Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
The Blues matter!
The turn of the century and the explosion of names that wanted to revive the genre from its spiralling slumber and almost decay arguably saved in many respects the pursuit of music as a form of knowledge rather than just as entertainment that was in danger of being dumbed down, of being eaten alive by those who would seek to undermine the art in favour of a quick return on their investment; such an emotional declaration shouldn’t have to be said, but it is Blues from the heart that makes the genre passionately defended, and one to which one of its modern Queens stands tall as she delivers it with honour, and live for all to experience.
Joanne Shaw Taylor’s influence is not to be discounted when scholars and fans look back over the last 20 years of the genre’s revival, and in her latest release, Blues From The Heart Live, that shouldering of responsibility is not only evident, but it is beautifully embraced, the sense of argument and appeal is captured in such a way that the scale of the performance, which includes superb guests such as Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Mike Farris, and the Godfather of modern Blues, Joe Bonamassa, is overwhelming, astute, and unforgettable.
This first live performance in two years, recorded at the Franklin Theatre, Franklin, Tennessee, is historic, it is significant, for it encapsulates the drama in the guitar, the fierceness and fire in the belief, and establishes the elegance of the British Queen of Blues at her most sublime.
Alongside her band, consisting of Rob McNelley, Steve Mackey, Jimmy Wallace, Nick Buda, Devonne Fowlkes, and Kim Fleming, the recorded evening takes in tracks and love notes, of beliefs and towering, soaring musicianship such as If That Ain’t A Reason, If You Gotta Make A Fool Of Somebody, Can’t You See What You’re Doing To Me, Two Time My Lovin’, I’m In Chains, Three Time Loser, and a special reading of Summertime, with the aforementioned Joe Bonamassa on stage beside her,
Joanne Shaw Taylor is a Queen of the Blues, rightly praised for her performance, Blues From The Heart Live is the proof, if it were required, that she is an artist to whom should be seen on stage at every opportunity.
Passionate, charming, musically amongst the finest to have graced the genre and the arena itself, Joanne Shaw Taylor’s Blues From The Heart lives on forever.
Joanne Shaw Taylor’s new live album Blues From The Heart Live is released by KTBA Records on June 10th via www.ktbarecords.com.
Ian D. Hall