A spiritual transformation takes place when one walks through downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Rain or shine, Nashville earns its nickname “Music City” for one good reason. There is music everywhere. From the honky-tonks on Broadway to the underground, hip clubs both east and west of Music Row, it never ends. At the heart of the city, is hallowed ground, the legendary Ryman Auditorium. For most, the Ryman is considered the epicenter of both bluegrass and country music. Its historic significance is unquestionable and to step on the Ryman’s stage is a milestone for any artist.
One band, who has graced the stage more than one occasion, parked their tour bus behind Tootsie’s and made their way to the Ryman stage for a two-night stand. The Florida-based Tedeschi Trucks Band sold out both nights, playing to an appreciative, music-loving audience.
Fronted by the husband and wife-duo of Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi, the twelve-piece, soul-fueled rock and roll blues ensemble, entertained the Ryman’s guests with an 18-song set that was comprised mostly of songs from their last two releases, Let Me Get By (2016) and Made Up Mind (2013) on February 23rd. TTB also covered several songs, putting their own spin on the originals, to tastefully make them their own.
TTB opened the first set with “Anyhow”. After the band’s abbreviated musical intro, Tedeschi started to sing her first words and the audience knew they were in for a treat. Tedeschi’s voice was on point from the start, clearly not needing any time to warm up. Trucks’ slide-work and the horn section (Kebbi Williams/Saxophone, Elizabeth Lea/Trombone and Ephraim Owens/Trumpet) weaved their well-orchestrated parts into the opener with just enough flair to bolster and compliment the rhythm section. Highlights of the first set included the sultry and soulful “All The World”, followed by two brilliant covers.
TTB nailed “The Sky Is Crying”, which found both Trucks and Tedeschi tearing it up in their axes and “Sailing On” which made full-use of the horn section. Mike Mattison stepped down from the riser to take on lead vocals and earned some well-deserved time in the spotlight. Kofi Burbridge laid down a funky organ solo that offered a quirky and fun twist before TTB played a rarity. The band pulled out “Mahjoun”, which featured an engaging flute solo by Burbridge. The first set ended with a rousing, mixed-tempo jam of “Let Me Get By”, from which the band put on a clinic of musicianship.
After a generous intermission, the lights dimmed once again, and the band returned to the stage.TTB ignited their second set with “Statesboro Blues”, which elated the audience. Trucks’ and Tedeschi’s fretwork impressed. After a raucous round of applause after the song’s conclusion, Tedeschiplaced her guitar aside to focus on lead vocals for “Shame”. If TTB were to have only played one song, “Shame” clearly put the troupe’s talent on display. Tedeschi’s delivery was mesmerizing. Trucks masterfully switched between clean, bell-like tones to blistering leads on his SG, all while carefully not overshadow Tedeschi in any way. “Shame” was simply breathtaking.
Other beacons of the second set included, “Going Down Slow”, which brought Mattison back to center stage to take over lead vocals. Tedeschi was clearly enjoying her turn on lead guitar as she rolled her foot back and forth on her wah pedal. Mattison stayed up front as the band segued into “Anyway”. Tedeschi and Mattisonreveled in the playful duet. Mark Rivers and Alecia Chakourbeautifully harmonized behind the two. It was hard to tell who was enjoying themselves more, the band or the audience.
Tedeschi dazzled everyone in their pews, as she performed her take on Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice” before going old school with a heartfelt rendition of “How Blue Can You Get?” For both songs, Tedeschi’s voice was incredible. Her ability to channel rock, blues, or soul is mind-blowing. Even Tedeschi’sguitar work gave a clear nod to B.B. King’s take on the classic. And, to end the potent second set, TTB jammed through “Idle Wind”, giving tandem-drummers Tyler Greenwell and J.J. Johnson another opportunity lock in and to showcase their unique stylings on the skins.
TTB weren’t quite done, as they returned once again to perform two more songs for their finale. Tedeschishowcased her talent once again as she sang a beautiful rendition of Leon Russell’s “A Song For You” and with it, TTB graciously brought gospel back to the Ryman. Trucks’ six-string prowess was let loose during the last song of the evening. “Get What You Deserve”which wrapped up the encore. Trucks, Tedeschi and bassist Tim Lefebvre, grooved together with the rest of the band as they closed out another memorable night in Nashville.
TTB pulled out all of the stops and delivered an amazing performance. For a twelve-piece, it was amazing to watch and to listen to a well-oiled machine run so flawlessly. Fans in Nashville can catch them once again at the Ryman for a two-night stand in March. TTB will also continue touring in between and will embark on a summer tour with Drive-By Truckers and the Marcus King Band.
