For those not in the know, Stephen Speelman is a guitarist and composer with a deep foundation in classical music and a long-standing connection to the progressive rock world. He holds a master’s degree in classical guitar performance from Stony Brook University, where he studied under esteemed guitarist and lutenist Jerry Willard. That formal training shaped a technical and expressive approach to the instrument that continues to inform his work across genres.

Speelman first made his mark in the progressive rock scene as the guitarist and primary composer for Unified Past, releasing several albums through Melodic Revolution Records and earning a reputation for tight musicianship, complex arrangements, and melodic sensibility. Prior to that, he was a member of the Long Island-based prog band Labyrinth, helping to shape its distinct blend of rock ambition and instrumental precision.

In 2025, Speelman takes a bold step forward with the release of his first solo album under the name Sir Stephen of Dudley, a project that reveals a very different side of his musical personality. Trading in intricate song structures for raw power and punchy guitar riffs, this self-titled record is a high-energy, no-frills rock album that aims straight for the gut. The debut album features 10 riff-driven tracks designed to be played loud, with Speelman handling both guitar and bass duties.

1. Destruction Before Disposal [3:56]
2. Dudliscious [3:26]
3. Lake Stone Drive [4:03]
4. Dudley Blue [3:44]
5. Alloy Alliance [4:29]
6. One Foot Into Both Worlds [3:43]
7. Electric Eagles [4:00]
8. Odd Time For Sunshine [3:29]
9. The Dudley Garage [3:26]
10. Tributary [4:54]

This electrifying, high-octane, adrenaline-charged debut showcase of Speelman’s signature guitar firepower recording opens on the pulsating Destruction Before Disposal and the fluidly propellent Dudliscious and then comes the rhythmical blues vibe of Lake Stone Drive, the drum-led Dudley Blue and then a snarling force drives the brilliant Alloy Alliance.

Along next we get an elegant showcase of just how good this man really is on the pulsing One Foot Into Both Worlds which is itself followed neatly by the more pop-rock ventured Electric Eagles, the soaring Odd Time For Sunshine, the set rounding out on the charged foot stomper The Dudley Garage, closing on the synth/guitar metal blockbuster Tributary.

Sir Stephen of Dudley @ Facebook