Product Description
RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 27, 2026 - ALTERED FIVE BLUES BAND - HAMMER & CHISEL
Reviewed in Blues Music Magazine Issue #49 April 2026
ALTERED FIVE BLUES BAND
Hammer & Chisel
Blind Pig
Milwaukee’s top blues band (vocalist Jeff Taylor, guitarist Jeff Schroedl, bassist Mark Solvenson, drummer Alan Arber, and keyboardist Steve Huebler) was formed in 2002. Hammer & Chisel is their fourth album for Blind Pig (and their eighth overall). Recorded in Nashville and produced by the ubiquitous Tom Hambridge who has worked with the band on previous albums. The new album is a superb collection of 11 variegated group originals of blues, soul, and roots rock.
The horn-propelled soul stomp “I Got It Good” opens the album with high energy about being grateful for love’s blessings; it is the only tune to feature horns. The opener is followed by “Dare Me to Do It” a tale of seduction with a somewhat menacing come hither tone. Other tunes about romance are the slow blues of hope “Lotta Love Left In Me,” the soulful ballad of yearning “Hell Or High Water,” and the strident Southern rocker “My Love Ain’t A Lie.”
The funky title track is about the challenge of self-realization that leads to self-actualization. Social commentary tunes are in the mix with the boogie grinder “Who Can You Trust” and the lurching “Headline Blues.” “Can’t Shake It” is a boogie grinder about overcoming past traumas, and “Crazy One” is a rollicking Nawlins strut about shedding inhibitions. The closing track “The Will Of Man” has a powerful message that harmful situations and bad luck can be overcome with the will power to change for the better. Special guest Jason Ricci, the Sun Ra of blues harp performs on “Dare Me To Do It,” “Who Can You Trust,” and “Can’t Shake It.”
Altered Five have been one of the tightest ensembles on the scene since they emerged 24 years ago. There’s a lot to be said about the band’s long-term familiarity and friendship. Jeff Taylor’s booming, leather-lunged vocals reminded me of great R&B shouters like Big Joe Turner, Wynonie Harris, and Tiny Bradshaw, my personal favorites. Versatile guitarist Schoedl is the primary soloist who can evoke Steve Cropper and any one of the Three Kings. The rhythm section of Arber, Huebler, and Solvenson are equally versatile and provide a rock steady foundation.
There aren’t many blues bands like Altered Five. Hammer & Chisel, 24 years in the making,is their best album. Their fans will clamor for this one and for those fans who are unfamiliar with this stellar quintet, this is a most fitting introduction.
– Thomas J. Cullen III