Celebrating their last date of a 31 city tour, the Tedeschi Trucks Band gave a service of inspirational music for the crowd on hand this past Tuesday. The band is known for feel good music that can touch the inner soul, the 11-piece band gave it their all, even during intermittent periods of rain. The rain, which was more prevalent during the energetic set of Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, pretty much held off except a few sprinkles here and there. The weather didn’t deter the crowd from getting into it as there was more moving and shaking that went on than any other show I witnessed this year.
Guitar virtuoso Derek Trucks might play effortlessly, but his playing is heartfelt and oozes plenty of emotion. At times I enjoyed watching his partner and wife Susan Tedeschi smile at him, showing her own sense of amazement. I always considered Trucks one of the finest slide guitar player I have ever seen. Halfway through the set, an audience member echoed those same sentiments. He stated to me that Trucks and Duane Allman are the two best slide guitar players he has ever seen. He went on to say he saw Allman 6 times. That said, I’ll consider him an unofficial authority.
Vocals and the show was led by Tedeschi. She compliments the talents of Trucks well by offering her bluesy, raspy voice on a number of cuts including the opening track “All That I Need” and “Bound for Glory.” Backup vocalist Mike Mattison handled lead vocals on “I Know.” He also handled a lot of vocals and co sang on another few tracks. Both Tyler Greenwell and J.J. Johnson both handled drum duties and really provided a free flowing rhythm section and gave Trucks and sometimes guest guitarist Doyle Bramhall II and opportunity to shine on the 6-string. On the cover “Sky is Crying,” both Trucks and Bramhall II shared the spotlight along with Tedeschi who also traded some licks with the guys.
The energetic Sharon Jones came out with some pieces of her band to play with Brahmhall II (who was now dressed in an Elvis costume) on each of the encore songs. Jones and Tedeschi complimented each other vocally and Trucks enjoyed the others on stage and let them share in the spotlight.
I made the comment earlier “service of inspirational music” meaning it was like almost attending a church sermon. It was uplifting, emotional and spiritual all at the same time. This show indeed touched the soul and one cannot give enough praise for the musicianship on stage in Lewiston, NY this past Tuesday night. Hallelujah!
Setlist:
All That I Need
Made up Mind
I Know (the Derek Trucks Band cover)
Midnight in Harlem
I’ve Got a Feeling (The Beatles cover)
I Want More
Sky is Crying (Elmore James cover)
Midnight in Harlem
Bound for Glory/Idle Wind
The Storm
Encore:
The Letter (Joe cocker cover – with Sharon Jones @ Dap Kings and Doyle Bramhall II)
Tell Mama (Etta James cover – with Sharon Jones @ Dap Kings and Doyle Bramhall II)
Sing a Simple Song/Take You Higher (Sly & the Family Stone medley -with Sharon Jones @ Dap Kings and Doyle Bramhall II)
We would like to thank Maria Hays from Artpark for her assistance in obtaining credentials so BackstageAxxess can review the show.
