I love when a band proves it can think out of the box.
Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks proved that so by putting together a really cool video for NPR’s great feature, the Tiny Desk Concert.
Room to grow for Derek Triucks and Susan Tedeschi? (From NPR.org)
The southern rock blues bunch proved you can indeed get 12 working musicians crammed behind one desk.
My connection with the so-very-talented wife-and-husband musicians goes back to my days as the music writer and critic for the big daily.
Tedeschi was still and up-and-coming guitarist and singer playing an afternoon outdoor set at the New York State Blues Festival in downtown Syracuse’s Clinton Square, I recall, when the gaggle of diehard fans around me starting firing off compliments about her performance, music filling the air, sun hitting her hair just right, her striking control of the stage. One guy eventually hit upon how beautiful she was, offering out loud how every man in the crowd would love to be with her. Which caused this equal time reply: “Every woman, too.” Yup.
Trucks visited while still a kid, really, getting a spot with uncle, drummer Butch Trucks, and his long-running gig with the Allman Brothers Band. Years after, Derek brought his own band through Central New York, and his publicist set up an interview to advance the show. We talked on the phone for a half hour, hitting it off on many subjects — including his relationship with Susan. After Derek hung up, the publicist came back on the connection. In fact, she told me she’s stayed on listening, and complimented me for my easy way of making Derek comfortable and good questions. When showtime came, I was surprised when the local promoter came out to where I was seated with my dear wife Karen beforehand — good seats, too, half-dozen rows back and dead center. He carried a message. “Derek wants to say hello to the dean of Central New York music critics,” the guy said. Wide smile, you bet.
Coming to Syracuse on Tuesday, the Tedeschi Trucks Band. (Publicity Photo)
Which leads me to now, and an email sent to me by the current Tedeschi Trucks Band publicist Danielle:
Tedeschi Trucks Band’s new album ‘Let Me Get By’ is out now, and it’s earned praise from Rolling Stone, and the Associated Press, who called it “one of the great records of the year.” The Wall Street Journal says ‘Let Me Get By’ “reflects transformation: It’s a varied collection of songs that sounds cohesive even while gliding through rock, soul, blues, jazz and world music.” They just performed at Southern Ground Music Festival …
Syracuse-area fans can see the band at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Crouse-Hinds Concert Theater in the downtown Mulroy Civic Center. TicketMaster says there aren’t many tickets left.
Here’s the link that will get you to the video of the band with that video above.
Here’s a link to the band on NPR’s World Cafe.
Which do you prefer, southern rock or blues, and why? Which wife-and-husband musician team is your favorite, and why? Which acts have you liked better as a band than solo, and why?
Mark Bialczak 
Great post, Mark! I have loved Susan Tedeschi since her first CD came out many years ago – I heard “Hurt So Bad” and I was hooked by her deep bluesy voice right away ❤ When it comes to music, I have many favs, but love the blues & southern rock . . . hard to pick one over the other, as sometimes they collide 🙂
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When music worlds collide, Sadie, we all win. ❤ I think you and I grew up listening to many of the same albums, and that continued. 🙂
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I listened to her in the 90’s. Had no idea she was just a kid! Wow, she’s so much younger than me haha. Seriously, it surprises me how much we don’t hear of amazing musicians like this. If the top 40 stations put this music out there, she would be mobbed everywhere she went
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I have the feeling that she doesn’t want Top 40-type fame. Maybe. But the riches … What do I know for sure, Rose?
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Just meaning to say that when I listened to her in the past, I didn’t know I was listening to such a young lady. Her music had some real teeth, like someone who had been a musician longer
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I think you’re right, Rose.
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You see, do, and know the coolest things, Mark! Blues for me. I may like me some Southern Comfort, but not so much the Southern Rock. Though musically these folks are talented. Don’t know enough about music to answer your other questions intelligently so shall remain mum. X-:
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You sound British when you use the word mum, Liz. Just sayin’. 😉
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Wow, I love their music. She reminds me a lot of Bonnie Raitt. Great music!!!!
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She does have some Bonnie to her, SD. I thought that back in the day on her live set, too. ❤
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Haven’t listened since my iPod broke and my kids scratched up the CDs, but I’ve been a Susan T. fan for years, Mark.
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Good taste you have, Scott. Now you need to get that iPod situation sorted out. 😦
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Love her voice and the slide guitar! I wasn’t going to admit it Mark, but I clicked onto your screen shot of the video – very tricky my friend! Glad you provided the link at the end. ❤
Diana xo
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Sorry to be so sly, Diana. I needed the image. I’m glad I redeemed myself at the end. ❤ You are do right about the voice and guitar. 🙂
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I love this band. I have seen them a couple times at Jazzfest and they are always on my top 10 list.
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You know how to pick the good ones, my friend. Jazz and Heritage fest. Ahhhhh, you lucky DE. 😉
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Alas I couldn’t go this year but hopefully next. TTB performed last year at the NO JH and I was fortunate enough to see them.
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Sometimes real life barks at us, Christy. I know that for a fact as well.
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Cool music Mark.Thanks.
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I’m glad you like them, Paul. They are cool. 🙂 You’re welcome.
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