THE cliche “plays like a girl” is something young blues star Joanne Shaw Taylor has been attempting to redefine.

When the firey guitarist and sultry singer makes her way to the New Crawdaddy Blues Club tomorrow night, she’s hoping to lay that view to rest altogether.

The musician will be bringing her soulful mix of roots and rock to the club, at the Belvedere, in Hardings Elms Road, Billericay.

Born and raised amidst the coal mines of Britain’s Black Country, Joanne picked up a guitar and got turned on to the blues as a teenager.

Her first big break came when she toured with the Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart, Prince’s saxophonist Candy Dulpher and Jimmy Cliff, of the supergroup DUP.

Since then, Joanne has appeared at top London clubs Ronnie Scotts and the Marquee, and several European festivals, playing alongside many of her heroes like BB King. Dave Stewart, who discovered Joanne when he saw her performing at the tender age of 16, said she played blues guitar so deep and passionately it made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.

Her debut album White Sugar was produced by Grammy award-winner Jim Gaines, who has worked with stars such as Carlos Santana and Stevie Ray Vaughan. It will be available on the night.

Tickets are £7 and support comes from resident band the Heaters.

Doors open at 8.15pm. For more information, call 01702 347007.