Anyone that knows me knows that Derek Trucks is my absolute favorite musician, ever. I went to every Derek Trucks Band show I could, every Allman Brothers Band show I could, and now any Tedeschi Trucks Band show I can. And on July 15th, at the Uptown Amphitheatre in Charlotte, NC, that’s exactly where I was.
From the backup singers, the horns, 2 drummers, bass – Derek & Susan have some great musicians backing them up. Then there’s Kofi (Burbridge) playing the keyboard and flute alongside Derek’s slide guitar and Susan’s vocals. Derek and Susan bounce off of each other, then you add in Kofi’s flute/keyboard and they are all exchanging lines, feeding each other. Each musician in this ensemble truly holds their own. No one will disappoint you during this show.
There were a few highlights of this show for me…two of them taking me back to the Derek Trucks Band days. They played a song that is originally done by the Derek Trucks Band, which features former lead singer Mike Mattison (who now sings back-up in TTB). And since the Derek Trucks Band will go down as my favorite group ever – whether they are still active or not – this being a favorite part of the show is a no-brainer! Another highlight was that during one of the songs Derek played a riff from my absolute favorite Derek Trucks Band songs, “Rastaman Chant,” which instantly brought back so many wonderful memories and immediately warmed my heart. “Midnight in Harlem” has to be my favorite song performed by TTB. The soft vocals over the smooth slide guitar are so pleasing to my ears. It’s one of those songs you’d swear Derek’s guitar was singing to you.
It amazes me how Derek can continue to get better and better with each time I see him (& I’ve seen him a bunch). It’s something that really has to be seen live. I don’t know what’s going through his head while he is tearing his guitar apart (he broke a string or two) or playing it in a way it sounds more like someone singing rather than an instrument…but I sure would like to know. He was truly given a gift.
If you get the chance, and want to witness some amazing blues and soul, I would highly recommend attending a show on the Wheels of Soul Tour while you can (also featuring Sharon Jones, who was equally amazing)! You’ll also be blessed with getting to see all three acts perform together – Doyle Bramhall II, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings and Tedeschi Trucks Band. That’s 20+ musicians on stage, and an experience you don’t want to miss.
*I was given the honor of being able to take pictures of the TTB show, hope you enjoy!
– Submitted by Shelley Stachler, Audio Production