Posted by I first learned of Brandon “TAZ” Niederauer from his jaw-dropping cameo appearance with Buddy Guy when he was just a pre-teen at the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden. Even at that young age, his virtuosic guitar chops and fearless stage presence were impossible to miss. Those same qualities earned him the nickname “Taz” from his first guitar teacher—a name that would follow him into a rapidly rising career and ultimately lead to his own signature D’Angelico guitar. From that moment on, I was an instant fan and made it a point to catch him live whenever possible.
Not long after, I saw Niederauer headline a three-night run at the Iridium Jazz Club, where he took on the music of Jimi Hendrix. Rather than simply recreating the classics, he approached Hendrix’s catalog with both respect and individuality, blending blistering solos with improvisational flair and proving he could carry an entire room on his own.
Niederauer has also demonstrated his versatility by joining Friends of the Brothers, a tribute to the Allman Brothers Band featuring Alan Paul and Andy Aledort. In that setting, he seamlessly tapped into the soulful, groove-driven spirit of the Allmans, showing that he’s as comfortable serving the song as he is commanding the spotlight.
His appearances at the Great South Bay Music Festival have further cemented his reputation as a must-see live performer, often featuring his brother Dylan on bass. The chemistry between the two adds another layer of excitement, creating a tight, energetic foundation that elevates every performance.
Most recently, this past December, Niederauer headlined The Suffolk Theater in Riverhead, delivering a performance that highlighted his continued artistic evolution. Showcasing newly released material, he leaned into a dynamic blend of Funk, R&B, Pop, and Soul, surrounded by a band of equally impressive musicians. The night made it clear that Brandon “TAZ” Niederauer is no longer defined solely by his prodigious beginnings—he’s a forward-thinking artist carving out a sound entirely his own, while still electrifying audiences every time he steps on stage.
Here are some career highlights I have had the pleasure of capturing!
Long Island Sounds 