Interview With Joanne Shaw Taylor: Guitar, Songwriting, and Legacy
Inside the world of the acclaimed guitarist and songwriter.
Photo by Elliot Gruenberg
Joanne Shaw Taylor is an incredibly talented Blues/Rock guitarist and singer. Her talents have been recognized by Eurythmics guitarist Dave Stewart and legendary guitarist Joe Bonamassa.
Joanne's album White Sugar reached number 8 on the American Billboard Top Blues Album chart. She is currently touring the UK, America, and Europe.
Magesh Magesh, Musicngear: Your talent in the Blues/Rock arena has been recognized for a long time, although you are an accomplished songwriter and producer. Do you have plans to produce other artists in the future?
No plans yet, but it’s something I’m very interested in. Now, I’m still keen to dedicate my time to my own touring and recording, but nurturing other talents, especially younger artists, is something that I’m very interested in, just when I slow down a bit!
Musicngear: Do you have a regular practice routine? If so, what things do you practice?
To be honest, I have such little time off tour that at home I mostly stick to acoustic playing as I find that gives me the most song ideas. Plus, there’s nothing like acoustic strings to keep the calluses up!
Photo by Elliot Gruenberg
Musicngear: Guitarists spend years searching for the perfect tone. Do you have a piece of equipment that you use in the studio or live, regardless of what the project is?
Yes, my main guitar, “Junior,” is a 1969 Fender Esquire with a humbucker at the neck. I’ve had him since I was 15 and have used him at every show and on every album. I always say if anything happened to him, I’d have to retire.
Find the instrument you’re most comfortable with, that’s going to encourage you to pick it up and play
Musicngear: Can you talk about your pedal setup?
It's very simple: two Ibanez TS9 tube screamers, one for overdrive, one with the gain rolled off for a clean boost, and a holy grail reverb pedal. It’s less to carry and does what I need it to.
Musicngear: Les Paul and Telecaster guitars have always been popular in Blues/Rock music. Do you recommend any brands of guitars to young musicians looking to start playing the blues?
I honestly think, just find the guitar that feels right in your hands. It’s such a personal thing and depends on your hand size, technique, and preference. I’d say just find the instrument you’re most comfortable with, that’s going to encourage you to pick it up and play.
The more it’s in your hands, the better, and if it’s difficult for you to play it, it’s probably going to just discourage you.
Joanne Shaw Taylor’s new album “Black & Gold” is released by Journeyman Records and is available from www.joanneshawtaylor.com.
See Joanne on tour. Click HERE for tour dates.
Connect with Joanne Shaw Taylor
Facebook / Instagram
Watch the video for 'Love Lives Here'
About Magesh Magesh
Magesh is a musician and producer who has worked with Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Ricky Martin, Chris Brown, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Nelly Furtado, and Vernon Reid of Living Colour.
He released an instructional drumming DVD called "Unique Beats" where he mixed the drum kit with electronics and Indian hand percussion. He recently moved from Australia to the UK to explore new musical opportunities.
Website: mageshdrumteacher.co.uk
Contact Magesh Magesh at magesh.magesh7@gmail.com
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