If there is an award for hardest rocking and most talented husband wife duo it unquestionably goes to Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks. Between the expert slide guitar playing of Trucks and booming soulful vocals of Tedeschi they create a musical sound that is unlike anything else. Even though the couple has been playing together for years, it’s only now that they have officially formed the Tedeschi-Trucks Band, a large collective of master musicians. In support of their Grammy-nominated debut album, Revelator, the band paid a visit to Austin’s ACL Moody Theater on Wednesday night.
The band kicked off the show with Trucks playing a catchy riff on a cover of Harry Nilsson’s classic tune, “Everybody’s Talkin’ At Me,” and both drummers pounding away, providing the perfect background to Susan Tedeschi’s powerful voice.
“Midnight in Harlem” opened up with Trucks playing a hauntingly psychedelic slide guitar solo followed by a slow buildup of cymbals and organ. The combination of the beautiful lyrics and voice, slide guitar, and background vocals gave this song a warm feeling.
“Learn How To Love” was heavy on the blues with Trucks playing his dirty southern style slide guitar right along with Tedeschi’s voice. The song only got heavier when Tedeschi showed off her own talents at playing the blues by trading licks with Trucks, whipping the crowd in to a frenzy.
“Bound For Glory” saw Kofi Burbridge shine with his rolling funky organ playing that opens up the song with a light playful feel that is almost a gospel number once the harmonic vocals and brass instruments come in. The band even slowed the song down to let Maurice Brown take over with a jazzy trumpet solo.
“Love Has Something Else To Say” closed out the show with a healthy dose of funky blues that prominently featured every member of the band standing out in their own right. The Burbridge brothers on organ and bass jammed back and forth while the brass section blew their horns with full force.
The band unleashed their full energy with an explosive cover of Sly and the Family Stone’s “Take You Higher.” Every band member gave it their all and created one big funky party on stage. The last song got the audience on their feet and dancing, and Tedeschi-Trucks Band showed off the insane musical levels they can reach. With so many band members it is amazing that two monster talents like Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks are able to give every musician a chance to shine. -Neil Ferguson