Shawn Taylor's Wandering Roots Series returns to McLaughlin Vineyards on Sunday June 3.
A Series of Rustic Original Acoustic Roots, Americana & Blues Music
On Sunday June 3rd, Shawn Taylor and Chris D’Amato bring Taylor’s Wandering Roots music to McLaughlin Vineyards for the fourth straight year, with a whole lot of finger picking, National Steel slide guitar, harmonica, gritty vocals and songs about ‘real’ people. The show will run from 1 to 4:00 p.m. and is the first of three different Wandering Roots shows planned for the summer. One should call McLaughlin’s for reservations and pricing. (203) 426-1533
The show is under a tent overlooking the vines, rain or shine.
“Taylor dives directly into folk/blues with heart and soul, telling stories of real people with real hardships, all backed by a finger-picking style that can be crass, gentle, fast or simple, what ever the moment calls for, and led all the time confidently with his gruff and raspy blues voice. He’s found originality within his genre. A tough thing to do,” wrote Tom Bianchi of the Boston Backstage Beat. Dan Barry of the Advocate described Taylor’s voice as, “worn but not frayed, a smoky tenor that exudes confidence and authority.” James Velvet of the Advocate wrote that Taylor’s lyrics, “have a gritty naturalism that’s uncommon around here,” while his voice is, “wonderfully damaged.”
“Wandering Roots” was the name of Taylor’s ’08 debut release. It’s also the name of the loose collective of musicians that make up the Wandering Roots ‘band.’ Taylor also has wandering roots himself. Not only has he been travelling from Boston to Nashville in support of his latest CD “FREE”, but he’s also a seasoned backpacker and ‘thru’-hiker, having end to ended the Appalachian Trail, Long Trail and John Muir Trail.
“The idea of wandering roots music is that it draws its roots from all over the world. It’s melting pot music and I want this series to reflect that,” says Taylor. That’s why he added the Levin’s ‘world music ensemble’ from NY, and Boston based blues/folk/singsongwriter Danielle Miraglia to the later shows in the series. D’Amato will also play a larger lead role in this year’s shows, bringing some of his originals to the table for the first time on June 3rd.
D’Amato has performed or shared bills with several great blues musicians, including Albert Collins, Pinetop Perkins, Jaimo, Eddie Shaw, Big Time Sarah, Buddy Guy, Roomful of Blues, Ronnie Earl, Derek Trucks, Johnny Winter, Edgar Winter, John Mayall, Government Mule, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, and the Marshall Tucker Band.
July 15th , Wandeirng Roots duo Taylor and Jim Mckeeman will be joined by CT Folk Festival Songwriting Competition winners and husband and wife duo the Levin’s. The Hudson valley based Levin’s are “Dedicated to making the world a happier place through music,” as their website declares. www.thelevinsmusic.com
On Aug 26th, Taylor and D’Amato return in a triple bill with Boston folk/blues/singer/songwriter Danielle Miraglia. Miraglia has shared the stage with Joan Osborne and Chris Smither among others, and has been a featured act at the North East Regional Folk Alliance Conference, and received high honors at festivals including Falcon Ridge and Telluride. www.Dmiraglia.com
Call McLaughlin’s ahead for pricing and reservations. McLaughlin Vineyard is at 14 Albert’s Hill Rd. Newtown, CT. the number is (203) 426-1533.
Shawn Taylor
(203) 257-5025 cell
(203) 924-8193 home gip_seas@sbcglobal.net
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