In memoriam: William Joel "Taz" DiGregorio (keyboardist for the Charlie Daniels Band)

Here is an album profile I surely wanted to write, but not for the reasons that it turned out for.

I read some shocking news just today.  A favorite keyboard player of mine and a core of the Charlie Daniels Band has passed away, William Joel "Taz" DiGregorio.  He played with Charlie in two different bands (The Jaguars, and, The Charlie Daniels Band).  DiGregorio's deft skill at playing piano and Hammond B3 was a HUGE component of the CDB sound.  Nowhere was this more evident for me than when I saw the band in person in a free show at the Minnesota State Fair in 2003.  That show inspired me to pick up the electric guitar and also, introduced me (thanks to Taz's playing) to the glorious sound of the Hammond B3.  Taz was a gifted keyboardist, singer and songwriter.

I not only have a lot of the award winning and legendary CDB albums he appeared on, but also, a great solo album he recorded five years ago called "Shake Rag".  While the CDB has a definite country/blues boogie rock sound, Taz's keys and vocals brought the flavor of classic R&B and soul into the fold.  His chops on the B3 were incredible and in my opinion, he should be ranked right up there with some of the great B3 players of all time (Gregg Allman, Booker T. Jones and the late Billy Preston come to mind).  DiGregorio contributed definite writing credits to many of the CDB's hit songs in their catalog and Charlie considered him a real friend obviously.  It's hard to put into words what the band must be feeling, having lost a core member.  But, that can happen.  You are out on the road, looking to get to the next gig, and something completely unexpected comes up.

Taz will surely be missed by the CDB and their legions of fans.  He will be a hard one to replace.  In the spirit of remembering his talent, it is worthwhile mentioning the track listing from the "Shake Rag" album.  Here is the listing of very soulful and well written cuts off the album.

1. Shake Rag
2. Rampart Street
3. Living For The Moment
4. Sylvia
5. Lonely Hearted Man
6. Nothing Left But The Blues
7. Go On And Dream
8. Midnight At The Crossroads
9. When The Rain Comes Down

It is worth noting (and I still remember this), that "Rampart Street" was played as part of the CDB's set list at their show I witnessed at the Minnesota State Fair in 2003.  Refer to the official CDB website at www.charliedaniels.com for more information.  For the band, I cannot imagine what they have been through, because Charlie's other long serving bandmate (for 14 years between 1975 and 1989 and for many years after as a guest), guitarist Tommy Crain, also passed away earlier this year.  This CDB fan will always remember Tommy and Taz and their contributions to a great band.

First saw the CDB on an old rerun of Austin City Limits in 1981 which aired on CMT when they were more dedicated to music than they are now.  ...And all I have to say is, wow!  It was an inspiring performance in more ways than one.  Rest In Peace, Taz and Tommy.