Local Scene

2023-03-02

JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR – LIVE AT THE JORGENSEN CENTER

By Ralph Beauchamp

Joanne Shaw Taylor is a virtuoso blues guitarist and vocalist that is taking the world by storm. Discovered by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics at the age of sixteen, Taylor has played with some the best including Joe Bonamassa. She released her first album entitled White Sugar in 2009. Since then, Taylor has dropped several award winning albums with critical acclaim from both critics and fans alike. She possesses a singular soulful voice and her guitar prowess is supersized. In addition, her songwriting is superb. On Feb. 17th, Taylor performed a dynamic set at the Jorgensen Center For the Performing Art at the Storrs Campus of UConn.

Taylor opened the show with a rousing “Stop Messing Around”. From the very first note the audience was enthralled. She plays with potent authority and a robust flavor. Her voice has an sultry aroma and her guitar growls with intensity. It was a perfect start to an amazing evening of propulsive blues and rock. The next song was “I Want You To Love Me”. It sizzled with sparkling guitar riffs and a buoyant cadence. Taylor‘s voice was perfect delivering a marvelous gravelly timbre. Her guitar solo was pulverizing. Everyone was feeling the fire.

“Nobody’s Fool” followed. It’s the title track of her highly infectious eighth full length. The album was produced by Bonamassa and Josh Smith. It was released on Bonamassa’s signature record label KTBA. By now, Taylor‘s band was in full swing. Comprised of Joseph Spina (Guitar), Phil Whitfield (Keys), Steven Lahane (Bass) and Eric Savage (Drums), the group unleased torrents of funky grooves. The venue was loving every minute of it.

Taylor tore through eighteen stellar songs. Each tune continued her fiery assault. Highlights included “If You’ve Got To Make A fool Of Somebody, “Three Time Loser”, “Just Another Word” and “Runaway”. She played multiple tracks from her recent release, Nobody’s Fool, as well as her 2021 The Blues Album. Each song was spellbinding and filled with emotional depth. Another crowd pleaser was the Fabulous Thunderbird’s “Two Time My Lovin”. Taylor‘s rendition was full of emotive lushness and an insatiable flow.

Taylor finished her set powerfully. “Bad Blood”, with its spaghetti western accents, showered the audience with a silky essence . “Going Home”, from her debut album White Sugar, showcased her wonderful bluesy vocals and her captivating guitar intonations. Taylor closed out with the her phenomenal “Mud Honey”. The entire band was raging with a rapacious fever. She received a well deserved standing ovation. Her fans were full of fervent admiration.

The night was a complete success. Taylor let loose an all devouring heat and everyone loved the burn.