Neighbor With Brandon “Taz” Niederauer

In just under a year the musical juggernaut Neighbor has become one of the most exciting and unpredictable live acts on the jam scene today. The brain child of vocalist and keyboardist Richard James (Pink Talking Fish) and guitarist Lyle Brewer (formerly of Ryan Montbleau Band), Neighbor combines ambitious composition, soulful balladry and a fearless approach to their lengthy improvisations. Rounded out by bassist Dan Kelly (The New Motif) and Dean Johnston (Club D’elf) the band has honed their craft at their Tuesday night residency at Thunder Road in Boston. The venue is the home for their loyal fan base of “Neighbors” who on any given night could be witness to 5 new original songs, a 50 minute jam, guest bagpipers, songs written for audience members, a full original rock opera or a Christmas themed Halloween show. There’s no surprise that the word continues to spread about this exciting group of musicians. Come down and see what’s good in the neighborhood.

Eighteen-year-old Brandon Niederauer, nicknamed “Taz” for his ferocious guitar playing, is living proof that dreams really do come true. Having performed in some of the most legendary venues in America with many of the most prominent musicians of our time, the young guitarist, singer, and songwriter has already earned himself quite the reputation.

It all started at eight years old, when Brandon watched the movie School of Rock. Already inspired by his father’s record collection, Brandon instantly realized he was destined to play guitar. From that moment on, his guitar rarely left his hands. Just four years later, Brandon was cast in the principal role of guitarist “Zack Mooneyham” in the Tony Award-nominated Andrew Lloyd Webber Broadway production, School of Rock the Musical.

Based in New York City, Brandon has had the opportunity to play with many of his musical idols. In recent years, he’s shared the stage with multiple members of the Allman Brothers Band, including Gregg Allman, Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes, Butch Trucks, and Oteil Burbridge, as well as a variety of other notable musicians, including Buddy Guy, Stevie Nicks, Lady Gaga, Slash, Jon Batiste, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Gales, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Dr. John, Gary Clark Jr., Col. Bruce Hampton, Eric Krasno, George Porter Jr., Robert Randolph, Karl Denson, Doug Wimbish, and John Popper. He has also performed with Tedeschi Trucks Band, The String Cheese Incident, Umphrey's McGee, The Revivalists, Dumpstaphunk, Blackberry Smoke, Galactic, and countless other bands.

Since making his national television debut on The Ellen DeGeneres Show at just ten years old, Brandon has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Good Morning America, and The View. In 2018, Brandon reunited with Andrew Lloyd Webber, performing in January with Sarah Brightman at The Phantom of the Opera’s 30th Anniversary celebration, and in April alongside Sara Bareilles, Alice Cooper, and John Legend in NBC’s live broadcast production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Brandon is currently featured in Spike Lee’s Netflix series, She’s Gotta Have It, and performs concerts for audiences across the country and around the world.