Following her critically acclaimed UK tour in November 2011, due to popular demand, blues rock guitarist and singer, Joanne Shaw Taylor returns to the UK to undertake a 13-date tour, kicking off at Bristol Tunnels Club on Thursday October 11th.

 

The tour dovetails the highly anticipated release of Joanne’s third studio album "Almost Always Never" – released by Ruf Records on Monday September 17th, 2012.

 

Originally discovered by Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart as a guitar prodigy at the age of 16, Joanne will perform music from her new album, as well as dipping into songs from her first two critically acclaimed albums - "White Sugar" (2009) and "Diamonds in the Dirt" (2010).

 

For two years consecutively, 2010 and 2011, Joanne was voted "Best British Female Vocalist of the Year" at the British Blues Awards. Joanne is fast becoming a major force on the international blues rock music circuit.

 

Hailed by Classic Rock magazine, Joanne also received a Best New Artist Debut nomination at the British Blues Awards for her debut album White Sugar.

 

The new album was produced by legendary record producer Mike McCarthy (Spoon... And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, Patty Griffin) in Austin.

 

"Mike McCarthy comes from a very different musical background from me", says Joanne. "He pushed me out of my comfort zone, while allowing me to explore and embrace new territories whilst remaining true to who I am. I never thought when I started on this journey I would ever get to work with such an amazing array of musicians. I've been a fan of JJ, David and Billy for many years and their performances on this album are exceptional".

 

The album features David Garza (keyboards), Billy White (bass, guitar) and J.J. Johnson (drums). Garza has worked with Juliana Hatfield, Blues Traveler and Fiona Apple. Billy White has played with the Heartless Bastards and Craig Finn. J.J. Johnson has played drums for John Mayer.

 

"I've loved every album and recording experience I've had to date for many different reasons", reflects Joanne. "I think what sets "Almost Always Never" apart from my two previous albums is the songwriting process leading up to it. I'm so proud of these songs. All 12 of them combine into one body of work. It’s the perfect and truest example of who I am as an artist to date".

 

"I've made an album where I'm starting to hold my own on the guitar. I spent a lot of time leading up to these recordings going back and exploring old influences as well as embracing some new things. I had the opportunity to write the songs I've always wanted to write with an all-star cast to support and nurture them but also to push me and this album to places I would not have been capable of reaching without them.

 

"The UK is where I feel the most pressure to perform at my best because the audience is so close to my heart. I can't wait to perform the new album in the UK.  Although I've toured there for 13 years, with this new album of songs, I feel it will be as if it will be first time they actually see me live".