Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10

There is nothing reckless about Joanne Shaw Taylor, wild and as full of tempestuous cosmic storms that erupt from the Sun as it gives into its cycle of moods but never reckless, never irresponsible with the hearts of those who seek to spend their time in her company. She is attentive to the soul with a smile beguilingly appearing as the notes hang in the air and the manner of expression is savoured, it is the dedication to her craft that has created such an explosive sound and one that is cared for on both sides of the stage.

It is not by chance that Joanne Shaw Taylor has shared an evening on stage with Joe Bonamassa, it is not a series of lucky accident of fortunate steps that have seen her become arguably the finest British female Blues guitarist of all time, it is that storm, the controlled aggression delivered with a disarming smile that is responsible for the outbreak of sincere cheering and applause, that sees the reckless heart stand firm and defy the heavens.

Mad March with its blustery attempts to keep the soul huddled indoors and by the warmth of a simple fire should know better than to keep a good woman down, than to keep a dedicated audience away from watching her perform on stage, and for those hardy souls who understand the significance of a Blues artist coming to the city that gave Pop music to the world, the sheltering walls of the Academy in Liverpool was a place in which to revel in the human storm, the firework of a solo that was measured, tempting and pulsing; this is what a crowd expects, it is more than welcome.

Performing in Liverpool on the day her new album, Reckless Heart, was launched was probably a gamble, after all venues like the Robin in Bilston or even the Birmingham Academy would have been more appropriate for the Midlands’ born guitarist but for the audience inside the Academy it was a night filled with pleasure. The scene of a young 11 year hanging on to every word and note as he stood at the very front and protected by older fans lost in their own musical reverie could not have given any more pleasure to the eyes and in songs such as the opener In The Mood, Let It Burn, The Best Thing, I’ve Been Loving You Too Long, No Reason Too Stay, Reckless Heart, Bad Love and the encores of Mud, Honey and White Sugar, it was a decision that was more than justified, it was needed, craved and loved in equal measure.

Blues might not get the look in it deserves in Liverpool but in the heart of Joanne Shaw Taylor and her band, there is storm that cannot be contained, a fire that is brutal and passionate, and one that made the start to this latest tour, exceptionally pure.

Ian D. Hall