The Refinery Photo Studio

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Jeffery Taylor (a.k.a. JT), the singer and frontman of the Milwaukee-based blues band Altered Five. He was a founding member and helped establish the band in Milwaukee in 2002.

We had the opportunity to work with Altered Five last summer, creating promotional images for their album Chisel and Hammer.

At the shoot, JT was a kind soul and a natural in front of the camera. Earlier this year, we had the privilege of seeing Altered Five perform at Shank Hall for their album release party. It was a packed house, and the energy in the room was electric.

A powerful and distinctive vocalist, Taylor drew frequent comparisons to the giants of blues history. DownBeat magazine declared that “of all the voices in the modern blues arena, one of the finest belongs to Jeff Taylor.” Blues Blast wrote that he possessed a “smooth, warm-toned voice as monumental and undeniable as Howlin’ Wolf, with the finish and flourish of B.B. King.”

Our hearts are with his bandmates, family, and friends. We feel grateful to have spent even a short time in his presence.