https://hughestaylormusic.com/
An old soul hailing from Macon, Georgia, USA, Hughes Taylor was drawn to the blues the moment he picked up a guitar. Nearly two decades later, he’s established himself as an acclaimed guitarist and songwriter playing a fiery brand of blues-rock whose power trio lineage stretches back to Stevie Ray Vaughan, Cream and Jimi Hendrix.
His latest album, Dark Roast, released in May 2024, marks the first part of a larger project titled Roasted. Recorded remotely across multiple studios in Georgia and expertly mixed at Capricorn Sound Studios— the historic birthplace of Southern Rock—Dark Roast showcases Hughes’s evolution as a musician and songwriter. The songs on Dark Roast are filled with greasy guitar riffs, thundering drums, solid basslines, and Taylor’s expressive voice on top. The first single “Ballad of Big Bill McGuire” earned Hughes a Blues Blast Award nomination. The second part of Roasted, titled Light Roast, is set to release in early 2025, promising to further expand the narrative and sound of this ambitious blues rock project.
Hughes’s previous album, Modern Nostalgia, released in July 2021, showcases his signature guitar style and musical growth. Written during the pandemic and recorded at the iconic Capricorn Sound Studios, it seamlessly blends blues, blues-rock, and Southern rock, earning global acclaim and airplay. The album won the Atlanta Blues Society’s “Best Self-Produced CD” award and received rave reviews from notable outlets including Blues Blast Magazine, Blues Matters Magazine, and more. It has also maintained a steady presence on the Roots Music Report charts for over 26 consecutive months. A limited-edition double LP was released on vinyl in June 2022.
Officially beginning his musical journey at age 12, Hughes dedicated countless hours in his bedroom to mastering his craft, playing alongside recordings of his guitar heroes. By 14, he was writing original material and recording demos in his parents’ basement while simultaneously developing his live act by playing anywhere, anytime, with anyone. He was already performing professionally before he could legally drive, and by 18 years old, music had become his primary source of income.
In spring 2016, he self-released his first full-length album, Hear My Melody. Restless followed in early 2018, sandwiched between graduating with honors from University of North Georgia and marrying the love of his life. By summer 2019, the Hughes Taylor Band had solidified its sound, merging his unique take on the blues-rock power trio format with the undeniable influence of his hometown heroes, the Allman Brothers. His 2019 album, Good Blues, Fast, which features lovingly arranged classics, garnered acclaim beyond Georgia and paved the way for the next chapter of his music journey.
In January 2020, Hughes and his band toured the UK, supporting the Heather Findlay Band. Their popularity surged, attracting positive reviews from music press, until the pandemic brought live performances to a halt. Fortunately, the final shows of that tour were recorded, leading to the release of Live in the UK on CD in early 2021.
With a dedication to authentic music that resonates across generations, Hughes Taylor continues to forge his path, blending traditional blues roots with contemporary influences and captivating audiences wherever he plays. Hughes and his band stay busy touring across the states in support of the new album, each performance a testament to his passion and dedication to the craft.
