According to the Yuchi Indian Tribe there is a powerful legend of the Tanasi River or “Singing River” in Tennessee. Inside the waterway lives a woman who sings songs to protect those who hear her. Inspired by this mythical folklore, Dione Taylor took an insightful road trip to Nashville Tennessee and found inspiration for her vivid new album, Spirits In The Water(September 11, 2020). This musical odyssey explores the deep sacred, healing journey back to the self.
“Legendary stories and family history travel through us, flow into the waters and down the bloodline,” explains the Regina, Saskatchewan born singer who first made a name for herself as one of this country’s most talented singer/songwriters. Continuing on with her unmistakable ‘Prairie Blues’ sound, Dione’s music is a mixture of Roots, Blues and Americana. She brings us on an intriguing and magical, thematic journey through song with stories of Mystical Truths, Race Inequality, Women’s Rights, Heartbreak, Injustice, Freedom and Perseverance. Dione’s sharply honed songwriting chops shine through on original songs featuring both intellectual depth and emotional eloquence. This diversity of tones and tempos on Spirits In The Water ensures that the listener’s attention never wavers through the album.
A key creative collaborator on Spirits In The Water is Joel Schwartz (Birds Of Chicago) who produced and co-wrote much of the album with Taylor, and made potent instrumental contributions on guitar and banjo. Dione’s long-time creative collaborator Sandy Mamane also produced and co-wrote two songs with Taylor for the album. Other noted songwriters contributing in that role here are James Bryan(Philosopher Kings, Prozzak), Sean Pinchin, and Liz Tansey.
Music has always been an important and integral part of Dione Taylor’s life. A pastor’s daughter, 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 Church (Apostolic) in Regina, Saskatchewan.
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 at festivals and concert theatres 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 this country’s most talented musicians and songstresses.
“Dione Taylor’s ‘Spirits In the Water’ is a nice combination of deep roots, great playing and tasteful production. Her meaningful songs are soulfully delivered by a truly great singer.” – Holger Petersen (Stony Plain Records, CBC, CKUA)
