Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain
Blues performer and singer-songwriter Charlotte Taylor fronts this dynamic original blues band from Little Rock, Arkansas.
Performing since an early age, Taylor sings a wide range of styles including blues, soul, jazz, rock and country. Singing on stage since age 16, Charlotte is a singer's singer, and was influenced by all the great female vocalists like, Billie Holliday, Aretha Franklin, and Janis Joplin, but also the blues rock band frontmen, Robert Plant and Stephen Tyler. Getting hooked deeply on the blues, Charlotte formed the blues band "Project Blue" in 1995 which opened for Blue Oyster Cult and Nazareth at the Arkansas Jam before landing a recording contract in Memphis with the famed Hi Records. Recording her first CD entitled "Taylor and Martinez" with George Martinez on guitar, "Taylor and Martinez" were the first new act on Hi Records in 25 years. The CD features 10 original songs written by the duo. Taylor's vocal style and performance have been compared to Ann Wilson of Heart, blues legend Etta James, and even pop blues singer Maria Maldaur. A songwriter at heart, Charlotte enjoys writing and performing her own songs, and also works as an acoustic duo with Matthew Stone on guitar and performs locally at the V-lounge at the Lulav in Little Rock.
After several changes in the line-up of Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain, the band has continued to perform on a regular basis.
CTGR have had many great shows since their beginning in 2003, playing the Arkansas Blues and Heritage Festival (King Biscuit Blues Festival) several times, Blues Eureka, The Spa City Bluesfest and the Riverwalk Blues Fest in Ft. Lauderdale. In clubs in Memphis on Beale St. like B.B. King's, The Rum Boogie, and Blues Hall and in Little Rock at Juanita's, Sticky Fingerz, Cajun's Wharf and more.
CT&GR have opened for blues legends Guitar Shorty, The Holmes Brothers, Buckwheat Zydeco, Malford Milligan, John Lee Hooker Jr., Duwayne Burnside, and Arkansas great, Michael Burks.
With a show that includes tunes that range from hardcore blues and rock, to sweet jazzy numbers, and some singer-songwriter americana styles, to some jam band vibe dance songs, Charlotte Taylor and Gypsy Rain promise an intense and real good time!
Gypsy Rain features great players such as skillfull and hard-hitting drummer John Roach. A 30+ year veteran of the Arkansas music scene. "John has real soul" says Taylor, "and great dynamics", "He plays with a lot of feeling, totally getting into the groove". John's influences include John Bonham and Buddy Rich.
On lead and Rhythm guitar is a young man from Ohio by way of Nashville named Matthew Stone.
Way beyond his years in ability, Matthew is an awesome musician with talents in all genres including blues, soul and jazz. Matt plays with a lot of passion combined with knowledge that is great to see and hear. Whether playing his Gibson 335, a Telecaster, or somtimes a lap steel, mandolin or banjo, Matthew Stone is always burning it up on a stringed instrument.
Also playing guitar is Phil Link. Self-taught and inspired by such guitar legends as Jimi Hendrix and Carlos Santana, he began playing In Little Rock, AR during the early 70's with classic rock bands and then the hotel circuits Playing a variety of styles including rock, country, funk, and jazz. He then went on the road with a Florida based southern rock show band followed by moving to Baton Rouge, Louisiana only to be influenced even more by the delta blues and the cajun scene.
Returning to Little Rock, he performed top 40 and disco music where he was the guitarist for Jennifer Flowers and Linda Bailey.
With over 30 years of performing, Phil Link has developed his own tasteful style that is enjoyed by all who hears him play.
David Jones is the latest add to the group holding down the bass postion. David is a solid player with great chops, and a pro attitude. Originally from New York coming to Arkansas by way of L.A., David adds just the right stuff to CTGR.
Instrumentation
Charlotte Taylor vocals
Matt Stone guitar
Phil Link guitar
David Jones bass
John Roach drums
Discography
Taylor and Martinez Hi Records
Released May 2000
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