I’m writing this as I’m listening to the latest Taper’s Choice release, their last show before announcing CJ Tywoniak as an official Taper’s Choice member, from May 1st of this year. I immediately notice a guitar tone that wasn’t as prominent before and its playing “not Dave notes” but it works. CJ has learned the Tape’s catalog and now he’s helping the band reshape its sound as it grows. After the departure of Dave Harrington earlier this year, the boys chose to get a replacement guitarist instead of a replacement Dave. 

If you prefer your jams abstract, jazzy, or heady, Taper’s Choice is a must see. Their musical field seems to have no boundaries. They range anywhere from Electric Miles Davis to Tame Impala, with plenty of Jamband™ influences along the way. The band presents these influences through a 90s lens and irreverent way that only Millennials can. 

What do you need to know to enjoy to Taper’s? 

That they are a Jamband™. 

I could sit here and tell you how watching Zach play keyboards has basically ruined watching other keyboardist play live, Page excluded of course, but that’s not what is going to sway your mind. I could make all the musical comparisons I want but no one is going to be swayed by that. Instead, I’ll try to persuade you with what Taper’s is doing today. 

Taper’s keyboardist Zach Tenorino played with guitarist CJ in their youth and are rekindling that spirit in real time. The joys of them reconnecting musical are worth the ticket price alone. As those two interchange notes and leads, Alex Bleeker on bass and Chris Tomson, on drums are holding down a rhythm section that has been steadily developing since 2021. While five years might not seem like a lot of time for a rhythm section to develop, that’s enough in time for Jersey boys to get a solid groove going. Growing up during peak Yo La Tengo in the shadows of Springsteen makes for some great musicians who naturally vibe. 

Speaking of, the vibes at a Taper’s show are unbeatable. There somewhere between a crisp reflective mountain morning and the bustling of shakedown outside of a show. The band makes music for partying and dancing, Pino Botticelli, and then a something for you to ponder your existence to, Walking Around. The band knows how to jam and they aren’t afraid to go to dark spaces or take risks live. Some of their best shows have come from times they weren’t able to practice. 

Now, that the boys have been able to focus more on Taper’s stuff who knows what going to happen. That’s why you should see them now. This is the most shows the band has ever announced at once. 

If all that isn’t enough to convince you, then watch the livestream of their Atlanta show on Oct. 27th right here on Volume.com.