On Wednesday, July 20th, 2016, Buddy Guy performed at The Theater at Madison Square Garden, with support from Jeff Beck. Young guitarist Brandon “Taz” Niederauer was in the crowd, taking a night off from his School of Rock The Musical gig, and enjoying the evening with two of his favorite musicians. By this point, Niederauer had played with the majority of his idols, from Gregg Allman to Warren Haynes to George Clinton to Gary Clark Jr., among others, though he had never previously played with Buddy Guy.
As Buddy roamed the audience on a wireless microphone, as he customarily does at his shows, he passed by the teenage guitar phenom, handed him a guitar pick, and said “strum,” to which Niederauer responded, “I can play.” The next thing you know, ten minutes later, Taz was up on the stage, strapped into one of Buddy guitars and playing the blues alongside one of the greatest living legends of our time as he looked on, commenting about Taz’s chops with amazement.
As we celebrate Buddy Guy’s 82nd birthday today, watch the blues elder statesman and the talented young prodigy trade melodies in the video below:
Buddy Guy Jams with Brandon “Taz” Niederauer – 7/20/16
[Video: Rock, Roots, & Blues – Live!]
Brandon “Taz” Niederauer will be paying tribute to some of his biggest influences, including Col. Bruce Hampton, Butch Trucks and Gregg Allman during a very special performance at Brooklyn Comes Alive, set to take place at three fan-favorite venues in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on September 29th, 2018. For his tribute to mentors lost, Taz has recruited a roster of living legends including The Meters bassist George Porter Jr., Lettuce guitarist Adam “Shmeeans” Smirnoff, Aquarium Rescue Unit drummer Jeff Sipe, Gregg Allman Band organist Peter Levin, and former American Idol contestant Elise Testone, who sings with him in his touring solo band.
To see a full list of the unique tributes, super jams, and artist passion projects on deck for Brooklyn Comes Alive 2018, or to purchase your tickets now, head to the event’s website.
