Dudley Taft - Guitar Kingdom

Size: 116.5 MB
Time: 49:38
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2023
Styles: Blues Rock
Art: Full

01. Black And Blues (4:54)
02. Old School Rocking (4:57)
03. Oil And Water (4:42)
04. Still Burning (4:37)
05. Guitar Kingdom (5:19)
06. Get Stoned (4:39)
07. Favorite Things (3:26)
08. Darkest Night (3:50)
09. I Want (More Wild Young Days) (4:43)
10. The Great Beyond (3:20)
11. A Quitter Never Wins (5:08)

Cincinnati guitarist Dudley Taft is a bonified gunslinger having attended Berklee school of music and spent time in Seattle grunge bands, Sweet Water and Second Coming, tours internationally and produced eight of his own albums and lives in a house he bought from Peter Frampton. It makes perfect sense that his new album, Guitar Kingdom, is a celebration of his greatest passion “The Guitar.” The ten new tracks and a bonus cover song are a reflection of his influences from classic blues riffs and driving rock with a hint of metal and country.

Recorded mainly at the Taft’s home studio that Frampton built, Taft is bolstered by cracker jack rhythm section players, Kasey Williams on bass, drummers Alex Dungan and Nick Owisanka, and keyboards from Andy Smith with backing vocals from Dudley’s daughter Ashley Charmae along with special guests, radio host and bassist John Kessler and renowned percussionist, Walfredo Reyes, Jr.

“Black And Blues” opens the set with one of the aforementioned driving riffs and lyrics that could be speaking to a lover or his faithful guitar. Taft tells his story and gives us fun loving insight to the source of his musical affection, or addiction if you want to call it on “Old School Rocking.” He calls out his lady to get out and have some fun on “Oil And Water,” a rollicking rocker with flavors of classic Deep Purple. The passionate ballad, “Still Burning,” is a sophisticated mix of blues and power pop. Taft spells out his mantra on the title track “Guitar Kingdom,” declaring “Guitar’s a way of life, it’s where my spirit guides and it makes me feel alive.”

The ode to a working man, “Get Stoned,” rumbles along with intricate drum fills from Dungan that match Taft’s guitar leads note for note and the foot stompin’ “Favorite Things,” details the virtues of the toys and tools Taft loves the most - cars, guitars, and his best gal. Some fine acoustic picking opens the contemplative “Darkest Night,” revealing a softer side to the self-professed rocker. The album quickly gets back to business on the spunky “I Want More (Wild Young Days),” and its subtle socio-political message. The Seattle Rock influence is felt on the heavy psalm, “The Great Beyond,” with its big drums and super fuzz guitars.

Taft closes Guitar Kingdom with an inspired reading of Tinsley Ellis’ epic “A Quitter Never Wins,” adding muscle to the Atlanta bluesman’s best-known tune. ~Rick J Bowen

Guitar Kingdom MP3
Guitar Kingdom FLAC

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Dudley Taft - Cosmic Radio

Size: 129,1 MB
Time: 55:12
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2020
Styles: Blues Rock
Art: Full

01. Cosmic Radio (3:25)
02. Left In The Dust (3:52)
03. The Devil (3:20)
04. Goin' Away Baby (4:25)
05. One In A Billion (8:08)
06. The End Of The Blues (4:15)
07. Relentless (4:25)
08. Fly With Me (4:48)
09. Hey Hey Hey (4:17)
10. All For One (6:23)
11. I'm A Believer (4:29)
12. I Will Always Love You (3:19)

The songs for this album were written between Fall 2019 and the Spring of 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic certainly gave me unexpected extra time to complete the tracks!

Playing drums on half of the tracks is Jason Patterson from North Carolina, original drummer for Cry of Love. Jason has played on many of my studio albums since 2013. The other half of the tracks were played by Walfredo Reyes Jr., who has a long list of credits that include Santana, Traffic, Steve Winwood and is currently the drummer for Chicago. Fortunately, Walfredo moved to the Cincinnati area late last year.

The bass guitar duties were handled by Kasey Williams, with my old Seattle partner-in-crime John Kessler playing on ‘Goin’ Away Baby’ (his idea to do that song) and ‘The End Of The Blues.’ John is one of the blues’ most learned scholars, helming the Puget Sound’s KNKX All Blues show for the last 20 years. John’s guidance and expert bass playing skills have been invaluable to my blues rock songwriting development.

My daughter Ashley Charmae was quarantined with me and my wife for more than three months, and sings backing vocals on many of the songs, and takes the lead vocal on ‘Relentless,’ which we wrote together. It was great having her around the house!

The title track ‘Cosmic Radio’ was written while vacationing in the Bahamas, along with ‘Hey Hey Hey,’ written on the same night! There’s something about the Bahamas that spurs my creativity. Maybe it’s the weed? ‘Cosmic Radio’ is about keeping your mind open to new possibilities and points of view – tune into the “frequency of the unknown” and let your imagination loose! And of course, it’s also a love song – because you can find love if you let yourself!

‘Left In The Dust’ is a rocker I wrote after I bought a new fuzz pedal (an Analogman Sunface NKT for the guitar geeks). The opening riff just oozed out of that thing! The narrative is one of frustration about someone who lets too many opportunities pass by and fear of failure keeps them from trying new things. I wanted this song to have a lot of energy – the kind of song you might place first on the set list.

‘The Devil’ is a song I wrote when my Parisian friend Manu Lanvin visited me in Cincinnati. He calls his band the Devil Blues, and I wrote that with him in mind. I wanted it to be upbeat, fun and about temptation! ‘Relentless’ is the first song that I wrote with my daughter Ashley Charmae. She loves old blues singers like Etta James, Ray Charles and Billie Holliday and I think she was channeling some of that energy into the melody and lyrics. She really shines on this and I am quite proud of her! The COVID-19 pandemic and resulting shutdown of the live music industry was a real blow to the solar plexus. ‘I’m A Believer’ is about the frustration I was feeling, but the chorus had to have a positive note: “If you’re talking love baby, I’m a believer.” The silver lining was getting to spend a lot of quality time with my beautiful wife and family.

The album ends with a piano ballad, ‘I Will Always Love You,’ and I was on the fence whether to include it on this album as it is different from most of my songs. But I felt it was strong enough to be heard. It’s the first song I have written on piano, having just acquired one last year. A friend of my father’s was downsizing from a big house into a condo, and he wanted someone “in the family” to take it. It’s an interesting story, built in Hamburg Germany during WWII, it’s all original and part of the keyboard sticks, so I avoided those keys. But it has this aged, grandiose vibe, and I think there are many more songs in that thing! I love the way Ashley Charmae’s backing vocals takes the composition to a whole new level.

Cosmic Radio MP3
Cosmic Radio FLAC

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Dudley Taft - Simple Life

Size: 109.2 MB
Time: 47:34
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2019
Styles: Blues/Rock
Art: Front

1. Give Me A Song [4:53]
2. Simple Life [4:23]
3. I Can't Live Without You [4:31]
4. In Your Way [2:54]
5. Don't Let Them Get Away [2:51]
6. Death By Bliss [3:35]
7. Bombs Away [3:40]
8. If Heartaches Were Nickels [6:24]
9. Never Fade [3:06]
10. Pouring Down [3:44]
11. Shine [3:55]
12. Back To You [3:34]

Cincinnati based guitarist Dudley Taft shows his softer side on his seventh album, “Simple Life,” revealing the depth of his influences from classic pop to blues to progressive rock. But, make no mistake, he retains that jagged edge guitar slinger profile that has brought him international acclaim. The collection of eleven original tracks of driving rock anthems & soaring ballads and an inspired rendition of a blues classic were recorded at the home studio he bought from Peter Frampton, saving it from demolition six years ago.

The sessions feature members of Taft’s touring band and special guest, Walfredo Reyes Jr., who lays down drums and percussion on seven tracks.

The album opens with a thundering jungle drum beat from Chris Ellison, who runs his own school “Now Drum” in Cincinnati, on an anthem about the joy in finding true love ‘Give Me A Song.’ Taft then lays out his full rock ‘n’ roll manifesto and pursuit of the finer things on the riff-based title track ‘Simple Life.’ The tune glides along smoothly until Taft tosses in a 2112 inspired bridge and one of his hot guitar solos. He further declares the depths of his devotion on the hard-swinging blues ‘I Can’t Live Without You’ that features soaring duel lead guitar.

The gritty rocker, ‘In Your Way,’ is a cutting rebuke of a troublesome bully, and the lesson in self-reliance ‘Don’t Let Them Get Away,’ uses a mixture of sweet and swaggering grooves to prove its point. The years Taft spent on the Seattle scene are easily heard on the loping grunge ballad ‘Death By Bliss,’ and the heavy funk of ‘Bombs Away,’ has some indelible Hendrix influences.

Taft previously released his version of the Warren Hayes composition ‘If Heartaches Were Nickels’ on his 2016 album “Live In Europe,” and is joined once again by acclaimed bass man and “All Blues” radio host John Kessler on the more refined studio version, that finds him holding back the tempo and digging deeper into the melodic and emotional strains of the deep slow blues.

Touches of Lennon and McCartney and pure Gospel fire can be felt on the inspirational ‘Never Fade.’ The big rock sound of ‘Pouring Down’ was surely gleaned from his years writing and touring with the upstart bands Sweet Water and Second Coming, and his ode to the love of his life, ‘Shine,’ is a mixture of hot licks and soulful harmony. Taft declares he has “Found My Queen,” on ‘Back To You,’ another riff rocker from his hip pocket that closes out the album he dedicates to his wife Michelle, who graces the album art alongside her guitar-slinging man.

“Simple Life” is a strong statement of conviction from a road-tested singer songwriter, who has earned the right to share his truth on his own terms.

Simple Life

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Dudley Taft - Summer Rain

Size: 124,0 MB
Time: 52:52
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2017
Styles: Blues Rock
Art: Front

01. Flying On Love (3:42)
02. Dark Blue Star (5:04)
03. Summer Rain (5:48)
04. Edge Of Insane (4:41)
05. Live Or Die (5:45)
06. Pistols At Ten Paces (4:15)
07. Don't Let It Fade (5:19)
08. Moonbeam (4:02)
09. Come With Me (5:14)
10. I Lost My Way (4:21)
11. Find My Way Back Home (4:37)

Personnel:
Dudley Taft: Guitar – Vocals
Kasey Williams – Bass
John Kessler: Bass on Track 5,9,10
Jason Patterson: Drums
Mike Tapogna: Drums on Track 3,7
Reese Wynans: Organ
Rachel Williams: Backing Vocals
Charmae: Additional Backing Vocals on ‘Summer Rain’

Dudley Taft grew up in a country called the "Midwest", where he learned the values of friendship, roots blues, rock 'n' roll and a good ear of corn. With a background that includes Berklee College of Music as well as years touring with rock bands Sweet Water and Second Coming, Dudley is a thinking man’s blues rocker. There’s plenty of swagger here, but also the sensitivity of a thoughtful songwriter. In his music you’ll hear delta roots mingling with Seattle grunge, a southern twang with a high-octane propulsion.

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 founded Seattle band Sweet Water, touring the states with Monster Magnet, Candlebox and Alice in Chains. After recording two albums for Atlantic, he left the band to join Second Coming.

Summer Rain

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Dudley Taft - Live In Europe

Size: 158,4 MB
Time: 67:58
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2016
Styles: Blues Rock
Art: Front

01. Skin And Bones (Live) (4:48)
02. Meet Me In The Morning (Live) (4:41)
03. I Heard It On The X (Live) (4:53)
04. Broken Down (Live) (7:25)
05. Hard Time Killing Floor Blues (Live) (3:05)
06. Pack It Up (Live) (4:21)
07. If Heartaches Were Nickels (Live) (6:03)
08. Ain't Nothing Gonna Stop Us Now (Live) (3:30)
09. Red Line (Live) (4:29)
10. Long Way Down (Live) (4:24)
11. Drowning On Dry Land (Live) (6:33)
12. Palace Of The King (Live) (6:30)
13. Oh Well (Live) (7:13)

Seeing the band live is a much different experience than listening to one of the albums. Here we get to stretch out and improvise, and also deliver our versions of some of our favorite songs in the blues rock cannon. Recorded live in Vriezenveen, NL, Kielce and Rzeszov, PL. Carl Martin plays drums with John Kessler on bass and Eric Robert on keyboards. Dudley Taft on vocals and guitar.

Live In Europe

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Dudley Taft - Skin And Bones

Size: 101,4 MB
Time: 43:04
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2015
Styles: Blues Rock
Art: Front

01. Skin And Bones (3:57)
02. Lonesome Memphis Blues (4:01)
03. Ain't Nothing Gonna Stop Us Now (3:36)
04. Leland Mississippi Blues (3:39)
05. One Of These Days (3:32)
06. Fuzzy Dice (5:19)
07. Without You (3:46)
08. Space Cake (3:30)
09. Ain't About The Money (4:07)
10. Coming Home (4:11)
11. Mojo Woman (3:21)

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 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.

“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. ~Miss Jill PR

Skin And Bones

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Dudley Taft - Screaming In The Wind

Size: 121,2 MB
Time: 51:02
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2014
Styles: Blues Rock
Art: Front

01. Hard Time Killing Floor Blues (2:44)
02. Pack It Up (4:18)
03. Red Line (4:13)
04. Screaming In The Wind (4:17)
05. 3Dhd (4:34)
06. I Keep My Eyes On You (5:08)
07. The Reason Why (4:47)
08. Rise Above It (3:49)
09. Barrio (3:44)
10. Sleeping In The Sunlight (4:02)
11. Tears In Rain (4:09)
12. Say You Will (5:13)

A time-tested veteran to the game, Dudley Taft is at it again. His discipline in the blues is well respected, and his compositions pay homage to just that. His newest album, Screaming In The Wind, continues his tried and true resume.

Dudley delivers some versatile tracks, ranging from ballads to head bangers, bluesy head bangers. “Pack It Up” is a jazzy tune, chock full of that good ‘ol brass section. “Red Line” is a complete 180 from the former. This track kicks things up a notch, with a powerful, driving riff that sinks its claws deep. This tremolo of sounds culminates into a high-octane solo on lead guitar. “Screaming In The Wind” is a little Hanni El Khatib, with a steady, edgy riff throughout. This one pits guitar and vocals against one another, as they duke it out for sole ownership. This track also boasts nice harmonies with solid keys and percussion to back it all up. “Sleeping In The Sunlight” turns the tables for an unexpected sound in the mix. Dudley brushes off the slide for this tune. A tasteful acoustic intro entwined with electric licks, this song has a catchy beat and chorus.

Screaming In The Wind is a classic example of Taft’s talents. He offers an admirable testament to the blues to all those out there seeking something of the nature. His talent is not missed, as it shines through on all tracks. The Review: 8/10 ~Review by Don Tice

Screaming In The Wind

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Dudley Taft - Deep Deep Blue

Released: 2013
Size: 112.2 MB
Time: 48:34
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Styles: Blues / Rock
Art: Front

1. Meet Me In The Morning [4:40]
2. The Waiting [3:43]
3. God Forbid [4:16]
4. Sally Can't Dance [3:53]
5. Deep Deep Blue [6:32]
6. Feeling God Now [4:24]
7. Wishing Well [4:09]
8. Satisfy You [4:35]
9. Bandit Queen [2:50]
10. Palace Of The King [4:23]
11. Shanks Akimbo [5:04]

Dudley Taft has yet again proven his staple in today’s blues rock scene with his upcoming album, Deep Deep Blue. After several projects came and went, Taft formed a band under his own name in 2006. His current album builds on his debut, Left For Dead, with countless hit after hit. Taft’s classic rock approach garners uncanny comparison to past greats. Taft embodies the eclectic bluesy style of a Clapton or Beck, with the edgy vocals of a Billy Gibbons. Deep Deep Blue is one hell of a ride, start to finish.

Taft’s meticulous guitar playing carries each track to another dimension. With the addition of bass, keys and horn, the band blends seamlessly, rolling out one catchy rhythm after another. Songs like “Sally Can’t Dance” and “Feeling Good Now” start off with the intricate flare of Taft’s guitar; the hook, line and sinker that leaves you wanting more. The songs only take off from there, building on each riff with rhythm and bass. “Feeling Good Now” features trumpets, offering yet another layer to the band. Taft’s guitar seems to weave throughout, an interlude between licks. “Satisfy You” comes on heavy with a distorted intro, alluding to a groovy verse, led by John Kessler on bass. Drummer Scott Vogel shines on the intro to “Meet Me in the Morning.” The big hit, “Wishing Well,” highlights Taft on acoustic to begin, making way for a killer solo and catchy harmonized chorus.

Dudley Taft seems to have found solid ground with his new band, and they are picking up the pace with Deep Deep Blue. Chock full of hits, the album is a definitive fan pleaser, each track a riff driven rock anthem, with two feet in the blues. Taft’s talents are streamlined to our ears for a refreshing ode to classic rock and roll.

Deep Deep Blue

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Dudley Taft - Left For Dead

Released: 2011
Size: 138.1 MB
Time: 59:46
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Styles: Texas Blues / Rock
Art: Full

1. Aint No Game [5:59]
2. Back Door Man [3:05]
3. Broken Down [4:17]
4. Have You Ever Loved A Woman [7:31]
5. Left For Dead [3:40]
6. When Your Way Gets Dark [3:09]
7. Devils Crown [4:21]
8. Long Way Down (Left For Dead Pt II) [3:55]
9. Blue Lady [4:00]
10. Drifting [5:03]
11. Seventh Son [3:31]
12. If Youll Come Home [3:48]
13. When The Levee Breaks [7:23]

Dudley Taft will be unfamiliar to most of the blues cognoscenti. The path that brought Left For Dead to listeners doesn't include stints playing second guitar for Pinetop Perkins or B.B. King. Taft cut his musical teeth in the Pacific Northwest in bands like Sweetwater and Second Coming, the latter having direct ties to the amazing Alice in Chains, whose members he counts as friends and with whom he often performed. He may not have been the ideal candidate for a blues album but he isn't the type to let others make decisions for him.

In addition to his hard rock roots, Dudley comes through the Taft line that produced a President of the United States and a family that has found success in law, business, and sports ownership. He could have followed that path but chose the musician's life instead. It's an odd resume for a would-be bluesman but this is the 21st century; we've grown accustomed to artists and musicians recycling, repackaging, reimagining, and reinterpreting the idioms and ideas of the past, moving forward and backward along the artistic timeline.

Left For Dead is a hard-hitting, nitro-fueled collection of Texas blues that has more inspiration than imagination but there is diversity within. This is not a Delta-soaked, trad blues album yet Taft summons the ghosts of Robert Johnson's hellhounds. He possesses a great rock voice and is a powerful complement to his nuclear guitar licks. "Back Door Man" has been covered to death but Taft rocks it harder and hotter. He frees himself from the shackles of its familiar arrangements, matching the lyrics to a riff that has more in common with Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Crossfire" than previous versions. "Ain't No Game" has a ferocious stomp that stops short of being a Pantera-esque Cowboys From Hell moment but the octane level doesn't miss by much.

Not everything hits like a heavyweight's fist. The title track slows the tempo and eases the fury, allowing the lead guitar to have a prettier tone that soars. He also takes a little edge off the vocal, giving some variety to his attack. "When Your Way Gets Dark" blends clean, acoustic picking with some slide lead and chugging electric chording beneath. The shuffling rhythm play on Willie Dixon's "Seventh Son" is more nimble than some of the leaden, rock rhythms elsewhere and fits well alongside cuts like "Left For Dead" and "Devil's Crown."

His gritty voice is an asset suiting the bulk of the material but there are times – particularly on his version of "Have You Ever Loved A Woman" –he sounds like an alt-rocker trying to sing the blues rather than a blues singer. He bolsters that cut with extended guitar solos, preventing this from being a misstep. Only the rote "Blue Lady" falls short. The playing is good but vocal execution and common imagery make this feel generic compared to more inspired moments.

Taft is a forceful presence and Left For Dead provides ample proof his career left turn is taking him the right direction.

Left For Dead

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