THIS IS JOANNE SHAW TAYLOR
Joanne Shaw Taylor, discovered by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics at the age of 16, has carved out an impressive niche for herself in the world of blues-rock. After witnessing her remarkable guitar playing, Stewart immediately invited her to join his supergroup, D.U.P., setting the wheels in motion for a flourishing musical career. Her prodigious talent on the guitar earned her accolades from several industry giants, including Jimmy Cliff, Joe Bonamassa, Stevie Wonder, and Annie Lennox.
Now in her 30s, Joanne has emerged as one of the most coveted guitarists in the rock domain. Her debut album, White Sugar (2009), released on Ruf Records, showcased her soulful voice and exceptional songwriting ability, heralding the arrival of a new luminary in the blues-rock arena. This release was followed by a series of critically acclaimed albums: Diamonds In The Dirt (2010), Almost Always Never (2012), featuring the UK radio hit “Soul Station,” and the live album Songs From The Road (2013).
In 2014, Joanne unveiled her fourth studio album, The Dirty Truth, on Axehouse Records, featuring hit singles “Mud, Honey,” and “Wicked Soul.” Her fifth album, Wild (2016), produced by the legendary Kevin Shirley, included performances of “Dyin’ To Know” and “Summertime” on the popular BBC Two Television music show, Later With Jools Holland.
Joanne’s journey over the past two decades has seen her evolve into a prolific songwriter, with each of her acclaimed albums being more successful than the last. Her 2019 album, Reckless Heart, broke into the UK Top 20 Album Chart, solidifying her standing as one of the most important British blues-rock exports.
In a significant collaboration, Joanne teamed up with producers Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith for her seventh album, The Blues Album, released under Bonamassa’s independent label, KTBA Records, in 2021. This powerhouse project not only showcased Joanne’s deepening artistry and evolving sound but also earned critical acclaim, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Chart. This achievement marked a pivotal moment in her career, underscoring her status as a leading figure in the blues-rock genre.
Building on this momentum, 2022 proved to be a landmark year for Joanne. She expanded her horizons by releasing her first live DVD, coupled with Blues From The Heart Live, her second consecutive album to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Blues Chart. This was a testament to her electrifying live performances and further elevated her profile, leading to a celebrated TV debut on Public Television (PBS). The success of these projects not only solidified her reputation as a compelling live performer but also broadened her appeal to a wider audience.
Continuing her streak of creative collaborations, Joanne unveiled her eighth studio album later that year, titled Nobody’s Fool. This album was a culmination of her musical journey, featuring contributions from a diverse array of talents including Joe Bonamassa, Dave Stewart, Tina Guo, and Carmen Vandenburg. Nobody’s Fool was a bold statement of her musical versatility and an exploration into new sonic territories, further establishing Joanne as a dynamic and influential force in the blues-rock world.
Produced by Kevin Shirley (Black Crowes, Journey, Aerosmith), Joanne’s latest studio album, Heavy Soul, delves into the depths of emotional struggles with powerful lyrics and soul-stirring melodies. The album has been praised for its fusion of contemporary soul-pop with traditional blues roots, featuring accomplished musicians like Anton Fig, Alison Presswood, and Rob McNelley. Joanne remains influential in blues rock, eagerly anticipating her next album release.