Tedeschi Trucks Band hosted the first of their “Garden Parties” at TD Garden in Boston on Wednesday, September 27. The second, of which, will be at Madison Square Garden on Friday the 29th. The shows also coincide with the 25th anniversary and reissue of Susan Tedeschi’s first record, ‘Just Won’t Burn’. Wednesday’s show was a homecoming celebration that left no doubt as to why Tedeschi is considered a hometown hero. Having been born in Boston and had then grown up in nearby Norwell, Massachusetts, there was an undeniable sense of pride and nostalgia in the air. The anticipation among the fans, including many friends and family, was palpable, and when the music started, the band did not disappoint.
The evening kicked off with a sense of nostalgia as the band dove headfirst into a cover of “Woman to Woman”. The band played several bars of the song before Tedeschi walked out to her mark. It was a tasteful gesture. After a rousing burst of applause, she graced her fans with her powerful and soulful voice, which immediately captured the audience’s attention, setting the tone for an unforgettable night. The two-and-a-half-hour setlist was a rollercoaster of emotions, drawing from both Tedeschi’s solo work and the Tedeschi Trucks Band’s catalog. However, what truly made the night special were the numerous covers that paid homage to some of the band’s greatest musical influences.
Early in the set, Warren Haynes, renowned for his work with Gov’t Mule and The Allman Brothers Band, made a surprise guest appearance. The chemistry between Haynes and the band was electric as they tore through a handful of songs together. It was a musical collaboration that showcased the exceptional talent on the stage and left the crowd in awe. The band played a range of covers, including classics from Joe Cocker, the Allman Brothers Band, Van Morrison, and Faces. Their renditions were not mere copies but rather reinterpretations that would make the original artists proud. They made the songs their own, all while showcasing the band’s unique style and musicianship.
“Dreams,” “Stay With Me,” and “Midnight in Harlem” were definite highlights of the night. These songs allowed Susan Tedeschi to showcase her incredible vocal range and emotional depth. Her ability to connect with the audience through her singing was nothing short of mesmerizing. Derek Trucks, Susan’s husband, and the band’s slide guitarist extraordinaire, displayed his virtuosity throughout the performance. Watching him effortlessly navigate his fretboard with a glass slide was a masterclass in slide guitar technique. When combined with Warren Haynes’ immaculate fretwork, the six-string harmonies that resonated from the stage were nothing short of euphoric. Their orchestrated guitar harmonies were a testament to their skill and musical chemistry.
With a dozen or more musicians on stage, the talent was overflowing. Each member of the Tedeschi Trucks Band brought their unique flair to the performance, creating a rich and dynamic musical landscape that kept the audience engaged from start to finish, making it a triumphant hometown show that celebrated the band’s roots and musical influences. Susan Tedeschi’s soulful voice, Derek Trucks’ masterful slide guitar, and the special guest appearance by Warren Haynes all contributed to a night of music that was nothing short of extraordinary. The band’s ability to seamlessly blend their own catalog with iconic covers was a testament to their musical prowess and deep appreciation for the classics. It was a concert that left the audience with a lasting sense of awe and appreciation for the power of live music.
