Originally Publish in Innocent Words
Tedeschi Trucks Band Live –Everybody’s Talkin’ –Sony Masterworks
In today’s world of digital recording where editing and studio magic is as easy as a click of the mouse and auto tune rules the airwaves in every genre , a live album from master musicians seams and old fashioned notion. Everybody’s Talkin’ from the eleven piece ensemble led by Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks not only dispels that notion, it firmly declares that the era of great live bands that can flat out jam is far from dead. The collection of songs from the band’s Grammy winning album Revelator and inspired cover songs provides a showcase for each member and displays the awesome power of group that can turn dynamics from thunder to a whisper on a dime as they rage from burning blues to free jazz and classic soul all within one song. Make no mistake this isn’t for the casual listener as the shortest song of the thirteen track double album, the Elmore James standard “Rollin’ And Tumblin,” is over five minutes. The longest track, Stevie Wonder’s “Uptight,” features a brilliant trumpet solo from Maurice Brown, a mind blowing George Benson style bass solo from Oteil Burbridge and a double drumming showcase for J.J Johnson and Tyler Greenwell ,sixteen minutes of sheer musical joy. Where do you begin highlighting the total awe inspiring performances from Susan Tedeschi on lead vocal and electric guitar, she is simply beyond compare. But make no mistake each track exemplifies why Derek trucks is bound for the rock and roll hall of fame, not only has he reinvented the slide guitar, he is also a band leader par excellence’ and at the center of this group of master players who are pushing the limits every second with Trucks leading the way.
Originally appeared in Innocent Words 7-2012
Rick J Bowen
