Written by Jim Bille
The Tedeschi Trucks Band made a stop this week at Smart Financial Centre in Sugarland, Texas and delivered another epic performance. Known widely as probably the best touring band on the road at anytime, the ensemble did not disappoint as they offered up close to two hours of new and old songs from their ever growing music catalog.
The performance showcased many songs from TTB’s ambitious four CD release from 2022 entitled I Am Moon.
Music performed from I am Moon included, “Hear My Dear”, “Fall In” which featured long time collaborator and vocalist Mike Mattison, “I Am Moon”, “Circles Around The Sun” and an instrumental called “Pasaquan”, which spotlighted Trucks virtuoso guitar work.
The band opened the set with a number from their 2016 release Let Me Get By during which Susan Tedeschi warmed up her sultry and powerful voice with the song “Anyhow” demonstrating her phenomenal vocals that only hinted at the heights she would reach this evening.
The song “Let Me Get By” showcased keyboardist Gabe Dixon on organ jazzing through the song with some intense and protracted playing followed by Derek Trucks again employing some of his dazzling slide guitar work.
Susan Tedeschi revived one of her songs from her early solo career called “Little by Little”, a Junior Wells / Buddy Guy original that featured Tedeschi’s own guitar mastery.
Mike Mattison returned as lead vocalist with a jumping version of the Bessie Smith classic “Gin House Blues” with Gabe Dixon playing some amazing barrel house blues piano that really set the song on fire.
Slowing things down, Susan Tedeschi mentioned the next number was from one of her favorite song writers the late John Prine. Her captivating version of Prine’s “Angel From Montgomey” was radiant as she blended the end of the song with Jerry Garcia’s “Sugaree”.
Other songs featured this evening included “Made Up Mind” with it’s guitar chugging tempo courtesy of Trucks and The Coasters R&B classic “Let’s Go Get Stoned”.
The Tedeschi Trucks Band once again delivered a stunning evening of brilliant music that must be seen live to fully appreciate the greatness of this incredibly talented ensemble.