Singer Joanne Shaw Taylor wasted no time reminding The Queen’s Hall of her power, opening with the driving In The Mood from 2018’s Reckless Heart.
From the off, it set the tone for a set that balanced muscular blues rock with moments of restraint and emotional heft. Discovered as a teenager by Dave Stewart of Eurythmics, Taylor has long been praised for her guitar work, but it is her voice that increasingly commands attention.
There are clear echoes of early Rod Stewart and Glasgow’s Frankie Miller delivered without affectation.
Material from last summer’s Black & Gold sat comfortably alongside older songs, with Grayer Shade of Blue emerging as an early highlight, its tension and release handled with assurance. When Taylor pulled back, she did so with a knowing wink, before blasting into another infectious riff, a trick she used to keep the room hooked throughout the night. Her band played with purpose, giving her space and support when needed.
Midway through the set she strapped on a Les Paul for a stunning version of Wild Is The Wind. Best known through Johnny Mathis, Nina Simone and David Bowie, it is a bold choice for a singer rooted in blues rock, yet Taylor made it her own, allowing the song to breathe before building it to a controlled, emotional peak.
This was a confident, finely paced performance, warmly received by a crowd fully tuned into Taylor’s blend of fire and feel. A confident performer who knows how to handle a crowd and tell a story while she’s at it.
