A Review of Joanne Shaw Taylor's New Album "Diamonds in the Dirt"

Ruf Records recording artist Joanne Shaw Taylor is back with her sophomore release and follow up to her 2009 release "White Sugar." Her debut album was "the most successful debut ever on Ruf records." At the 2010 Blues Music Award she was nominated for Best New Artist. Her new album "Diamonds in the Dirt" is more than a ten track follow up.

The album is slightly heavier being influenced from her recent move from England to Detroit . The ten tracks show she is more than just a young female master of the Telecaster. The ten tracks are all originals written by Joanne, showing her growth as a musician. She is backed by Steve Potts on drums, Dave Smith on bass, and Rick Steff on keyboards. The album is produced by Jeff Gaines who has worked with Huey Lewis, Albert Cummings, George Thorogood, Santana, Blues Traveler, Steve Miller, and a Grammy Award winning producer with Stevie Ray Vaughan just to name a few.

Joanne Shaw Taylor is just approaching her mid twenties but she can hold her own on the guitar. She is perhaps the best female guitarists in the blues since Bonnier Raitt. Joanne's approach is harder so it is hard to find a comparison. She has already played major blues festivals and toured the world. She has opened up for Joe Bonamassa and his rock super group Black Country Communion. "Diamonds in the Dirt" shows she is here to stay. She represents the future of the blues. Her singing, guitar playing and songwriting shows her future and the future of the blues is bright. Combine her talents with a tight band and a world class producer and the results are one heck of an album.

Track Listing:

1) Can't Keep Living Like This

2) Dead and Gone

3) Same As It Never Was

4) Jump That Train

5) Who do you Love?

6) Diamonds In The Dirt

7) Let It Burn

8) World on Fire

9) Lord Have Mercy

10) The World And It's Way

Highlights include "Can't Keep Living like This" which starts soft and builds. The rolling "Dead and Gone" and a softer "Diamonds In The Dirt." Joanne's blues are electric and will appeal to blues lovers. It will also appeal to classic rock fans or anyone who likes powerful, electric guitar music. The album will leave her fans wanting more. Joanne Shaw Taylor is currently touring in support of her new album. As she hits the festivals across the world more and more people will be turned on to her music.

Sources:
CD Joanne Shaw Taylor "Diamonds in the Dirt"
Ruf Records Page
Jim Gaines Site