TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND
REVELATOR
JUNE 7, 2011
Following the paths that both Derek Trucks & Susan Tedeschi have forged for themselves individually, the newly formed Tedeschi Trucks Band continues to bring soul & blues to the people. Lengthy jams lay the framework for Tedeschi's soulful voice that at times channels Patsy Cline as she sings lyrics from songs like "Until you Remember" that go deep into the heart of a woman. "Well I know it ain't refined/but I'll hold a place in line/Until you remember that you're mine" draw on so much of music's past that has been drawn with name calling to attract the attention of our youth. It is a fantastic idea to sing songs with lyrics that need not be bleeped out for the public's consumption. The opening good old jazz sound takes the listener directly to the place the song seems born from in the dark Delta/Memphis blues.
Tedeschi Trucks Band members consist of several of their solo group band-mates. Oteil Burbridge has worked with Bruce Hampton and Trey Anastasio as well as Derek Trucks Band and brings a strong R&B feel to his bass guitar playing. His brother, Kofi Burbridge, who is the keyboard player for Derek Trucks Band, has brought his keys to build bridges in the music of Tedeschi Trucks Band. Tyler Greenwell, who has learned his craft on the skins while playing for Bruce Hampton and then taking his lessons to Susan Tedeschi's band, gives groove to the sound of Tedeschi Trucks Band.
Mike Mattison doubles as songwriter and background vocalist, and from a firsthand witness (Me), he has chops that are overpowering even if his stage presence is quiet. There were moments that I could not believe this voice was dropping bombs on stage from the way it all came like second nature, he is born to sing. J.J. Johnson and Nigel Hall, rounding out the core players with a peppering of Mark Rivers, Kebbi Williams, Maurice Brown and Saunders Sermons. With this power group it cannot go wrong in the studio or on the stage.
From the first track, "Come See about Me", to the final send off, "Shelter", it is all about the feel of the music with lyrical content that encompasses passion. "Learn How to Live" is rock-based and drives the second half of the CD. The guitar is smothered in blues while the drums drive the rock and the lyrics push the vocals down as Tedeschi keeps it steady.
This CD defines what most Top 40 radio lacks in musicology. The band is tight throughout every track, enveloping the sound with amazing solo guitar licks that paper the walls but still stand alone at times. This husband and wife writing team has been able to take everything they have learned from past recordings and combined experiences, delivering a necessary slot filler in anyone's collection.
"Bound for Glory" shadows the 60's keyboard flow from all the best bands and solo artists of the time. More bands are incorporating this amazing style keys feel but Tedeschi Trucks Band has perfected it, allowing Kofi Burnbridge to bring his realism of the past to this recording. As the song progresses, The Allman Brothers Band jam style ignites some heated, no-holds-barred playing by all.
"Simple Things", with its light touched guitar opening slows down the theme so listeners can take a breath and relax to the moving sounds. Tedeschi's growth in her vocals needs little effort to pull you through this 4:46 song. I remember years back standing in the audience watching her as she opened for The Allman Brothers Band and wondering why it had taken me so long to be exposed to her sweet and at times rocking vocals. She has the ability to give chase to any pop singer and it is her soulful delivery that is never abandoned.
Susan has "Rocked me Right" while her husband has been "Preachin' Blues", so when you put the two together, punch in them ear buds or full-on headphones and again we can all believe the real music burn is still alive.
RUSTY
6/7/11