This lady sure can sing and play the blues

The Dirty Truth is out ... girls CAN play guitar - especially British blues rock singer-songwriter Joanne Shaw Taylor.

Hundreds of Lancashire fans came to see her at The Grand Venue, Clitheroe – its understated ambience was a perfect showcase for Shaw Taylor’s self-penned songs from albums including The Dirty Truth, White Sugar and Almost Always Never, which feature her characteristic blend of gritty, soulful vocals and virtuoso guitar playing.

Shaw Taylor, 28, was discovered by Eurythmics frontman Dave Stewart when playing a charity gig, aged 16, and has since developed her hallmark style, captivating fans and earning much critical acclaim for her work.

Setting the scene for the evening, Stockport-based blues band Federal Charm delivered an energetic, well-received performance of songs from their album Across The Divide.

Then, in a stripped-back performance setting, Joanne – dressed in black with flying blonde hair – immediately engaged her audience, dominating the stage with her presence and personality.

Accompanied by drummer Oliver Perry and bassist Tom Godlington, she kicked off with Mud Honey and Wicked Soul from The Dirty Truth album, stunning the audience with her unique vocal style and soaring guitar solos.

Displaying a playful sense of humour, she explained before playing Wrecking Ball that it “wasn’t inspired by Miley Cyrus”.

Gutsy blues and rock offerings were tempered by songs based on real-life events close to her heart such as the raw, emotional Tried Tested And True and a heart-wrenching acoustic version of Almost Always Never, which spellbound the audience with its poignant lyrics and haunting melody.

Once the band left the stage the Clitheroe crowd called out for more and were rewarded with an extended encore of the title song from The Dirty Truth.

An excellent night’s entertainment with what is surely the number one lady of blues and rock!

Stef Hall