Joanne Shaw Taylor

Joanne Shaw Taylor with Tim Caple on "The Rock'n'Blues Experience"

Joanne Shaw Taylor heads back to the UK in the next couple of weeks for a series of live dates beginning on September 24 in Bath there will also be dates in Netherlands and Germany and to tie in with the tour comes a deluxe edition of the latest album "Black and Gold" which includes three new acoustic tracks including this version of "Black and Gold

Joanne joined us on the show recently to look back at the production of the latest album and how the experiences of life continue to offer a rich source for her songwriting .

Joanne's career has been a tapestry of experiences, woven with threads of personal growth and artistic evolution. As she celebrates her 40th birthday and the release of her 10th studio album, she reflects on the journey that has brought her here.

Reflecting on the past Joanne shares that she never truly paused to consider her achievements until now. The countless shows, early morning flights, and years of dedication have shaped her into the artist she is today. "It's been a long journey," she admits, "but I'm excited for what comes next."

For Joanne, turning 40 and releasing a new album feels like a fresh start. She sees it as a new decade of recording and aging, a chance to explore new horizons. "It's more about challenging myself to grow as a person," she explains, emphasizing her desire to remain authentic and true to herself.

Joanne believes that authenticity and humility are crucial traits for any artist. She recalls her early days of shyness and how she learned to connect with her audience by sharing personal stories through her music. "Being authentic and having humility is very important to me," she says.

As Joanne looks to the future, she dreams of playing iconic venues like Carnegie Hall and expanding her audience. Yet, her ultimate goal is to find a balance between work and happiness, surrounded by a supportive team and cherished friends. "Success is being happy and healthy," she concludes it sounds simple enough but 2 things that sometimes get lost as artists chase fame and even greater fortune .

Watch the full feature with Joanne in the video below.

Joanne Shaw Taylor Talking To Tim Caple on The Rock'n'Blues Experience

Songwriting and Music

Joanne's music is a reflection of her life's journey, capturing moments of vulnerability and strength. Her creative process is deeply personal, allowing her to connect with her audience on an emotional level.

Joanne's albums are snapshots of her life, each song a chapter in her story. She views songwriting as a way to express herself and find closure, whether it's about friendships, relationships, or personal growth making her music relatable and impactful.

As Joanne enters a new decade of her career, she embraces change and growth. Her latest album, "Black and Gold," showcases her evolution as an artist, blending blues with pop influences. Joanne's willingness to explore new sounds and themes keeps her music fresh and exciting.

Joanne Shaw Taylor Talking To Tim Caple on "The Rock'n'Blues Experience

How Nashville's Vibrant Music Scene Shapes Joanne's Sound

Nestled in the heart of Tennessee, Nashville is more than just the country music capital—it's a melting pot of creativity and inspiration. For Joanne, this vibrant city has become a pivotal influence on her musical journey and it is fast becoming if it has not reached that point just yet of being the music capital of the US

Living in Nashville, Joanne finds herself surrounded by a community of talented musicians and industry professionals. The city's rich musical heritage and collaborative spirit have fuelled her creativity, allowing her to explore new sounds and ideas if stuck for inspiration or she just has a craving for one of his very famous Martini's then she can always pop next door to Joe Bonamassa's house.

Nashville's tight-knit music scene offers endless opportunities for collaboration. Joanne often finds herself working alongside fellow artists, drawing inspiration from their diverse styles and experiences. This collaborative energy has enriched her music, adding depth and variety to her sound.

Joanne Shaw Taylor Talking To Tim Caple on "The Rock'n'Blues Experience"

From legendary recording studios to intimate live venues, Nashville is a constant source of inspiration for Joanne. The city's history and culture seep into her work, infusing her music with a unique blend of tradition and innovation.

Nashville's influence on Joanne's work is undeniable. The city's dynamic music scene has not only shaped her sound but also provided a supportive environment for her artistic growth. As Joanne continues to evolve, Nashville remains a steadfast muse, guiding her on her musical journey a journey which has a whole host of stop off points with a destination yet to be fully decided upon.

Hank a Travelling Companion

As Joanne looks to the future, her aspirations are as vibrant and dynamic as her music. Alongside her journey, her beloved dog Hank plays a pivotal role, bringing joy and inspiration to her life and of course to fans worldwide who are getting used to seeing Hank on the road and in videos and there may well be some Hank merch to buy on the upcoming tour.

Hank, Joanne's loyal companion, has become an integral part of her life. His presence brings comfort and happiness, providing a sense of balance amidst the demands of her career. Hank's playful nature and unconditional love inspire Joanne, reminding her of the simple joys in life indeed if you watch the feature we recorded back in July which is on this page above then Hank makes an appearance.

If you enjoyed watching the video feature there is an audio interview with Joanne talking about "Heavy Soul" you can find it on the "Podcast" page here is a clip with Joanne talking about working with Kevin Shirley.