Joanne Shaw Taylor

Joanne Shaw Taylor is a renowned British blues rock guitarist and singer. Born in 1986 in Wednesbury, West Midlands, England, she was discovered at the young age of 16 by Dave Stewart of Eurythmics. Her exceptional guitar playing quickly set her apart in the blues rock scene.

Early Influences and Beginnings

Joanne grew up in Solihull and developed a passion for blues music in her early teens. Influenced by iconic artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Albert Collins, and Jimi Hendrix, she began playing guitar and soon after was invited to join Dave Stewart's supergroup D.U.P. (Dave Unusual Project), touring Europe in 2002. Her early exposure to professional music scenes included headlining renowned clubs in the UK like Ronnie Scott's and the Marquee at just 14.

Musical Style and Discography

Known for her fiery guitar playing and sultry vocals, Joanne's style is a soulful blend of blues and rock. Often compared to the likes of Stevie Ray Vaughan and Dusty Springfield, she has remained true to her influences, creating music that resonates deeply with blues and rock enthusiasts.

Albums

White Sugar (2009)
Diamonds in the Dirt (2010)
Almost Always Never (2012)
Songs from the Road (Live album, 2013)
The Dirty Truth (2014)
Wild (2016)
Reckless Heart (2019)
The Blues Album (2021)
Blues from the Heart Live (2022)
Nobody's Fool (2022)
Heavy Soul (2023)

Achievements and Recognition

Joanne's career is decorated with numerous accolades and chart successes. Her albums "White Sugar" and "Diamonds in the Dirt" both peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Top Blues Albums chart, while "The Blues Album" (2021) debuted at No. 1.

Won Best Female Vocalist at the British Blues Awards (2010, 2011).
Awarded Songwriter of the Year at the 2011 British Blues Awards.
"Reckless Heart" entered the UK Top 20 Album Chart.

Collaborations and Major Performances

Joanne's live performances have seen her share the stage with blues and rock legends:

Toured with D.U.P., featuring artists like Candy Dulpher and Jimmy Cliff.
Performed with B.B. King at European festivals.
Played as lead guitarist for Annie Lennox during the Queen's Diamond Jubilee concert in 2012.

Recent Projects

In recent years, Joanne has continued to evolve as an artist. Signing with Joe Bonamassa's label, Keeping the Blues Alive (KTBA) Records, she released "The Blues Album" in 2021, produced by Bonamassa and Josh Smith. Her latest album, "Heavy Soul" (2023), produced by Kevin Shirley, delves into emotional themes while blending contemporary soul-pop with traditional blues roots.

Joanne Shaw Taylor stands as a significant figure in the blues-rock genre, with a career extending well over two decades. Known for her prolific songwriting, powerful vocal delivery, and dynamic live performances, she continues to push the boundaries of her craft, earning a respected place among music's greats.