For Your Consideration

...

Pared down folk to revved up roots-rock... She had just gotten the right to vote. She was only moments out of high school. Yet songbird Taylor Mitchell's vocal style and consummate songwriting craft belied her vernal years. Indeed, her songs told the tales of a seeker, a sojourner with a sage wisdom atypical of most, let alone one of such tender years. Praised by such Canadian luminaries as Lynn Miles, Justin Rutledge, Michael Johnston and Suzie Vinnick, Taylor recently launched her debut CD, 'For Your Consideration', at Toronto's venerable Hugh's Room. 'For Your Consideration' showcases a range of styles from folk, country-rock to pop, and features an all-star cast of musicians including Miles, Vinnick and Rutledge, as well as John Dinsmore (Kathleen Edwards), Anne Lindsay (Jim Cuddy Band), Jason Mercer (Ani DiFranco, Ron Sexsmith), and Noel Webb (Skydiggers). It was produced by none other than Michael Johnston. Recorded over 5 days in an organic, live-off-the-floor fashion by Chris Stringer (Rush), 'For Your Consideration' offers 10 songs showcasing the diversity and breadth of Taylor's talent, including a haunting duet with Miles on Diamond and Rust by Joan Baez, and a Crazy-Horse style take on Gordon Lightfoot's Love and Maple Syrup. A graduate of the prestigious Etobicoke School of the Arts with a major in musical theatre, Taylor had a fateful meeting with Maple Blues award-winning artist Suzie Vinnick in 2006. The two forged an instant connection, and went on to co-write two songs that appear on the disc (Trick of the Light, Secluded Roads). In 2007, Taylor was invited to participate in the Youth Mentoring Program at the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals Conference, where she was mentored one-on-one with Juno award winner Lynn Miles. Miles was so impressed by the young singer-songwriter that the two went on to write a song (Ride Into The Sunset) that also appears on the CD. A year later, Taylor was the Canadian youth finalist in the International Mountain Stage Newsong Contest and invited to perform at the Finals held at the 2008 Ottawa Folk Festival. She was just nominated by the Canadian Folk Music Awards for Young Performer of the Year. These achievements alongside her debut at one of the country's premier music clubs marked an auspicious beginning. Indeed, the sky was the limit for this songbird. May her songs, dreams and unbridled heart forever be her legacy.' August 27, 1990 -- October 27, 2009.