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Kicking off the night’s proceedings were ‘A Different Thread’ who are made up of Robert Jackson from Lichfield and Alicia Best who originally hails from Durham, North Carolina and who first met whilst busking over on the west coast of Ireland back in 2016. Deciding to join forces their combined sound embraces a mix of English and American folk music, sharing a similar musical territory to that of Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. Tonight’s set list is made up of songs from their debut album ‘On A Whim’ that came out in 2018, and ‘Call Of The Road’, which was released earlier this month. Jackson plays guitar and harmonica, whilst Best is in charge of percussion, both sharing lead vocals and together delivering some delightful harmonies. To help flesh the sound out on the night the duo were joined by Birmingham’s very own Mike Seal on double bass and the trio very quickly had the audience on side with selections from the new album such as ‘Didn’t Wanna Go’, and the title track proving most popular. Another highlight was a stunning version of ‘Potter’s Field’ which originally appeared on the debut album and was also warmly received from the appreciative crowd, suggesting a return visit by the trio in the not too distant future would be most welcome.

2023 will see the first ever Sean Taylor Band album release, a live album, featuring multi-instrumentalist Mike Seal on double bass and the Thompson Twins percussionist Paulina Szczepaniak. 

This album almost never happened, unbeknown to Sean the sound engineer at one of his band gigs in 2022 recorded the whole concert, afterwards and once Sean heard the recording, it sounded so good that it would be perfect as an album to showcase the new band format. 

Ten songs are written by Sean with two unique covers of Richie Havens Woodstock classic Freedom and a psychedelic version of the musical football anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone. Sean’s soulful vocals are centre stage as he effortlessly moves between guitar, piano and harmonica. This album captures Sean and the band at their best, in front of an appreciative audience. 

Sean Taylor is an international touring troubadour. His songs are best described as roots ; influenced by blues, Americana, jazz, spoken word and folk music. As well as prolific songwriter he is a multi-instrumentalist; a singer, guitarist, pianist, and harmonica player. 

He plays 100

Sean Taylor is one of the most exciting and prolific troubadours on the global roots and blues stages, his original music fusing blues, Americana, folk, roots, spoken word and social commentary. His distinctive sound has been described as “a late-night cocktail of Tom Waits, with the voice of Van Morrison and a guitar style of John Martyn.” He is currently touring with his band, multi-instrumentalist Mike Seal on double bass and percussionist Paulina Szczepaniak. 

While Sean has recorded multiple solo albums, this is the first Sean Taylor Band release. And it almost never happened. Sean was not aware that the sound engineer at one of last year’s band gigs had recorded the whole concert. As soon as Sean heard the recording he knew that it would be the perfect platform to showcase his new band format.  Sean plays some fine wailing harmonica interludes in the opening song, “Number 49,” which delves deep into the blues with its theme of addiction and funky beat courtesy of Paulina’s impressive percussive work. Above everything else, Sean is a political activist, peace and justice campaigner so the inclusion of “This Is England” in the set list is no surprise. His increasing anger and frustration are evident in the spoken words, both the message and the vibe enhanced by the mesmeric drum backing. Sean’s central messages of Life goes on, Be strong and Fight On are emphasized in “Life Goes On” from his seminal Flood And Burn album. The intricate guitar picking, strong bass lines and cymbals make this a classic live version. 

“Texas Boogie” is an outright blues and rock and roll jam born out of Sean’s love of Austin, Texas in which he pays tribute to all time greats from that city. The trio really gets the joint rocking on this one, the audience joining in and clearly enjoying the show. The intriguing mantra of the words in “Hold On” creates a calming effect, the chorus being relevant in today’s world as we all seek to hold on in these difficult times, whatever happens. The song is another rhythmical, percussive showpiece. The Spanish poet Lorca inspired “Perfect Candlelight” with its beautifully sung chorus adds drama and mystery. A new psychedelic sounding version of the football anthem “You’ll Never Walk Alone” is a masterpiece when performed solo but benefits from the dimension added by Paulina and Mike which takes it to a new level. The sound engineer, Mike Mellor must also take credit for this aural extravaganza. 

With its laidback beat to Sean’s expressive vocals and fluent keys, “The Beat Goes On” breezes along effortlessly, assisted by Paulina metronomic timing and Mike’s nimble double bass in this jazz-infused composition. Atmospheric cymbals provide the perfect background to the beautifully crafted, poetic lyrics of “The Heart Of The Ocean,” a love song for the eternal beauty of the sea. It starts with graceful filigree piano keys and ends with an epic climax where sea and sky are one. 

The lyrics of “So Fine” are reminiscent of Paul Simon at the peak of his creativity, and the song is one of Taylor’s best compositions. With Paulina enhancing the mood through her magical percussion sounds alongside Sean’s sensational guitar work, the song reaches a new height as layers and patterns are created to reach a dramatic crescendo. 

It is hard to believe that nearly six years have passed since fire engulfed a residential tower block in London killing 72 people making it one of the UK’s worst modern disasters. Sean dedicates “Grenfell” to the families and friends of those who perished as justice is sought on their behalf. Taylor is forthright in his criticism as he exposes the harsh reality of “Cladded towers for wealthy eyes, Follow the money find the lies, Entomb neglect beneath the sky.” 

Whilst Sean has a mellifluous voice, at times almost a whisper, he also possesses an incredible range when required such as the anguish and heartache expressed during Richie Havens’ “Freedom.” This show-stopping finale brings the Woodstock energy into what is an eclectic set of Sean’s back catalogue at its best, enhanced by the three outstanding musicians. 

Sean Taylor is a force that transcends genres, his lyricism reflecting remarkable empathy, intelligence, and observational skills. Above all, Taylor challenges the establishment and makes listeners take notice of, and take a stance on, important contemporary social and political issues. He is also a highly entertaining performer and a talented singer and multi-instrumentalist. Forming the Sean Taylor Band by adding two more innovative and accomplished musicians to the mix is another clever move forward in his illustrious career.