Joanne Shaw Taylor back to Black Country roots at Robin 2 show - review and pictures
Black Country-born virtuoso blues guitarist Joanne Shaw Taylor finished her storming set in Bilston with fans' favourite Going Home, but the smile on her face from the start showed she was already there.
Her return to The Robin, where she first played 20 years ago, was an opportunity to showcase her newer hard rock sound and her latest and sixth studio album Reckless Heart, which she played in full, opening with In The Mood.
"It's been such a pleasure to come home," she told the audience mid way through the show which did not disappoint fans old and new.
The Best Thing, Reckless Heart and I've Been Loving You Too Long were among the highlights featuring Detroit-based Joanne's intricate and technically-brilliant guitar solos.
"It's my most personal album yet," explained Joanne, who was in talkative mood and happy to detail the sometimes embarrassing background to intimate songs like Creepin' and Jakes Boogie.
"I always ramble at The Robin," she confided.
"You can understand what I'm saying – not like in America."
Her three backing musicians provided a solid foundation for her songs and the addition of Bob Fridzema's Hammond organ to her sound has given her stage show a warmer and bouncier feel.
Joanne's smoky, subtle and powerful voice has matured beautifully over the years and combined with her dynamic and fantastic ability on guitar makes her a great live act. Playing in a mainly-standing intimate venue like The Robin is also a much better way for fans to enjoy the experience than a large all-seated venue.
The final part of the thoroughly-enjoyable set was made up of songs that her fans had voted online for her to play.
"You can't blame me for this," she told them and romped through Dyin' to Know, No Reason to Stay, Jump That Train and Bones.
An outstanding Diamonds in the Dust and then Going Home rounded off a triumphant show, but Joanne and the band quickly returned to finish the night with a blistering encore performance of Mud Honey from her 2014 album The Dirty Truth.
Support was by engaging country singer-songwriter Sonia Leigh from Nashville.
Her carefully-crafted songs, including opener We Know, I Just Might, Willing to Fly and Booty Call, were well received by the generous Black Country audience.
