Singer and songwriter Taylor Iman Jones made her solo debut this March at 54 Below and what a debut it was! With original songs, a dynamic band and a couple of special guests, Jones is a hit!
She introduces her set by saying she will present songs she has written which represent the various incantations of heartbreak. Her song roster is tightly composed and beautifully executed by herself and her skillful team. Her band is comprised of Elijah Caldwell on piano, Jesse-Ray Leich on drums, Lee Daniele Moretti on guitar and Skyler Volpe on bass. Her special guest vocalists, Isaiah Tyrell Boyd and Keirsten Hodgens, showed their vocal chops as they sang with Jones. They were in synch with one another and clearly showed they were having a great time.
One of the songs that really stood out was "Shots Fired," written after the death of Breonna Taylor. This song is melodic and stays in your ear long after the show. A piece that bravely captures the pain of this tragic event but also gives hope. Jones's masterful writing shines through, as does her soulful voice.
Part of Jones's charm is her joy and optimism. She mentions in the show that one "can do anything and should try everything." Offering seeds of hope and expanding aspirations. She graciously thanks the audience at the end of the show. It is her birthday celebration, yet the audience is the one that has just received a glorious gift.
"Taylor Iman Jones"
Performed by Taylor Iman Jones
Directed by Henry Gottfried
Produced by Shannon Molly Flynn
March 6-7, 2023
54 Below
254 W 54th St. Cellar, NYC 10019
Yani Perez, M.F.A, is a poet, playwright, translator, and educator. Her plays have been presented in various theaters in the United States such as La Mama and Yale University as well as internationally in Bogotá, Colombia. She works at IATI Theater, one of the oldest Latinx theaters in NYC. She is currently working on translations of Latinx artists in hopes of introducing them to English-speaking audiences.