The historic setting of Cadogan Hall in Chelsea with superb acoustics, was a suitably stylish setting as British Blues phenom guitarist Joanne Shaw Taylor completed her five-date UK concert tour. Indeed, the seating was comfortable and the stage view great, as the London duo of Issy Ferris and Archie Sylvester opened, providing melodic support on a short set, combining elements of Country, Folk, Blues with Rock. With his own percussion combo to mark the beat, guitarist Sylvester also played the Rock chords and riffs that were duly complemented by Ferris’ sweet vocals. Their commentary was engaging, including how they met at a gig, married and had a son Lucky. Their charming set featured 'Dark Side', 'Better in Yellow', 'Mother', 'Fishing Song', 'Flying Visit' and finally, the very apt 'London Blues', of which being a Londoner, I of course loved. A great start to proceedings, Ferris & Sylvester are a talented duo with an engaging musical offering.

To be honest, I’d wanted to see Joanne Shaw Taylor perform for a while now, as did the excited audience from Germany, Chester, the South East, and beyond, seated behind me! Hailing from the UK's Black Country, Wednesbury to be precise, JST is an accomplished, class Blues artist. This exceptional talent now resides in Nashville, next door to her friend Joe Bonamassa, of whom she has shared, that the musical influences of this legendary American Blues Rock guitarist, singer and songwriter, has been manifest. Indeed, Joe is a perfectionist and so too is Joanne, having declared that this was all she has ever wanted to do since she was 13.!

Tonight, the hours of practice and dedication to hone Shaw Taylor’s superb guitar craft were so evident throughout her 100 minute set. An amazing vocalist as well, the dexterity and expressiveness of both her delicate and complex finger fretwork seemed transposed at times on her ‘66 Esquire Fender Telecaster as well as her Gibson, which was a delight to watch. Like listening to a modern Blues Rock concerto, her vocals were also rasping and deep throated at times.

Visually, Shaw Taylor's look was very interesting. Fashion wise, she duly rocked out with her long flowing blonde hair, dressed in US Americana style denim. featuring an edgy silver lightening rod running down her right leg, reminiscent of Bowie’s face on 'Aladdin Sane'! Although Joanne’s inherent femininity cannot be ignored. Neither can her technical guitar mastery, that cuts across the genders and is purely based on merit and skill.

Indeed, her beautiful visual appearance was more than matched by the beauty of JST's sound during her long set. Whilst playing, Shaw Taylor seemed to be in prolonged ecstasy, which was mesmerising in itself. She so enjoys performing, which is understandable given her superb band members, such as trading licks with solid and competent guitarist Shane Sanders, as well as musical wizard Ty Bailie on keys, Katelynn Corll‘s strong pounding drums, which I loved, while not forgetting Chris Alexander who provided the skilled bass craft with relaxed insouciance.

Her outstanding set opened with Fleetwood Mac's 'Stop Messing' Round', as well as other highlights that included The Fabulous Thunderbirds' 'Two Time My Lovin', 'Dyin' to Know' and the enchanting 'Wicked Soul'. 'Wanna Be My Lover' was up tempo and up there for me, while I adored Shaw Taylor’s extended guitar solo and Rock take on George Gershwin's classic 'Summertime'. Johnny Mathis' 'Wild Is The Wind', 'Black Magic' and 'Watch 'em Burn' were all other set highlights for me, and I so enjoyed her encore, 'Change of Heart'.

Joanne Shaw Taylor you were and are fabulous, which was well and truly reinforced by your deserved standing ovation from the audience. Indeed, returning to your second song of the evening, we all had a 'Hell of a Good Time'! Thanks also for the plectrum too!

Review, Photos & Video: Denise Lester