Tedeschi Trucks Band – Made Up Mind

I have been a Derek Trucks fan for a long time and when Revelator came out in 2011 I felt he really hit his stride – finally he had the perfect vocalist in his wife Susan Tedeschi.  Revelator was an outstanding and Made Up Mind is a worthy follow-up.  Musically these two albums are similar, but this time around everything seems a little more relaxed and lived in like your favorite jeans.

Susan sounds particularly in command on this set.  Her vocals are emotionally expressive – a worthy tonal equivelant to Derek’s guitar.  Derek’s solos are a thick and naturally sweet as honey.  The whole band sounds great – the horn arrangements are subtle and sophisticated at the same time – punctuating both Derek’s guitar and Susan’s vocals.

If you’re not familiar with the Tedeschi Trucks Band here are few reference points:

• First and foremost The Allman Brothers Band – that is where Derek made a name for himself as the reincarnated Duane.
• Bonnie Raitt – the easiest reference point for Susan’s vocals
  
• Delaney & Bonnie – the blueprint for the husband and wife soul/rock/blues ensemble with really cool friends.

The three Tedeschi Trucks Band albums are very much soaked in a 70s vibe.  But I have no problem with that.  I am grateful that a younger band is keeping the tradition alive and moving it forward.  This is easy-going, yet virtuosic at the same time.  The textures are deep.  Each repeated listen reveals new nuances.  Derek nods to Duane, Eric and Jimi – yet remains his own man.  Again I can’t think of a more perfect vocalist to be fronting this band (and she can tear off a tasty little solo herself on the six string).  This is very much a balanced performance by Susan and Derek.