Live Review: Bee Taylor at Roswell Riverside Sounds, 5/24/25

Texas native and Nashville transplant Bee Taylor is making waves in the New Orleans funk/rock ‘n’ roll/pop genres, with a little Blues infused for good measure. Drawing inspiration from a dynamic array of artists including Dr. John, Professor Longhair, Tom Waits, and Joni Mitchell, her sound is a rich tapestry of styles that she weaves together seamlessly.

Taylor performed a majority of her debut album Twenty Seven, wowing fans with her soulful voice and NOLA leanings, creating a true Georgia Mardi Gras vibe. The evening got rolling with “Twenty Seven,” in which she sings, “Cause you’re the real twenty seven / I hear they all die young,” perhaps a reference to the greats who have left us at the age of 27 (Jim Morrison, Amy Winehouse, Jimi Hendrix, Kurt Cobain).

Backing Taylor is an exceptional band, featuring Chase Graham on guitar and bass, drummer Cody Brooks, Jason Threm on saxophone and clarinet, with Kailey Miller on keys. Together, they create a cohesive and electrifying sound that perfectly complements Taylor’s powerful vocals. The singer expressed, “I always like playing this song when I’m in Georgia,” before launching into the crowd favorite “Peaches.” Afterwards, she shared with the audience, “Some guy once said, ‘I don’t think that song is about dessert,'” to which she replied, “I think you’re right.” On the beautiful “Pictures I Paint,” the singer told the crowd, “This song just came out two weeks ago and you are the first ones to hear it.”

The fun, rip-roaringness of “Hurt Me” underscored the band’s energy and signature sound. Taylor was appreciative of the crowd response to her songs and noted the youngsters running around in the grass, thanking parents for exposing their kids to live music. That’s just good parenting.

As debut albums go, Twenty Seven leaves an unforgettable impression on listeners. Skillfully produced by Duane Lundy (Sturgill Simpson, Jim James, Ringo Starr), the tracks flow as gracefully as Taylor’s fluid onstage movements. She embodies each song’s emotions, compelling the audience to sway along with her energy. Unfortunately, she had no merch to offer the newly baptized due to a holdup at the Canadian border. Could be those damn tariffs are to blame. Roswellians were directed to her website to buy her album and merch, but once there, a big red SOLD OUT sign met potential buyers. Yet another testament to Bee Taylor’s rising popularity.

Following a handful of singles, the singer hit the scene in 2021 with her live concert film Bee Taylor’s Gas Station Takeover. This 32-minute gem showcases her burgeoning talent and newfound passion for playing ‘Nawlins-style piano. In the film, Taylor comments, “It is modern Southern music,” later calling it “Southern Mod.”

Check out Bee Taylor’s tour dates and (hopefully) restocked merch store at her website.