Dirty Truth

I don't usually begin a review by taking a shot at another reviewer, but in this case, I feel I must. Black Coffee, only 3 stars and a one word review? And that one word is "average"? I must assume that you mean average for JST, whose previous recorded work, taken and "averaged", sets a very high standard for any singer/guitarist/songwriter recording today. I say "any" because I include those of any sex/gender. What say you, Black Coffee?This is a studio album with a "live" feel to it. The 1st two tracks, "Mud Honey," and the title track, "The Dirty Truth'" demonstrate just how expert JST is on guitar. Her vocal style is a too many cigarettes and too much whiskey snarl reminiscent of Bonnie Raitt and Janis Joplin, both of whom I have to believe are somewhere in the roots of her vocal style. I know it is easy to say her self-accompanyment on guitar is easy to do in the studio. I therefore submit her previous project CD/DVD, "Songs From The Road," recorded and videoed at a "live" show for your consideration.JST shows a much mellower side on "Tried, Tested and True," demonstrating a much smoother voice and her ease with a ballad. Even her guitar style on this track surprised me, as it is mellow, easy and clean of any "electronic augmentation."Now, I admit I just love it when she gets raw and raunchy, as she does on "Struck Down", "Mud Honey" and "The Dirty Truth."She closes this album with, "Feels Like Home," a beautiful piece in 3/4 (think "Manic Depression") that is, in my opinion, an homage to one of her admitted major guitar influences, the late Jimi Hendrix. Oh to have heard those two jam...In summary, this is another great album by an artist whose values won't let her settle for "average." Highly recommended, along with a strong suggestion that you also pick up at least an audio copy of JST's "Songs From The Road."

As raw as her first album, this offering adds maturity and polish. I can't stop listening to it. Like any first listen, you have initial favorite songs, but with this album, the tracks I didn't favor at first keep growing on me. JST is an amazing talent. I truly believe all she needs is a couple of key appearances - tonight show, etc. - to burst into stardom. Although labeled as a Blues artist, she is so much more. She can rock it out, sing with heartfelt soul, and play leads that give you goosebumps. I'm seeing her live in February, and I can't wait. It's in a pub atmosphere - seats about 200. I have a feeling the next time I see her, It'll be in a much larger venue.

I have been listening to Joanne Shaw Taylor for a couple of years now. I love the way she plays the blues and shreads the guitar.This is a limited edition import. If you like White Sugar which in my opinion by far is her best CD you need to get this. While you are at it get her live DVD. You will not regret this for a second. When Eric clapton had his series of Crossroads concerts he introduced young blues guitarists such as Gary Clark Jr. Orianthi even appeared at one JST is British so I am wondering why EC never invited her. If he had she would be a household name. If you don't know who she is, its time to find out

Joanne is a phenomenal talent. I have seen her live a couple times in the last few years, and her music is developing in range and scope. But even when treating topics near to her heart, she always has a solid floor of tasty guitar licks.Her voice takes a little time to pick up, but overall, a great developing talent!

Truly a superb piece of work. JST is a force to be reckoned with among blues artists anywhere. Her singing is soulful, and her guitar playing is tuneful almost beyond belief. Not a weak song on this record, and several will stick in your head for days. Bravo to JST ! Let's hope she continues to flourish and acquire a larger following.

Saw Joanne Shaw Taylor at a blues fest and wished she could have played more. this is the next best thing

Soulful singing,solid songwriting and the best guitar work on a studio CD by Joanne Shaw Taylor since her debut.

I really love JST's guitar playing!! She's a for real, genuine blues goddess. But her voice!!! It's really maturing and coming into it's own!! It's taken on a smoky, sultry vibe with this album! This is her best album yet!!

Similar to another reviewer on here, as a blues fan I am ashamed to say I had never heard of JST till recently. Fortunately I discovered her work in time to get a ticket for her recent gig in Sheffield. I have 47 years of gig-going behind me and I can honestly rank that show in the top 10 I have ever attended. Well, I started with The Dirty Truth and it's great, but for me it is topped by almost Always Always Never, a superb collection of down home blues playing...and what a voice. She does it for me. I shall now get all her other albums. What a find she is and God love her.

I am a relative newcomer to JST. I went to see her live a few months ago and was hooked straight away by her flawless performance - apart from her guitar strap coming adrift during her opening riff! The Dirty Truth is my personal 'album of the year' and there have been some great contenders from talents like Walter Trout, Joe Bonamassa and Robben Ford. Great vocals and tremendous guitar playing put together with brilliant writing, she has got it all. This is a great blues album and worthy of some formal recognition. A great talent!

Magnificent, yes delivered well on time in perfect condition. Buy this everyone and go to see Joanne in concert almost certainly at a place near you.British blues at it's best and a star is born, voice like Janis Joplin, plays guitar like Joanne Shaw Taylor with a bit of a nod to SRV or Rory and she is gorgeous.

Another belter from the best in the business.This album comes close to pushing Joanne's `Songs from the Road' live album off my all time favourite, so good it is.Top track .....`Mud, Honey' for me but there's a few in the same territory.Lenny Henry thinks Brits cant/haven`t produced good blues performers....where's he looking?

I have been a big fan of JST for several years and particularly like her more bluesy stuff from the first album.This is good record, perhaps her best since White Sugar, with tight production and some excellent guitar work. The title track and first single: Mud Honey, are particular highlights for me. It is a shame that Joanne's diction on vocals isn't always up to the mark and on occasions the lyrics are annoyingly obscured.