TAZ defines what it means to be a guitarist at Funk ‘n Waffles show

NYC-based guitarist Brandon “Taz” Niederauer turned the Funk ‘n Waffles stage into a soul-pop jam Tuesday night, proving that we are in a new age of guitar legends.

Before TAZ made his appearance, Syracuse University freshman DJ Amplitude opened with a set of ‘90s and ‘00s hits. People in the audience disappeared to the other side of the venue and emerged with plates of hot waffles to eat at the tables lining the walls. 

DJ Amplitude’s set concluded, and the echoing chatter tapered to a near silence as TAZ’s guitar filled the dining area-turned standing room. Getting out of their seats, the crowd stood up and leaned into every note he picked and chord he strummed as the rest of the band slowly filed in. 

Joining TAZ on stage were Matty Grigio on keys and backing vocals, Kendal Lentz on drums and Nathaniel Coben on bass.

TAZ and his band started the set with “Jump,” an upbeat song that mixes elements of pop and classic rock, followed by “Say Something,” his first single. The crowd couldn’t help but dance and move their feet.

Grigio played an atmospheric synth sound to fill the space as TAZ switched to an acoustic guitar. The 23-year-old guitarist improvised with a classical guitar sound before playing a cover of “Blackbird” by The Beatles, which drew “woos” and claps from the audience. TAZ seamlessly transitioned into “Hey Ya” by Outkast, making the hip-hop song his own with a slight twang. Grigio introduced his vocals to the set with dissonant harmonies to TAZ’s singing.

Photo by Jenna Sents

Keyboardist Matty Grigio jamming to “Anywhere” at Funk ‘n Waffles.

Throughout the set, TAZ showcased the range of his style, fading between pop, classic rock, blues and soul sounds with “Was it Worth It,” “Bring Me Down,” and “Anywhere”—all unreleased songs in his catalogue. 

The band not only complemented — but enhanced — TAZ’s inventive blend of Jimi Hendrix-like soul and Coldplay-like bright power. A short jam in the middle of the set allowed each musician to shine in their prominent styles. Lentz’s drumming brought intense rhythms of subdivisions and dense fills to the foundation of the set. Grigio’s synths lie in the background with subtle changes that develop throughout each song, creating a cinematic feeling to the music, before taking impressive solos and between-song interludes. Coben’s bass playing style was pronounced in his punchy bass walking and perfectly timed licks. 

TAZ flowed into a cover of Coldplay’s “Clocks,” truly making the song his own with a fast tempo, a rich drumbeat and a funk-influenced bass. His solo in the middle of the song made the guitar scream like a second vocalist was on stage.

The set ended with original songs “Hold on Till We Make it,” “When The Walls Come Crashing Down” and “The Light.” TAZ’s performance at Funk ‘n Waffles was unexpectedly inspiring. The youthful, energetic spirit he brought to the venue had fans of all ages waving their hands and moving their feet to mostly unreleased music.