Joanne Shaw Taylor

Caught Joanne Shaw Taylor live for the first time after being a fan since White Sugar came out in '09. The girl can play like nobodies business! She was sporting a Gibson Les Paul for this event so didn't get to see her on the '66 Esquire but it didn't matter...she can tear it UP. Her voice seems a little strained early on but for the second set she sounded strong. It's is like she is Channeling Stevie Ray Vaughn for the guitar and Janice Joplin for the vocals. Great show and the base player and drummer were spot on.

OK, I already love Joanne's music, and she is a nice, sweet girl to meet in person and talk with. Pretty? Yes, but not a girly girl, not putting herself on display like Ana Popovic or some of the other female guitar players. Dare I even call her a female guitar player? She takes that guitar and does something with it that few can do anymore. On CD, she is a good singer and songwriter and an amazing guitar player. Live, she takes it to a whole other level, and the way she flips the long blonde hair is beautiful. Talk about extended solos, and high-powered blues!

Can't wait to see her again! Great music! Lots of good music form her first 2 cd and the new cd.

I knew of Joanne and had heard a bunch of her music (love the White Sugar album), but hadn't had the opportunity to see her live. The last swing through the House of Blues Chicago, I had a conflict and couldn't make the show. This time, even though it was a Tuesday and a 9:15PM show, I wasn't going to miss it. My wife happened to bump into Joanne in the ladies room pre-show and found out she was fighting a cold. She mentioned being concerned about her vocals and that she might be playing a bit more guitar with less vocals. The show was awesome and Joanne's voice started our great. She is a wonderful guitarist and really impressed me live. As her set went on, you could tell her voice was bothering her more, but she worked through it and gave a wonderful performance in spite of not being 100% healthy. I will definitely go see her again, and am anxious to hear her voice when it is healthy.

There are some people that you go to see and you go home and you're smiling and your ears are ringing but you are tired and you fall asleep anyway, and the next day it's back to business, though you may tell a few people about the show. I have already told Joanne what I thought of her, so I am not going to draw the fire of a bunch of angry guitar fans, telling them that she is the best I have ever seen, but if I do not say so, I am lying. OK, let it be subjective, then. But this is coming from a man who's been playing guitar a long time himself, and this girl is the real deal. She is brilliant. She is soulful and sweet and brimming with energy. As far as watching her, that is almost as much a part of the package as the music itself... she is mesmerizing. Watching her tilt her head, her blonde hair cover her face, as her fingers move effortlessly but with force up and down the fretboard... Her voice, too, is passionate and strong, but I would say that one weakness, at least in a club setting, is the sound on the vocals. Otherwise, all is incredible, including her band. Joanne and her drummer are tight and the drummer is world class in her own right. Joanne is a must see!!!!

Joanne really rocked - I'll definitely follow her career and think more people need to know what a fantastic guitarist she is. Come back to Michigan again soon!

It was my first time to the State theater and I loved it. The State theater is a beautiful venue and there is not a bad seat in the house. Overall, everyone was friendly and I will definitely be going again. Joanne is an amazing guitar player but her singing is not so good. I actually preferred the opening band, unfortunately I didn't catch their name.