The Regina Jazz Society Presents Dione Taylor And The Backsliderz
When
- April 27, 2017 - Doors at: 7:15pm / Showtime: 8:00pm
Date: April 27, 2017 8pm
Venue: Casino Regina Show Lounge
Doors Open: 7:15pm
Ticket Prices
Main Floor: $33 including tax
Balcony: $30 including tax
The prairie sky, expansive and wide, covers a great deal of North American real estate. And of all the emotions contained therein, it’s the prairie blues, a rural feeling that sings louder than all others on Dione Taylor’s new EP Born Free.
Music has always been an important and integral part of Dione Taylor’s life. A pastor’s daughter from Saskatchewan, she was born and raised in a family she describes as “really connected to the gift of song. My whole family sings and plays instruments in church,” praises Ms. Taylor, who began playing the organ at age four and by ten was the music director and organist at The Shiloh Assembly Apostolic Church in Regina.
Born Free is a powerful, soulful and spiritual album, taking an honest look at some difficult but necessary conversations. It’s an album that “is dedicated to Pastor’s Kids who deal with the very high standards and expectations placed upon their shoulders by their families and community to live perfectly within an imperfect world,” explains Taylor. Coming full circle, Dione finds herself reconnecting with her childhood. “The sounds and music of my youth are all present on Born Free. From the gospel music and blues at church to the southern country gospel at home on the record player, it’s all in there!”
Born Free was chosen as one of the Top Ten/Best Albums of 2016 by Folk Roots Radio and CFUV’s Blues in the Morning. The album has been praised by reviewers as “combining the musical elements of earthy blues & roots with soulful gospel.
Having first burst onto the music scene with her Juno nominated debut album "Open Your Eyes", Taylor’s career trajectory has been truly remarkable. With performances across the United States, Canada and Asia for audiences that have included the President of the United States and Queen Elizabeth II, Taylor has made a worthy name for herself as one of Canada’s most talented musicians and singers. Dione was nominated for a Gemini Award for her rendition of Oscar Peterson’s “Hymn to Freedom,” which she performed alongside Oliver Jones at the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala. She is also the recipient of the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award Mentorship Program.
In the summer of 2016, Dione and her band, The Backsliderz performed at festivals and concerts across Canada to enthusiastic audiences. Dione was selected to showcase at The Folk Music Ontario conference, The Ontario CONTACT conference, The Women’s Blues Revue at Massey Hall and The Blues Summit Eight. She has also been chosen to perform at an Official Showcase at The Folk Alliance International this February in Kansas City.
"Dione reaches for an extra helping of soul and blues to her mix on "Born Free", with stunning results"
~ Danny Marks, Host /Producer Bluz.FM on Jazz FM91
“Day 6 kicked off with a soulful, high-energy set from Dione Taylor and The Backsliderz. … she is sounding fantastic – her instrument is rich and full and she sounded right at home singing a mix of blues, soul and gospel.”
~Josh Grossman, Artistic Director of the TD Toronto Jazz Festival, June 30, 2016
“Fabulous vocal delivery with some great musical arrangements make this album a joy from beginning to end.”
~ Jan Hall, Folk Roots radio
"This new recording by Dione is earthy, soulful and the songs are great. A fine funky offering from one of my favourite singers."
~ David Clayton-Thomas, Blood Sweat & Tears
