It’s become a tradition for the Tedeschi Trucks Band to hold residency at the regal Beacon Theatre in NYC each fall. This stint of shows usually features the incredible chemistry between the husband-wife duo and their amazing band, along with great openers, fun covers, and an overall display of soulful, bluesy rock ‘n’ roll. With the Allman Brothers Band no longer around, and thus no longer playing their residency at the Beacon each year, these shows become increasingly important in preserving a classic American sound.
There may be no other band on the circuit that does it quite like Tedeschi Trucks Band. What they’re doing is not past its prime; they are very much in the thick of it. The band is becoming a better show to see with each set played. They utilize their members now better than ever, whether that means letting vocalist/song-writer/multi-instrumentalist Mike Mattison take the lead on multiple songs, or a more recent addition Alecia Chakour take a vocal solo on a 10-minute “Bound for Glory.” The group jams like the best of them, as proven with a blistering 18-minute “The Storm” and the five-minute impromptu introduction to “Midnight in Harlem,” but is still impossibly tight.
Susan Tedeschi, bless her soul, is becoming so much better with age that it’s actually frightening. During the first set this past Friday not, she took a guitar solo during “Sky is Crying” and garnered an ecstatic reaction from the audience. The courage to take a solo with Derek Trucks next to you is one thing, but to nail it is another. She did both as Derek looked on approvingly and played some rare – but really spectacular – rhythm parts to accentuate. During “I Pity the Fool,” a Bobby “Blue” Bland cover, Susan displayed her most impressive vocal display that I’ve witnessed yet, going James Brown on us with an uplifting speech about loving oneself a little bit more. Her performance on Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right” showcased another side of her: the more tender, folksy Susan, who is just as potent.
All in all, Tedeschi Trucks Band stands as one of the most exciting acts in the world of modern bands. They nod to styles that saw their peak in the 60s and 70s, but with a fresh take, incredibly chemistry, and a really big, awesome band backing them. They continue their residency with four shows this week.
Listen to a recording below, via Archive.org, and peak the setlist courtesy of Jambase.
Setlist:Set 1Are You Ready Made Up My Mind Do I Look Worried Darlin’ Be Home Soon The Sky Is Crying Leaving Trunk Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right Don’t Know What It Means Let Me Get BySet 2:Anyhow Bound for Glory Midnight in Harlem Palace of the King I’ve Got a Feeling Crying Over You Fire and Rain I Pity the Fool The StormEncore:Sing, Sing, Sing Space Captain