“Giving It Away” – Claire Anne Taylor

Claire Anne Taylor may just be the greatest singer you haven’t heard of yet. I know that sounds like an incredibly bold claim, but press play on her latest album Giving it Away and see if you don’t agree with me.

I’ve had this album on repeat since its release on Friday, and I think I love it a little more each time. It’s such a strong collection of songs. Each one is well-crafted, skillfully written with turns of phrase that speak to the heart and bring you to your knees. They come from such an honest place. You can hear the connection between Claire Anne and her musicians. This isn’t music made to sell records or promote a brand. It’s authentic, organic, raw, and real. And then there’s Claire Anne’s voice, like cigarettes and whiskey, so textured and compelling, full of soul and passion.

Giving it Away is an album that explores love, loss, grief, and acceptance. Writing and recording this material became a kind of therapy for Claire Anne as she struggled to process her 14-month-old son’s recent diagnosis of Angelman Syndrome. Others might retreat after such a blow, but not Claire Anne. This album bears the scars of that tumultuous period, but also her warrior spirit.

Giving it Away doesn’t shy away from the darkness. Tracks like “Lay You Down In the Cold Hard Ground” and “Giving It Away” are heart-breaking. But they’re balanced so well with lighter fare like “Dance With Death” and “Keep on Truckin’.” This album takes you on a journey through the entire human experience, and it’s beautiful.

I haven’t heard an album like this, or a voice like Claire Anne Taylor’s, in such a long time. It’s special. Take a listen, and if she’s anywhere near you, make sure you get out and see her play. Something tells me she might be even more amazing live.

22 February 2024 – Shotkickers, Naarm/Melbourne
23 February 2024 – Palais-Hepburn, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Hepburn Springs
24 February 2024 – Archies Creek Tavern, Gunai Country/Archies Creek
25 February 2024 – Sedgwick Hall, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Sedgwick
28 February 2024 – The Ellington, Boorloo/Perth
29 February 2024 – The Buffalo Club, Walyalup/Fremantle
1-4 March 2024 – Nannup Music Festival, Noongar Country/Nannup
16 March 2024 – Sandy Point Community Centre, Gunaikurnai Country/Sandy Point
17 March 2024 – The Old Gaol, Baarmutha/Beechworth
22 March 2024 – Tomerong Hall, Yuin Country/Tomerong
23 March 2024 – Frank’s Wild Years, Dthirrawell/Thirroul
24 March 2024 – Petersham Bowls Club, Eora/Sydney
30 March – 1 April 2024 – National Folk Festival, Ngambri/Canberra
18 April 2024 – Upper Lansdowne Hotel, Upper Lansdowne
20 April 2024 – Lowanna Community Hall, Burgong/Lowanna
26-28 April 2024 – The Gum Ball Festival, Wonnarua Country/Belford
3 May 2024 – Jetty Theatre, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour
4 May 2024 – Brunswick Picture House, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country/Brunswick
5 May 2024 – Dust Temple, Yugambeh Country/Currumbin
10 May 2024 – The Citadel, Kalibai Country/Murwillumbah
11 May 2024 – It’s Still a Secret, Meeanjin/Brisbane
12 May 2024 – The Majestic Theatre, Karura/Pomona

Images used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity

Claire Anne Taylor Floors Me With “Lay You Down in the Cold Hard Ground”

Claire Anne Taylor has one of those female voices that you just don’t hear in 2024. It’s raw, earthy, weathered. Richly textured, hinting at a life that’s been lived. Above all, it’s utterly unforgettable. The press release describes it as “the voice of Tasmania.” If that’s the case, I’ve got to listen to more of the women making music in Tassie. Take a listen to her latest song “Lay You Down in the Cold Hard Ground” and you’ll hear exactly what I mean.

This song comes from Claire’s album Giving It Away, set for release on February 16. “This album is a deeply personal one for me, and comes from a huge time in my life; following my son’s diagnosis with Angelman Syndrome. I guess you could say I took all my grief and anger and put it into my music and this has been my therapy and an escape of sorts.”

Claire will give music lovers plenty of opportunities to see her play in the coming months. Make sure you catch her when she’s in your hometown.

27 January 2024 – Theatre Royal, Nipaluna/Hobart
15 February 2024 – Grace Emily Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide
16 February 2024 – Three Brothers Arms, Kangowirranilla/Macclesfield
17 February 2024 – Allendale East Hall, Boandik Country/Allendale East
18 February 2024 – The Dart & Marlin, Gunditjmara Country/Warrnambool
22 February 2024 – Shotkickers, Naarm/Melbourne
23 February 2024 – Palais-Hepburn, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Hepburn Springs
24 February 2024 – Archies Creek Tavern, Gunai Country/Archies Creek
25 February 2024 – Sedgwick Hall, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Sedgwick
28 February 2024 – The Ellington, Boorloo/Perth
29 February 2024 – The Buffalo Club, Walyalup/Fremantle
1-4 March 2024 – Nannup Music Festival, Noongar Country/Nannup
16 March 2024 – Sandy Point Community Centre, Gunaikurnai Country/Sandy Point
17 March 2024 – The Old Gaol, Baarmutha/Beechworth
22 March 2024 – Tomerong Hall, Yuin Country/Tomerong
23 March 2024 – Frank’s Wild Years, Dthirrawell/Thirroul
24 March 2024 – Petersham Bowls Club, Eora/Sydney
30 March – 1 April 2024 – National Folk Festival, Ngambri/Canberra
18 April 2024 – Upper Lansdowne Hotel, Upper Lansdowne
20 April 2024 – Lowanna Community Hall, Burgong/Lowanna
26-28 April 2024 – The Gum Ball Festival, Wonnarua Country/Belford
3 May 2024 – Jetty Theatre, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour
4 May 2024 – Brunswick Picture House, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country/Brunswick
5 May 2024 – Dust Temple, Yugambeh Country/Currumbin
10 May 2024 – The Citadel, Kalibai Country/Murwillumbah
11 May 2024 – It’s Still a Secret, Meeanjin/Brisbane
12 May 2024 – The Majestic Theatre, Karura/Pomona

Image used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity