[rating=8.00]
As their website so proudly and accurately notes, Let Me Get By is an album of firsts for the Tedeschi Trucks Band. Their debut for Fantasy Records, this early 2016 release is more importantly, an in-house product of creativity. All the material is original, in various combinations of what’s now a twelve-piece band, was recorded and mixed by the group’s own sound guru Bobby Tis, and it was produced at by Derek Trucks himself in his own studio (in collaboration with guitarist/songwriter Doyle Bramhall II on three tracks).
There are other slightly less significant but nevertheless crucial debuts within this, the third TTB studio effort. It is the first album with bassist Tim Lefebvre in tow and his assertive bass playing, elicits as much ingenuity as intensity in the playing of double drummers J.J. Johnson and Tyler Greenwell. Meanwhile, fans of the Derek Trucks Band will hear a familiar voice in that of Mike Mattison, who assumes the role of lead vocalist on “Cryin’ Over You,” exhibiting his customarily understated, soulful panache within a mix syncopation and strings.
Supple as is his voice, it is nevertheless a prime foil for the singing of Susan Tedeschi. whose wordless wail over a bluesy acoustic crescendo gives way to a delivery of lyrics dramatized by the majestic horn arrangement and background vocals on “Anyhow.” The real beauty of TTB’s debut, Revelator, is that it told a personal story not just about the leaders of the band, but the whole group and there is a similar sense of work created close to the collective heart here on Let Me Get By.
Not surprisingly, the impact of that effect comes through most clearly in the guitar playing of Trucks even though he keeps the distinctive sounds of his instrument humbly submerged just enough. Yet for all the sting of solos such as the one on the aforementioned opener, his deftly-fingered fills on “Laugh About It” are just as impressive, particularly as they complement the horns and even more so the multiple sounds Kofi Burbridge coaxes from his keyboards as on the rotation of piano and organ on the title song.
And the sound of Indian tones swirling around his flute on “Hear Me” is a special pleasure indeed, reminding the core value of TTB is its stellar musicianship. The co-productions with Bramhall, bandmate of Trucks with Eric Clapton a few years ago, are of a piece with the rest bearing a craftsman like approach that still allows for a palpable sense of spontaneity. “I Want More,” for instance, shines on its own terms and in its astute placement in the song sequence, furthering the cumulative momentum of the ten tracks, many of which extend into the six-to-eight minute range.
A 2CD ‘Deluxe Edition’ of Let Me Get By is also available that includes, in addition to demos and alternate takes, tracks recorded live at the Beacon Theatre in New York at what’s turning into an annual fall ritual for Tedeschi Trucks Band. It doesn’t disparage the achievement of this album to state it sets the stage for this unit’s second concert recording; rather, it stands as yet another ambitious challenge for Derek, Susan and co. the similar likes of which they have fulfilled so handsomely here in just shy of an hour’s playing time.
2 Responses
Great review! Just got my copy today. No better way to spend a Friday night. Thank you!
There is a melding of Florida and Boston Blues mixed in with a dynamite syncopation.The band gets better with the passing of time.Gut wrenching vocals and a heartfelt horn section make this big band sound work.They are a marvel to listen to.