The Tedeschi Trucks Band is gearing up for its next leg of the Wheels of Soul Tour and what a better place to kick of the new leg than at the University of Buffalo for 2 shows? The band has been a Western New York favorite since both Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi decided to put the band together back in 2010. With their latest release “Let Me Get By,” the band is more than pumped to unleash new music on their dedicated fanbase.
Taking the stage at around 8:45pm, they gave a good dose of new material (5 tracks) and some fan favorites including “Bound for Glory” and “Midnight in Harlem.” The supporting members of Tedsechi & Trucks consist of 10-piece group that includes 2 drummers, a 3-piece horn section, 3 backup vocalists, keyboard player and a bassist. For most of the set, Tedsechi complimented Trucks on guitar but sang acapella for “Bird on a Wire” and she nailed it. In fact, Tedeschi’s voice was superb and amazing the entire night. It’s hard to divert attention away from Derek Trucks guitar playing, but Susan commanded equal attention, as this may be the best vocal performance I’ve seen her deliver. Keyboardist Kofi Burbridge showcased his talent on the organ, and also played the flute during the song “I Want More.” The band paid tribute to B.B. King by playing “How Blues Can You Get.” Tyler Greenwell and J.J. Johnson took center stage on their respective kits by powering the tune “The Storm.”
Derek Trucks has to be one of the most underrated guitar players on the planet, and you won’t find a better slide guitar player anywhere. Perhaps his quiet and unassuming persona is a factor in why he doesn’t receive more of the mainstream attention he deserves, nevertheless, he is happy letting his guitar do the talking, and it speaks VERY loudly! On this night, he was a monster on the 6-string as usual, and effectively expressed himself with precision and fluidity.
It’s guaranteed by the first show of this run, that other select cities will get to witness an amazing performance! So, make it point not to miss it.
Setlist:
Laugh About It
Don’t Know What That Means
Keep on Growing (Derek and the Dominoes cover)
Bird on a Wire
Anyhow
I Want More
The Storm
Lord Protect My Child
Within You/Just as Strange
How Blue Can You Get? (B.B. King cover)
Crying Over You
Midnight in Harlem
Let Me Get By
Encore:
Going Down to Mexico
Bound for Glory
We would like to thank Dave Wedekindt from UB for the credentials to review the show.
