Joanne Shaw Taylor: Heavy Soul Tour
Joanne Shaw Taylor, initially discovered by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics at the tender age of 16, has over the years 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), marking her final release with Ruf Records.
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 release 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 more than just an addition to her discography; it 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.
As Joanne strides into 2024 and beyond, her tour schedule remains as dynamic and expansive as ever, spanning both national and international stages. These live performances, known for their raw energy and captivating musicianship, continue to be featured on PBS stations across the US, bringing her unique blend of blues-rock to an ever-widening audience. This period of intense touring coincides with the development and release of new music, crafted in collaboration with renowned producer Kevin Shirley. Joanne’s ninth album Heavy Soul will be released June 7, 2024. It’s a bold slate of material from an artist at the top of her career, bringing her guitar prowess, vocal abilities, and songwriting chops to new heights. Heavy Soul promises to be as compelling and innovative as her previous work, will be released under the banner of Journeyman LLC.
Journeyman LLC represents the latest venture between blues-rock titan Joe Bonamassa and his long-time manager Roy Weisman. More than just a record label, Journeyman stands as a full-service entity encompassing artist management, concert promotion, and marketing. This holistic approach uniquely positions it to nurture and promote independent artists on a global scale. Under this new arrangement, Joanne not only benefits from Journeyman's robust infrastructure but also gains from Bonamassa's vast industry experience and commitment to empowering artists. This support is invaluable as she navigates the complex landscape of the music industry, continuing to break new ground and reach wider audiences.
With such a vibrant and promising year ahead, Joanne Shaw Taylor is set to further solidify her standing as a formidable force in the global blues-rock scene. Her ongoing journey is a testament to her enduring passion, boundless creativity, and the ever-growing appeal of her soul-stirring music.