SLCene Suggests: Maria Taylor at The Urban Lounge

MARIA TAYLOR, THE URBAN LOUNGE, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 9 p.m., $13

Like many fans, I first came across Maria Taylor’s music via her band Azure Ray, and her participation in a number of Saddle Creek bands like Bright Eyes and Now It’s Overhead. Her new album, Something About Knowing, is her fourth solo set of well-crafted folk-rock, and her voice remains an incredible draw to my ears, an undeniable instrument only enhanced by the full-bodied production on the new songs that includes some gospel-y organ riffing and stellar guitar work. She ups the energy considerably on songs like “Tunnel Vision,” but the real drawing card is her mesmerizing way with acoustic-based, otherworldly sounds paired with her emotional lyrics. PJ Bond and Libbie Linton join Taylor for what is sure to be a stellar night of thoughtful songcraft.