If awards were given out for smoldering sensuality in the music of female singer/songwriters, Louise Taylor would have a mantle full. The narratives on Taylor's new album Velvet Town are rich with the emotional intensity of full-grown womanhood - and Taylor delivers them with all of the keen insight, worldly wisdom and survivor's pride that richness implies.
Combining poetic sophistication with a husky, powerful voice that thrives on bluesy nuance, a deft mastery of the acoustic guitar and an enigmatically commanding presence, Taylor's recorded performances are gems of sophistication and soul. Fans of Patty Griffin, Cassandra Wilson and Norah Jones should hear Velvet Town. It's Louise Taylor's best album to date.
