Milwaukee, WI • Modern Blues Powerhouse
Altered Five Blues Band has become one of the Midwest’s most electrifying blues acts — a group that blends deep‑groove musicianship, powerhouse vocals, and sharp songwriting into a sound that’s unmistakably their own. Based in Milwaukee, the band has spent more than two decades carving out a national reputation for high‑energy performances and award‑winning studio work.
🔊 The Sound
FAt the center of Altered Five’s signature style is Jeff Taylor’s unmistakable voice — a rich, gritty baritone that can shake the rafters one moment and deliver sly, soulful nuance the next. Paired with Jeff Schroedl’s razor‑edged guitar work, the band’s sound lands somewhere between Chicago grit, Memphis soul, and modern blues swagger.
Their music is built on:
- Big, rhythmic hooks
- Clever, story-driven lyrics
- A tight rhythm section that keeps every track locked in the pocket
- A contemporary edge that appeals to both traditional blues fans and new listeners
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Altered Five has earned widespread acclaim across the blues world, including multiple Blues Music Award nominations and International Songwriting Competition wins. Their albums regularly chart on blues radio, and critics consistently praise the band’s ability to deliver fresh, modern blues without losing the genre’s roots.
Notable achievements include:
- Multiple Blues Music Award nominations (including Best Contemporary Blues Album)
- #1 charting singles on contemporary blues radio
- International songwriting honors for standout tracks like “Three Forks” and “Holler and Stomp”
🎤 Live Performances
On stage, Altered Five is a force. Their shows are tight, energetic, and full of personality — the kind of performances that turn first‑time listeners into lifelong fans. They’ve toured extensively across the U.S., appeared at major festivals, and remain one of Wisconsin’s most in‑demand blues acts.
On stage, Altered Five is a force. Their shows are tight, energetic, and full of personality — the kind of performances that turn first‑time listeners into lifelong fans. They’ve toured extensively across the U.S., appeared at major festivals, and remain one of Wisconsin’s most in‑demand blues acts.
The band consistently delivers:
- High-energy sets
- Crowd‑pleasing originals
- Deep blues grooves
- A charismatic frontman who knows how to work a room
🎶 Discography Highlights
A few standout releases that showcase the band’s evolution and range:
- Cryin’ Mercy – The breakout album that put them on the national map
- Charmed & Dangerous – A modern blues favorite with award‑winning songwriting
- Ten Thousand Watts – A powerhouse record full of swagger and grit
- Holler and Stomp – Their latest chapter, packed with sharp riffs and bold vocals
🎷Altered Five — Meet the Band!
- Jeff Taylor — Lead Vocals
- The band’s unmistakable vocal powerhouse. His gritty, soulful baritone is the centerpiece of Altered Five’s sound — commanding, expressive, and instantly recognizable. Taylor brings:
- Dynamic vocal presence that drives both studio tracks and live shows
- Charismatic stage energy that engages audiences
- Emotional range, from sly humor to deep blues grit
- His voice is often cited as the band’s defining element, giving their songs both personality and punch.
- Jeff Schroedl — Guitar
Schroedl is the band’s primary songwriter and lead guitarist, shaping the group’s musical identity with sharp riffs and clever lyrical storytelling. He contributes:- Distinctive guitar tone — crisp, modern, and rooted in blues tradition
- Award‑winning songwriting, including multiple International Songwriting Competition honors
- Melodic hooks that give Altered Five their contemporary edge
- His playing balances precision with swagger, making him the band’s creative engine.
- Mark Solveson — Bass
Solveson anchors the band with deep, steady bass lines that keep every groove locked in place. His contributions include:- Solid rhythmic foundation for the band’s tight, danceable sound
- Warm, supportive tone that complements both vocals and guitar
- Consistency and finesse, especially in live settings
- He’s the quiet backbone of the group — essential to their signature pocket.
- Alan Arber — Drums
Arber provides the driving pulse behind Altered Five’s high‑energy performances. His drumming is:- Punchy and precise, giving the band its rhythmic snap
- Versatile, moving easily between shuffles, funk‑leaning grooves, and straight blues rock
- Dynamic, supporting both the band’s heavier tracks and their more laid‑back tunes
- His work keeps the band tight, powerful, and performance‑ready.
- Raymond Tevich — Keyboards
Tevich adds the color and texture that round out Altered Five’s modern blues sound. His contributions include:- Soulful organ and piano lines that deepen the band’s harmonic richness
- Atmospheric layers that elevate both ballads and up‑tempo tracks
- Classic blues and R&B influences that connect the band to its roots
- His keyboard work gives the band warmth, groove, and emotional depth.
Together, these five musicians create a sound that’s unmistakably Altered Five: big vocals, sharp guitar work, tight rhythm, and rich keyboard textures — all delivered with modern blues swagger.
📅 Altered Five Blues Band — Summer 2026 Shows
- August 1, 2026 — Belleville, WI
Belleville Community Park 4:45 PM This is the only upcoming summer date currently listed for Altered Five Blues Band across Apple Music/Bandsintown and Concerty.
🎙️ Why Altered Five Blues Band Matters in 2026
Altered Five Blues Band matters in Madison’s 2026 blues landscape because they embody exactly what the region’s blues community values: authenticity, craftsmanship, and a forward‑leaning modern blues sound that still honors tradition. Their influence hits several levels — cultural, musical, and community‑driven — making them one of the most relevant contemporary blues acts for Madison audiences right now.
1. They represent the strongest blues lineage in Wisconsin.
Madison’s blues scene has always been shaped by regional talent from Milwaukee, Chicago, and the Driftless area. Altered Five stands out as one of Wisconsin’s most nationally recognized blues bands, giving local fans a home‑state group that competes on the same level as major touring acts. Their success reinforces Wisconsin’s identity as a serious blues state.
2. They bridge traditional blues with modern songwriting.
Madison audiences love roots‑based music, but they also respond to artists who push the genre forward. Altered Five’s:
- clever, story‑driven lyrics
- contemporary production
- big‑groove rhythm section
- charismatic vocal presence
…make them a perfect fit for a city that values both heritage and innovation. They keep blues relevant for younger listeners without alienating traditionalists.
3. They elevate local festivals, clubs, and blues programming.
When Altered Five plays in or near Madison, they draw strong crowds — the kind that help sustain venues like High Noon Saloon, The Bur Oak, and community festivals. Their August 1, 2026 Belleville Community Park show is a good example: it’s the kind of regional performance that strengthens the local live‑blues ecosystem.
4. They bring national credibility to Madison’s blues organizations.
Featuring Altered Five in an Artist Spotlight signals that Madison Blues Society is tuned into current, award‑winning, nationally respected blues artists. Their multiple songwriting awards and Blues Music Award nominations give your editorial content weight and relevance.
5. They embody the Midwest blues identity.
Madison’s blues culture is rooted in:
- working‑class storytelling
- soulful musicianship
- regional pride
- community connection
Altered Five reflects all of this. Their sound feels like the Midwest — gritty, warm, humorous, and heartfelt. They’re not just performers; they’re cultural carriers.
6. They help keep blues accessible and fun.
Madison’s blues audience spans ages and backgrounds. Altered Five’s energetic live shows, big hooks, and charismatic frontman make blues approachable for casual listeners while still satisfying deep blues fans. They’re a gateway band — the kind that pulls new people into the genre.
Altered Five Blues Band matters in Madison because they strengthen the region’s blues identity, elevate local programming, and represent the best of modern Midwest blues. They’re exactly the kind of artist who keeps the genre alive, evolving, and connected to the community in 2026.