TRIPLE THREAT: CHICAGO ROCK N’ ROLLERS BECOME TAFOYA WITH DEBUT EP “FREEDOM”

TRIPLE THREAT: CHICAGO ROCK N’ ROLLERS BECOME TAFOYA WITH DEBUT EP “FREEDOM”

Chicago-base rock band TAFOYA released their debut EP Freedom on June 17th. Having performed all over the midwest, TAFOYA have already become a big name in Chicago and are gaining traction around the the U.S. The power trio is an amalgam of classic rock returners, fronted by legendary Chicago guitarist Mike Tafoya (formerly of TheBoyzz, TheB’zz, Raw Dogs, Tafoya’s Lost Boyzz). Mike is a true rock veteran and has now returned to the scene with new bandmates percussionist Craig Cederholm and bassist Leslidiana F. Biocic. 

A couple years back, TAFOYA did a live promo session and exclusive interview to create buss for the band and Freedom. Watch below. 

A man on a musical mission, Mike is determined to pave the way for a New Classic Rock. But pioneering a new genre isn’t an easy feat, and Freedom surely isn’t the final installment on his journey. Overdriven guitars saturate TAFOYA’s EP with that fundamental classic rock sound, but Mike’s new vocal arrangements could be potential signposts of new wave noise. 

Mike’s vocal range is commendable on “Life”––a song that showcases both his prowess on the strings and his ability to hold long, glass-clear notes. Here, the listener may get a taste of something meant by the New Classic Rock nomer: unadulterated vocals that, with the help of keen producing, seem to echo, ominous and with depth, in an edgy rock n’ roll abyss.

The closing track “Sturgis” is undoubtedly a riff of Santana’s “Europa.” Whether the melodic similarity is intentional or not, TAFOYA’s guitar mimics the unforgettable riffs of legend Santana’s classic tune. Clearly these guys are still working with their roots. 

In the mid 70’s Mike joined with some neighborhood buddies in St. Charles, Illinois-based band, The Boyzz From Illinois, which landed a deal on Epic Records. Now, in 2022 Mike is back with Cederholm and Biocic. Mike himself will tell you this is the strongest lineup of any band he’s ever put together, which is evident from his unabashed guitar and in the confidence in his vocals. He says TAFOYA’s music is for “big ears”––hopefully he’s not discounted the small-earred among us from his listenership.

But, as always, you’ll have to decide that for yourself. Big ears or small, you can stream the latest from Tafoya on Spotify.