TESKEY – Live at The Rhythm Room CD Review
- 14 hours ago
- 5 min read
CD Review By Alie Jorgensen
Some live albums capture a performance. Others capture a moment in history.
Teskey's Live at The Rhythm Room accomplishes both.
Recorded on December 3, 2025, this electrifying performance finds the Phoenix blues-rock trio firing on all cylinders inside one of America's most revered blues clubs. With the recent announcement that The Rhythm Room will permanently close on May 30, 2027, this recording has taken on even greater significance. It now serves as a musical time capsule from a venue that helped shape Arizona's blues legacy for more than three decades.
Founded in 1991 by internationally acclaimed harmonica master Bob Corritore, The Rhythm Room became a pilgrimage for blues fans around the world. Legends including Robert Lockwood Jr., R.L. Burnside, Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, Kim Wilson, Charlie Musselwhite, Elvin Bishop, John Primer, Louisiana Red and countless others performed on its intimate stage. It was also the site of historic live recordings by artists such as Robert Lockwood Jr., R.L. Burnside, Kim Wilson, Sonny Rhodes and others, forever cementing its place in blues history.
Against that backdrop, Teskey delivers a performance worthy of the room's remarkable legacy.
Opening with the powerhouse title track "Blue Dreams," the album explodes out of the gate with a crushing blues-rock anthem driven by thunderous riffs, soaring guitar leads, and Brandon Teskey's passionate vocals. A powerful statement about perseverance, broken dreams, and refusing to surrender. Brandon Teskey immediately establishes himself as one of the Southwest's most compelling young guitarists. His playing is equal parts blues tradition and modern rock attitude, effortlessly moving between searing solos, soulful phrasing, and explosive riffs. With gritty and powerful vocals, he paints a powerful picture with a song that is a thunderous opening statement about resilience, shattered dreams, and the determination to keep moving forward.
The next track "Lemon Tree" is completely reinvented from its acoustic origins; this electrified version becomes a full-throttle blues-rock powerhouse. Blistering guitar work, infectious grooves, and explosive dynamics make it one of the album's standout live performances.
"Under The Sun" is Teskey's breakthrough single and this live version roars to life with even greater authority than the studio version. Thick guitar tones, a relentless rhythm section, and inspired improvisation make this a crowd favorite from beginning to end.
"Find Me When It's Over" is a haunting new composition that blends introspective lyrics with gritty blues-rock swagger. The song gradually builds from quiet reflection into an emotionally charged guitar-driven climax.
"Gave My Love Back To Me (The Answer)" is a sequel to "Don't Take My Angel" and one of the album's most heartfelt moments. Rich melodies, soulful vocals, and expressive guitar phrasing create a moving testament to redemption, gratitude, healing, and unwavering faith.
"Don't Take My Angel" is the emotional centerpiece of the evening. Written after Brandon Teskey's wife was diagnosed with cancer, this deeply personal performance transcends music, becoming a heartfelt prayer filled with vulnerability, hope, and extraordinary passion.
With the new track "In The Garden Again," Tesky excelled at blending blues, folk, and psychedelic rock influences, and this beautifully layered song evokes themes of peace, renewal, and spiritual reflection. Dreamlike guitar textures and lush melodies create one of the album's most atmospheric moments.
The next track "Can't Find My Way Home" is a tribute to Blind Faith's timeless classic and receives a stunning, heartfelt interpretation featuring special guest vocalist Tony Noys. Respectful to the original while adding its own emotional depth, it's a highlight that leaves a lasting impression.
"Upside Down World" was originally recorded as a traditional slow blues, the live version stretches into an expressive showcase of the band's chemistry. Teskey's soulful improvisation and dynamic interplay allow every note room to breathe.
Next up "White Wolf" - The title track from the band's acclaimed debut album returns bigger, heavier, and more confident than ever. Driving rhythms, soaring guitar solos, and commanding vocals make this one of the defining moments of the performance.
Closing the album with "Cast Aside Child" a Hendrix-inspired explosion of blues-rock, Teskey unleashes searing guitar work, massive grooves, and emotionally charged lyrics exploring rejection, resilience, and redemption. It is a powerful finale that leaves the audience wanting more.
The band breathes new life into the tracks from their acclaimed 2025 debut album White Wolf, while offering an exciting preview of their upcoming studio album.
Our favorites include "Blue Dreams" "Find Me When It's Over," "Gave My Love Back To Me (The Answer)," and "In The Garden Again." As well as the emotionally charged "Don't Take My Angel."
What makes Live at The Rhythm Room special isn't just the musicianship—it's the chemistry. Teskey sounds like a band completely comfortable taking chances, stretching songs beyond their studio versions, and feeding off the energy of an appreciative audience.
Bassist Matt Baldwin and drummer Brandon Gaddy provide the rock-solid foundation that allows Brandon Teskey's guitar to soar without ever losing the groove.
With echoes of Gary Clark Jr., Marcus King, Rival Sons, Joe Bonamassa, The Black Keys, and classic Hendrix-inspired blues rock, Teskey has crafted a live album that feels authentic rather than manufactured. Every note, every solo, and every response from the audience reminds listeners why live music remains irreplaceable.
As The Rhythm Room prepares for its final curtain after 35 legendary years, Live at The Rhythm Room becomes much more than an outstanding live album—it becomes a permanent document of one of Arizona's most treasured music venues and a fitting tribute to the spirit that made it legendary.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
Musicians & Gear
One of the true stars of Live at The Rhythm Room is Brandon Teskey's guitar tone. Throughout the performance, he draws from an exceptional collection of vintage instruments, including a 1965 Gibson ES-335, 1966 Fender Telecaster, and 1965 Fender Stratocaster, each bringing its own distinctive character to the songs. Running through classic tube amplification—including a vintage 1966 Marshall JTM45 and a Custom Audio Electronics OD-100—Teskey delivers everything from warm blues phrasing and expressive sustain to searing solos and thunderous rock tones.
His playing never feels flashy for the sake of flash. Instead, every note serves the song, blending technical precision with genuine emotion. Backed by the rock-solid rhythm section of Matt Baldwin on bass and Brandon Gaddy on drums, the trio creates a powerful, organic sound that recalls the great live recordings of the late '60s and early '70s while remaining unmistakably modern.
Band Lineup
Brandon Teskey — Lead Vocals • Lead Guitar
Matt Baldwin — Bass • Backing Vocals
Brandon Gaddy — Drums
Special Guest: Tony Noys — Lead Vocals ("Can't Find My Way Home")
TESKEY – Live at The Rhythm Room - Track Listing
1. Blue Dreams
2. Lemon Tree
3. Under The Sun
4. Find Me When It's Over
5. Gave My Love Back To Me (The Answer)
6. Don't Take My Angel
7. In The Garden Again
8. Can't Find My Way Home (Blind Faith) featuring special guest vocalist Tony Noys.
9. Upside Down World
10. White Wolf
11. Cast Aside Child