’t Feel Two Ways No More”. Songwriters from the 60s and 70s, Cat Stevens, Joni Mitchell, and more inject themselves into his style and poise when he plays. The second tune has a bit more of a groove and flow to it and then it eases back into that dream scape type vibe closing out the collection.
On days like this, the sun stays out too long
For though it shines, it shines on what we did wrong
Should I sing it loudly, or keep these clouds around me
Cause I can’t feel two ways no more, no more
It’s one of those times again
At once we say goodbye and make a friend
A great listen, twice, or three times that makes you want more defines a wonderful album. And with the case of “Two Ways” you likely will, it’s compact 4 songs breeze by but leaving you wanting to go back to the beginning and keep on listening. So, why don’t you just go ahead and do that for yourself…
