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I started a quest to find terrific blues music and incredible musicianship when I was just a little kid. I also have a tremendous appreciation of fine musical instruments and equipment. One of my greatest joys all of my life was sharing my finds with my friends. I'm now publishing my journey. I hope that you come along!


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Showing posts with label Dudley Taft. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dudley Taft. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

Dudley Taft - Guitar Kingdom - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Guitar Kingdom, from Dudley Taft and he picks up where he left off with his blues metal feel and solid construction. Opening with Black and Blues, Taft on vocal and guitar has his own style. His vocals are all rock and his guitar riffs, rooted in the blues have a serious springiness along the path paved by Frank Marino. With Kasey Williams on bass and Alex Dungan on drums this is a solid opener. I like the open rock feel of Oil And Water with a driving bottom and fluid lead guitar by Taft and the support of Andy Smith on keys. Very nice. Get Stoned is a sure fire track with a metal riff and solid melody. Blending the intensity of the likes of Ozzy, lush vocal blending and blues undertones really makes this an interesting track. Wrapping the release is A Quitter Never Wins with it's bluesy ballad structure and metal like vocal styling. This is my favorite track on the release with sophisticated blues guitar phrasing and articulation and solid melody. Strong closer. 


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Monday, March 29, 2021

Blind Racoon Nola Blue Collection Volume 3 - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Volume 3 from Blind Racoon Nola Blue Collection and it's chocked full of tasty tracks. Opening with Time To Forget You, from Willie Bo Walker and Danny Flam, a slow paced blues track with screaming slide and fat horns is always a great start. John Nemeth's contribution, I Can See Your Love Shine, has a cool modified reggae beat with some tasty guitar and harp work with a poppy feel. Clarence Spady's, Surrender is a warm, slow blues with cool, soulful vocals, tight, nicely phrased guitar riffs and crystal clear piano. Laura Tate's I Need A Man, features solid vocals and with punchy horns and snappy drums, and really nice piano work, commands attention. CD Woodbury performs classic, Can't Eat That Stuff No More, with plenty of humor and spunk. Dudley Taft blends blues and rock for The End Of The Blues, with his own stylistic boogie rock and rock guitar styling. Rocker, Memphis Hotline, is Brigitte Purdy's contribution  with plenty of spunk and a driving pace. Acoustic blues, Riverbend Blues is a strong entry with strong vocals and resonator guitar work by Eric Johanson. Mildly funky Red Walls, by Miss Bix, featuring Keeshea Pratt is one of my favorites on the release with real nice vocals and strong blues guitar work. Lisa Mann's It's the Monkeys or Me is a cool blend of country and blues by Lisa Mann. Her vocals are terrific and the guitar work is tight and ripping. Boogie rocker, Pretty Kitty is a strong entry by Paul Boddy & the Slidewinder Blues Band. With it's call and response between lead vocal and guitar and the sailing harmonica, it's hard not to like. Harmonica blues, Blow Fish Blow! is a cool guitar/piano instrumental featuring Elena Keto and Hiroshi Eguchi. Wrapping the release is Skylar Rogers and Back To Memphis. With it's classic bass line and power vocal lead, supported by clean electric guitar riffs, this is a solid closer for NOLA Blue. 


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Wednesday, November 11, 2020

American Blues Artist Group: Dudley Taft - Cosmic Radio - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Cosmic Radio, from Dudley Taft and it's reinforces Taft's reputation as a blues rocker with dark metallic overtones. Opening with title track, Cosmic Radio, Taft and company storm into the grooves with that trademark pounding rhythm and well blended vocals by Taft and Ashley Charme. High energy blues rocker, The Devil mixes traditional blues riffs and more modern metal style figures giving this track a hot rocking sound with Taft's fluid finger work and vocals. Backed by Kasey Williams on solid bass and Walfredo Reyes Jr. on drums this track hums. I like the modified funk bass line on One In A Billion with it's almost stroll tempo. The classic metal overtones in Taft's work always gives it a classic rock sound and the blues undertones gives it a fine complexity. Blues ballad, Relentless, features lead vocal by Taft's daughter, Ashley Charmae, and with it's radio craving melody and nicely crafted lead guitar solo, it's likely to be the top player choice. One of my favorites on the release is lumbering, All For One with it's heavy bottom and fused vocals and jagged, obtuse guitar soloing. A lighter footed approach on I'm A Believer uses vocal dynamics and snappy drum work propelling Taft's soaring guitar lead to real advantage. Wrapping the release is soft ballad, I Will Always Love You with almost the texture of Queen with smooth vocal lead and warm harmonies. Solid closer for a cool release. 


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Monday, September 30, 2019

Dudley Taft - Simple Life - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Simple Life, from Dudley Taft and it's a solid blues rocker with a modern rock edge. Opening with Give Me A Song, a strong radio style track with a catchy melody and a solid beat, Taft's vocals are solid and his guitar lead straight on. Backed by Kasey Williams on bass, and Chris Ellison on drums, a strong opener. With a more aggressive edge, In Your Way has a strong bottom via Walfredo Reyes Jr on drums and Taft's rhythm guitar. His lead work is clean and tight. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Bombs Away with it's bright rock feel and Taft's electrifying guitar lead. Warren Haynes' If Heartaches Were Nickels gives Taft the perfect venue to show his blues chops. With an extended lead guitar solo he grinds deep in the fretboard and soars over the rhythm of John Kessler on bass and Reyes Jr. on drums. Very nice. Wrapping the release is driving rocker, Back To You with Mike Tapogna riding high on drums and Taft harmonizing nicely over his rough and ready guitar style. Solid closer.

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Wednesday, September 27, 2017

American Blues Artists Group artist: Dudley Taft - Summer Rain - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Summer Rain, from Dudley Taft and it's a powerhouse. Opening with Flying On Love, a power blues rocker, Taft is back with a vengeance.
Heavy overtones, distortion soaked guitar riffs, pounding drums and beefy bass is the ticket. Taft on lead vocal and guitar, is backed by Kasey Williams on bass, Jason Patterson on drums and Reese Wynans on organ. Title track, Summer Rain, is a strong rocker with a memorable melody, strong guitar riffs, nicely harmonized vocals and super drumming by Mike Taponga. I particularly like Edge Of Insane with it's simple vocal and guitar pairing and cool hook as well as some of the best vocals on the release. One of my favorites on the release is Live or Die with it's tone saturated guitar riffs and classic Robin Trower like, rock overtones. This is a track that players will dig into. Very cool. Another standout track is Don't Let It Fade with it's lumbering bop groove, warm vocals, smoky guitar riffs and cool organ. Very nice. Come With Me is another track with a lot of oomph. A wall of sound, great guitar lines and a super melody gives this track just the right feel. I Lost My Way has a haunting melody giving it the right foundation for a super guitar fed melodic solo and a cool rock ballad. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Find My Way Back Home, a heavy footed rocker with nicely blended vocals and strong blues rock roots. This is a strong, evenly balanced release and possibly Taft's best effort.


Thursday, July 13, 2017

Guitarist Dudley Taft Unleashes Torrents of Blues-Rock Sounds on New CD, "Summer Rain," Coming September 15 from American Blues Artists Group Label



Guitarist Dudley Taft Unleashes Torrents of Blues-Rock Sounds on New CD, Summer Rain, Coming September 15 from American Blues Artists Group Label

CD Dedicated to America’s Men & Women in the Military 

CINCINNATI, OH – Blues-rock guitar master Dudley Taft announces a September 15 release date for Summer Rain, the newest disc from the Cincinnati-based artist on the American Blues Artist Group label.

Summer Rain is his fifth studio album, consisting of 11 all-original songs, and dedicated to the men and women of the armed forces who accept tours of duty in far-away places, leaving their families behind. A running theme of anguished separation and endless toil run through the album.

“I have the greatest respect for those men and women who serve in the military, especially those who are deployed halfway around the world in the hot spots of sectarian conflicts,” Taft says. “This album pays tribute to these soldiers who sacrifice much of their lives to defend freedom and to support their families. The separation from their loved ones and significant others must weigh heavy on their hearts.”

All of the basic tracks on Summer Rain were recorded in Taft's own studio, which he purchased from the legendary Peter Frampton in 2013. Appearing for the third time with Taft is Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer Reese Wynans, who played keyboards for Stevie Ray Vaughan. “Reese always has the best instincts and manages to take each song up a notch,” Taft comments. “Check out the vibe he creates on the track ‘Live or Die!’ Jason Patterson plays drums on all but two tracks, with Mike Tapogna on the skins for the other two. Newcomer Kasey Williams handles the bass duties, except for three songs played by long-time collaborator John Kessler. My daughter Charmae adds some backing vocals to the title track song.”

A self-confessed guitar gear fanatic, Taft used several of his newly acquired mid-sixties Fender amps on most of the songs, along with the Tonehunter TNT to fill out the sonic palette.

The opening track, “Flying on Love,” is a bit of a departure sonically. “I reached for my fuzz pedal and layered guitars over a couple of killer drum loops and had Jason play on top of those,” he says about the recording session. “The title track, ‘Summer Rain,’ clocks in a little under six minutes, telling the tale of laboring miserably far from home under the hot sun hoping for the rain to wash away the pain and cool things down.”

“Edge of Insane” is a lighter take on a jilted lover, while “Pistols at Ten Paces” has a hint of political commentary, uncharacteristic for Taft.

The final track, “Find My Way Back Home,” winds up the stories on the album, with the protagonist finally returning home after a long separation from his family.

Dudley Taft’s music career began in high school when he founded the band Space Antelope with friend Trey Anastasio (of Phish). He then expanded his creative juices as a guitarist and songwriter with two prominent Seattle bands of the early 1990s, Sweet Water and Second Coming. Both had major label deals and Taft enjoyed success with songs on the radio, in movies and television.

In 2007, Taft started his solo career by playing songs from Freddie King, ZZ Top and Albert Collins, to name a few. His first solo effort, Left for Dead, was released in 2011. Deep Deep Blue followed in 2013, and along with Left for Dead, was released in Europe on the M.i.G. label. Screaming in the Wind debuted in 2014. His last album, Skin and Bones, was released in 2015 and resonated both with blues and rock critics and radio station deejays. It also yielded several widely seen videos, including “Lonesome Memphis Blues,” and a killer take on Johnny Winter’s “Leland Mississippi Blues,” both filmed on location.
Dudley's music can be heard on most every streaming site, Sirius XM Radio and your favorite local blues show. His music has been featured in movies and on television, most notably “The Sixth Sense” and on “That Metal Show,” “Gene Simmons’ Family Jewels” and many more.

Dudley Taft recently returned from an extensive European tour, which included him playing before a crowd of over 10,000 people at a Polish music festival. 

Thursday, September 24, 2015

American Blues Artist Group artist: Dudley Taft - Skin and Bones - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (October 16, 2015), Skin and Bones, from Dudley Taft and it's a hot fusion of blues, country, rock, hip hop, metal, grunge and Dudley Taft! Opening with title track, Skin and Bones, Taft delivers vocals in almost a hip hop style but the guitars say country rock. Taft knows how to get his listeners attention when he grabs the strings and he does it. Lonesome Memphis Blues has a strut pushed along nicely by John Kessler on bass and Jason Patterson on drums. Warming organ work from Reese Wynans and soothing backing vocals from Rachael Williams gives this track balance and an slightly jazz feel but Taft's guitar tone says rock baby! Ain't Nothing Gonna Stop Us Now is a driving rocker with laser like focus. A simple pleasing melody and swift fingered blues guitar riffs make this an ideal radio track with a bleeped "F***off". Johnny Winter's Leland Mississippi Blues, keeps it's straight, Willie Dixon like blues romp. This is every man's blues rocker and Taft firrs it up. Very nice! Easy flowing, One Of These Days, is a total change up gone mellow ballad style. With it's memorizing melody and melodic guitar work, it's certain to cross pollinate the airwaves. Fuzzy Dice has great swagger with a rumbling bass by Kessler. With a clever guitar repetitive guitar riff the track has a contemporary northwest feel with a Frank Marino edge. One of my favorite tracks on the release, Taft lays out some really tight guitar lines to compliment his super vocals. This track breaks into a metal (say Deep Purple) driving rhythm setting a rock solid platform for Taft to really take it home. Very cool! Without You has a square kick in the pants feel with a nice back beat thanks to Patterson. Kessler is no wall flower driving a great bass line on this track and Taft's vocals are really ideal for this kind of blues rock music with hot flashes of guitar. Space Cake has a solid rock bottom and Taft takes command on vocal and guitar. I really like Patterson's work on this track and Taft's slide work adds texture to the track. Metal solidity sets the path for Ain't About The Money, a track that has a heavy overtone with drum, guitar and bass emphasis on the key notes in unity. A well crafted track with an interesting melody line, it should fare well in the rock market. Coming Home is an interesting composition with a a rocking rhythm. Just enough edge to make it sharp but not enough to fall, this track has surprises and a cool hook. Wrapping the release is Mojo Woman with it's southern country rock feel. Williams' vocals are almost Dark Side of the Moon in quality with smooth organ backing and plenty of room for Taft to hits some really slick guitar riffs. This is a nice track to sum up the release.

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Monday, August 3, 2015

Dudley Taft Rips Into You With Skin And Bones





Dudley Taft Rips Into You With Skin And Bones
The Guitarist’s New CD Out October 16, 2015

“… making paint peel from the walls with the heat of his guitar blitzkrieg…”
- Deep Roots

Atlanta GA – American Blues Music Group recording artist Dudley Taft brings his own version of the blues to the table with Skin And Bones, a hair-raising collection of blues, rock and a slice of grunge pie to be served on October 16, 2015. Recorded at Muchmore studio in his home in Cincinnati and Omni Sound in Nashville he and bassist John Kessler co-produced the record.

Skin And Bones came from three sessions with Jason Patterson on drums and John Kessler on bass at Taft’s home studio once owned by legendary rock icon Peter Frampton in Cincinnati, OH. Yes, that guy. Taft bought the house with the intent of utilizing the studio full time.  He didn’t know the support phone number when setting up the room would lead him to Frampton himself. Taking cues from Neil Young and his studio approach of using the first takes, Dudley gives Skin And Bones a raw feel with fresh air weaving in and out of the arrangements. Never mind the blemishes, let the soul of the songs shine through.

As the creeping chord progression starts the CD with the title track, “Skin And Bones”, Dudley sings about Bourbon Street in New Orleans. You can almost feel the hot pavement under your shoes as you walk through the Crescent City. He gives nods to the past musicians, the voodoo, and its patina history.

He grooves and boogies through riffs and melodies all while keeping his shades on

“Fuzzy Dice” is a musical air raid that started out as a riff using the Buzzmaster Fuzz Pedal and then researching the rearview mirror classic to get inspired to write the lyrics. Fuzzy dice were hung in B-17 cockpits showing 7 for good luck as the fighters carried out their missions. The heavy driving guitars and being honest with the subject matter makes this a standout. You can almost feel the plane soar and dive and shoot.

“Coming Home” is a simple yet expressive reflection of what matters in life. As we all know, life pulls us in 25 different directions, and we get lost; sometimes the home front is where we belong. Built off a classic 50’s fingerpicked riff, Dudley uses his bare knuckles to emulate Lightnin’ Hopkins and Hubert Sumlin. Another nod to a guitar hero of Taft’s is the straight forward, “Leland Mississippi Blues” from Johnny Winter. Never mess with a classic. “The descending riff is totally cool and fun to play. It’s one of my favorite songs to perform live,” Dudley states.

“I like blues because it touches on dark and heavy things. I’ve always believed that it’s important to have old and new influences.“ - Dudley told Premier Guitar in 2013

If you listen close, his influences range from Johnny Winter, Elmore James and ZZ Top to Alice Chains’ Jerry Cantrell. A gear head geek at heart he uses all the tools in his shed to create his sound. His relationship with Reese Wynans of the legendary Stevie Ray Vaughan band continues as he supplies the hum with his signature organ sounds. The backing vocals of Rachel Williams and Ashley Christensen add a sweetness to the choruses.

Dudley’s music career began in high school when he founded the band Space Antelope with friend Trey Anastasio (of Phish). In the 1990’s he joined Seattle band Sweet Water, touring the states with Monster Magnet,  Flaming Lips, Candlebox, and Alice in Chains. After recording two albums for Atlantic, he left the band to join Second Coming. More touring followed with an album on Capitol Records and a taste of success thanks to the single “Vintage Eyes” which made it to #10 on the Rock Radio charts.

In his music, you’ll hear Delta roots mingling with Seattle grunge, a southern twang with a high-octane crunch. Dudley’s music is a visual film that comes to life with his dark look and respect to the music itself. He honors the players that came before him and those around him but is always looking down the road into the future.

Dudley will be playing Seattle and Midwest cities throughout the fall in the U.S. and will return to Europe for festivals and club gigs in the summer. Look for that upcoming information on his website www.dudleytaft.com

Follow the Dudley Taft YouTube promo:

Thursday, May 15, 2014

American Blues Artist Group artist: Dudley Taft - Screaming in the Wind - New release review

I just received the newest release (May 20, 2014), Screaming in the Wind, by Dudley Taft and he continues to explore new territory. Opening with Skip James' Hard Time Killing Floor Blues uses a basic blues backdrop and twists of rock and metal to forge his own sound. His subtle yet solid approach on this track baits you in until he springs the rock trap where he and his band of rockers, John Kessler (bass), Jason Patterson (drums), andn Reese Wyans(organ)lay it all out. Freddie King's Pack It Up is a cool rock track with a great beat and almost Steve Miller like vocals, Taft wailing away on his guitar solo's yet keeping the track contained for easy airplay. Tom Hambridge joins on the track playing drums and the Muscle Shoals horn section (Charlie Rose on trombone, Jim Horn on sax and Vinnie Seizeilski on trumpet) adds that over the top sound. Red Line has a lot of southern rock feel with a solid drum/bass bottom and even a Golden Earring kind of rumble with a Billy Gibbons flair with great guitar riffs and a lot of pinched harmonics. Very cool. Title track, Screaming In The Wind has a bit of a swamp feel with a smokey rhythm, crafty organ work and super grindy guitar work. Taft uses the vocals in an interesting way perfectly complimenting the instrumentation. Possibly my favorite track on the release. 3DHD is a really interesting track with a rhythm similar to Foxy Lady, but with a melody which is much more melodic. A taste of Zac Wilde style vocal but with masterfully crafted harmonies and really nice guitar work makes this a definite standout track on the release. I Keep My Eyes On You has a light funk to the step but is way to far over the line toward heavy rock to be considered a funk track. this is an interesting blend of styles leading up to curiously cool guitar work from Taft. Chords and bends and jazz runs blended into a rugged rock sound. An extended guitar solo on this track is a definite bonus. A straight up blues ballad, The Reason Why, could be another strong radio contender. Taft knows how to run the board and isn't shy to show it. I really nice guitar solo on this track followed by an equally cool B3 solo from Wynans makes it a sure crowd grabber. Rise Above It takes a jagged rhythm tightly executed and with well crafted lyrics and melodies for a transitional blues/metal sound. I really like what he's doing here and can definitely see where he's going. Barrio is the most mellow of all tracks on the release in 3/4 time. Backing vocals from Ann and Regina McCrary create a warm feel and Taft keeps the guitar reeled in on this track while still showing his dexterity and tasteful riffs. Sleeping In the Sunlight again has that mix of heavy swagger and creme filling. Screaming guitar riffs played full out but mixed down have a very nice effect to create dynamics on this track. Tears In The Rain has an unusual time signature seemingly cradling the music with well blended vocal harmonies with Hambridge and skillfully played, emotionally packed guitar riffs. Wrapping the track is rocker Say You Will, a blend of tuff and soft. Patterson sets the pace with tight drumming, sided by Kessler on bass but Taft is riding high with his prominent vocal style and well selected guitar explosions. Excellent!

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! ”LIKE”

 

Monday, April 21, 2014

Watch and Learn About Dudley Taft

DUDLEY TAFT SCREAMS ABOUT NEW CD

Screaming In The Wind will be out on 5/20 

Starting on this Tuesday, April 22nd, there will be a teaser of the new songs from Dudley's CD, "Screaming In The Wind", posted twice a week on his social media sites. He will be starting with the last song first all in Taft fashion of course leading up to the release date on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This is where you see how he gets his mojo going to give his music that extra umph. So follow along with the links below! 
DT FANS
DT FANS
DT Twitter
DT Twitter
DT SITE
DT SITE
DT YT
DT YT

Dudley will have a 5 day exclusive video run on the mag's site starting MAY 12 for his song, "Screaming In The Wind". 
Guitar Master Dudley Taft Is Screaming in the Wind on Latest CD, Coming May 20 from American Blues Artist Group

New Album of Blues-Rock Produced by Grammy-Winner Tom Hambridge Features Special Guest Reese Wynans on Keyboards
 
CINCINNATI, OH – Blues-rock guitarist Dudley Taft announces a May 20 release date for his new CD, Screaming in the Wind, on his American Blues Artist Group label. The new album was produced by Grammy-winner Tom Hambridge, best-known for his work with Buddy Guy, Susan Tedeschi, George Thorogood and Johnny Winter, and recorded at The Switchyard and Rendering Plant in Nashville, as well as Taft’s new Muchmore Studio in Cincinnati. The new recording facility is part of the house and property Dudley recently purchased from legendary guitarist Peter Frampton.  

The new CD features a dozen songs, most of which are originals penned by Dudley Taft, including several co-written with Tom Hambridge (who also plays drums on a couple tracks) and Richard Fleming, plus scintillating covers of songs by Skip James (“Hard Time Killing Floor Blues”) and Freddie King (“Pack It Up”).

Screaming in the Wind is my third solo effort and the first album I’ve done produced by someone outside the band. Several songwriting sessions in Nashville with producer Tom Hambridge and songwriter Richard Fleming helped the songs take shape before recording them,” says Taft. “It was refreshing to work with other great songwriters for the first time, and it gives Screaming in the Wind a different flavor.”

Taft’s regular band of John Kessler on bass and Jason Patterson drums is augmented by the addition of former Stevie Ray Vaughan keyboard player Reese Wynans on the sessions. “Reese plays some wicked B3 organ on the CD,” exclaims Taft. “He really shines on a bunch of the songs, elevating them to levels I never imagined. Check out his ripping solo on ‘The Reason Why’.”

Other special guests on Screaming in the Wind include the acclaimed McCrary sisters, who bring their smooth gospel harmonies to the song “Barrio,” while the Muscle Shoals Horn Section shines on “Pack It Up.”

“So far, I have done a Freddie King song on every CD, and this was no exception,” states Taft. “I love the funky vibe and tight arrangement of ‘Pack It Up.’ We poured gasoline on it and lit a match.”

The title track of the album started as a custom instrumental riff Taft did for the “American Blues Scene” website. “They told me it should be a song,” he recalls, “and I think it may have turned out to be one of the strongest on the album. Tom Hambridge and I worked hard to find the key imagery in the lyrics to tell the story.”

Speaking of instrumentals, Dudley Taft really cuts loose on the appropriately named track, “Red Line,” demonstrating why he’s been dubbed one of the hottest guitarists on the planet. Fans of classic ZZ Top riffs will be smiling from ear-to-ear when they hear Taft “spanking the plank” on that one.

“The riff from Skip James’ ‘Hard Time Killing Floor Blues’ got stuck in my head last year,” Taft remembers. “I thought giving it a Led Zeppelin ‘Black Dog kind of interpretation would make it fresh.”

The final song on the CD, “Say You Will,” has what Taft calls “an epilogue, where the gears shift and a David Gilmour influence surfaces, taking the listener off into oblivion. That was such a fun track to record!”

Dudley Taft’s last CD, Deep Deep Blue, released in May, 2013, received universal acclaim from fans and critics alike, including being named on several “best of” lists at the end of that year. He will support the new CD release with touring both in the U.S. and overseas, where he already has a European tour planned in May and June that will take him to the Netherlands and Germany. 
"... so Delta you can almost smell the swamp" - Premiere Gutiar
"The time shifting boogie ‘Red Line,’ reminds us it’s all about the guitar as Taft demonstrates what he has learned as a disciple of Billy Gibbons and the Texas sound." Rick Bowen/Examiner (Seattle)
Dudley's perfectly crafted rock/blues gets a cool nod by producer Tom Hambridge
MAY 20 2014




This appeared last year for his CD
Deep Deep Blue in the magazine.
Read more about it by clicking on the logo! 
Deep Deep Blue
Released 2013
American Blues Artist Group

CD art is linked to iTunes
 

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Guitar Master Dudley Taft Is "Screaming in the Wind" on Latest CD, Coming May 20 from American Blues Artist Group; New Album of Blues-Rock Produced by Grammy-Winner Tom Hambridge Features Special Guest Reese Wynans on Keyboards


Screaming ITW Cover lo res

Guitar Master Dudley Taft Is Screaming in the Wind on Latest CD, Coming May 20 from American Blues Artist Group

New Album of Blues-Rock Produced by Grammy-Winner Tom Hambridge Features Special Guest Reese Wynans on Keyboards


CINCINNATI, OH – Blues-rock guitarist Dudley Taft announces a May 20 release date for his new CD, Screaming in the Wind, on his American Blues Artist Group label. The new album was produced by Grammy-winner Tom Hambridge, best-known for his work with Buddy Guy, Susan Tedeschi, George Thorogood and Johnny Winter, and recorded at The Switchyard and Rendering Plant in Nashville, as well as Taft’s new Muchmore Studio in Cincinnati. The new recording facility is part of the house and property Dudley recently purchased from legendary guitarist Peter Frampton.     

The new CD features a dozen songs, most of which are originals penned by Dudley Taft, including several co-written with Tom Hambridge (who also plays drums on a couple tracks) and Richard Fleming, plus scintillating covers of songs by Skip James (“Hard Time Killing Floor Blues”) and Freddie King (“Pack It Up”).

Screaming in the Wind is my third solo effort and the first album I’ve done produced by someone outside the band. Several songwriting sessions in Nashville with producer Tom Hambridge and songwriter Richard Fleming helped the songs take shape before recording them,” says Taft. “It was refreshing to work with other great songwriters for the first time, and it gives Screaming in the Wind a different flavor.”

Taft’s regular band of John Kessler on bass and Jason Patterson drums is augmented by the addition of former Stevie Ray Vaughan keyboard player Reese Wynans on the sessions. “Reese plays some wicked B3 organ on the CD,” exclaims Taft. “He really shines on a bunch of the songs, elevating them to levels I never imagined. Check out his ripping solo on ‘The Reason Why’.”

Other special guests on Screaming in the Wind include the acclaimed McCrary sisters, who bring their smooth gospel harmonies to the song “Barrio,” while the Muscle Shoals Horn Section shines on “Pack It Up.”

“So far, I have done a Freddie King song on every CD, and this was no exception,” states Taft. “I love the funky vibe and tight arrangement of ‘Pack It Up.’ We poured gasoline on it and lit a match.”

The title track of the album started as a custom instrumental riff Taft did for the “American Blues Scene” website. “They told me it should be a song,” he recalls, “and I think it may have turned out to be one of the strongest on the album. Tom Hambridge and I worked hard to find the key imagery in the lyrics to tell the story.”

Speaking of instrumentals, Dudley Taft really cuts loose on the appropriately named track, “Red Line,” demonstrating why he’s been dubbed one of the hottest guitarists on the planet. Fans of classic ZZ Top riffs will be smiling from ear-to-ear when they hear Taft “spanking the plank” on that one.

“The riff from Skip James’ ‘Hard Time Killing Floor Blues’ got stuck in my head last year,” Taft remembers. “I thought giving it a Led Zeppelin ‘Black Dog kind of interpretation would make it fresh.”

The final song on the CD, “Say You Will,” has what Taft calls “an epilogue, where the gears shift and a David Gilmour influence surfaces, taking the listener off into oblivion. That was such a fun track to record!”

Dudley Taft’s last CD, Deep Deep Blue, released in May, 2013, received universal acclaim from fans and critics alike, including being named on several “best of” lists at the end of that year. He will support the new CD release with touring both in the U.S. and overseas, where he already has a European tour planned in May and June that will take him to the Netherlands and Germany.

To stream the track, “Hard Time Killing Floor Blues,” from Screaming in the Wind, click on this link: https://soundcloud.com/dudleytaft/hard-time-killing-floor-blues


For more information, visit www.dudleytaft.com