The landscape of the modern jamband scene is shifting as Taper’s Choice—the acclaimed supergroup featuring Dave Harrington (Darkside), Alex Bleeker (Real Estate), Chris Tomson (Vampire Weekend), and Zach Tenorio-Miller (Arc Iris)—announces a significant lineup change. After a productive four-year run that solidified their reputation as a premier improvisational outfit, guitarist Dave Harrington has officially stepped down from the band.
Harrington’s Departure: A Personal Decision
Harrington took to Instagram to share the news with his fans, citing personal reasons for his decision to exit the touring roster. Despite his departure from the live circuit, he expressed deep gratitude for his bandmates and a continued commitment to the music the group has created together. Harrington hinted that he remains part of the “larger TC universe,” suggesting that his creative influence may still orbit the project even as he steps back from the rigors of the road.
The Future of Taper’s Choice: 1.0 to 2.0
Taper’s Choice addressed the change with a mixture of sentimentality and forward-looking pragmatism. In an official statement, the remaining members acknowledged the difficulty of losing a musician of Harrington’s caliber. They emphasized that while Harrington is “singular and irreplaceable,” the band intends to continue their evolution. They described the transition as a “system update” from 1.0 to 2.0, reinforcing that their core conceptual and spiritual foundations remain unchanged.
Big Ears and the Road Ahead
For fans eager to catch one last performance of the original lineup, the band confirmed that their upcoming appearance at the Big Ears Festival on March 26 will serve as the final show for Taper’s Choice 1.0. Following this, the band is set to embark on a West Coast tour supporting Eggy. To fill the void on guitar, the band has tapped their long-time friend and collaborator CJ Tywoniak. The band praised Tywoniak as a “certified tasteful ripper,” expressing confidence in his ability to integrate into their improvisational flow on short notice.
Maintaining the ‘Jamband’ Ethos
The band’s statement was characteristically philosophical, reminding their audience that their commitment to the craft—and their specific brand of jamband culture—remains as vibrant as ever. They reaffirmed their devotion to the “ever-expanding Choice universe,” noting that despite the logistical hurdles of balancing life, home, and the road, their shared artistic vision continues to grow. For now, the focus shifts to the upcoming tour and the new sonic possibilities that arise when a band is forced to adapt to the departure of a key member.
