In this 2003 performance from the Austin City Limits series (also available on DVD), New England's Susan Tedeschi demonstrates a range that extends well beyond her blues base. Following the blueprint employed by Bonnie Rai... more »tt a few decades earlier, she covers John Prine's "Angel from Montgomery" (a signature tune for Raitt), inserting a snippet from the Grateful Dead's "Sugaree." The piano balladry of her "Wrapped in the Arms of Another" could fit just fine on a Raitt album. The set also finds her sampling from the songbooks of Sly Stone ("You Can Make It If You Try"), Bob Dylan ("Don't Think Twice, It's All Right"), and Stevie Wonder ("Love's in Need of Love Today"), in addition to the more straightforward blues of Koko Taylor ("Voodoo Woman"). Though Tedeschi's stinging lead guitar provides the focus, she receives strong support from a band featuring the interplay of electric pianist Jason Crosby (who doubles on violin) and William Green on Hammond B-3 organ. Highlights include a tribute to jam-band inspiration Col. Bruce Hampton on "Hampmotized" and the simmering "Wait for Me," with its echoes of Aretha Franklin. Tedeschi has yet to show the suppleness as a vocalist to complement her guitar chops, but the musical range she displays here bodes well for her artistic development. --Don McLeese« less
In this 2003 performance from the Austin City Limits series (also available on DVD), New England's Susan Tedeschi demonstrates a range that extends well beyond her blues base. Following the blueprint employed by Bonnie Raitt a few decades earlier, she covers John Prine's "Angel from Montgomery" (a signature tune for Raitt), inserting a snippet from the Grateful Dead's "Sugaree." The piano balladry of her "Wrapped in the Arms of Another" could fit just fine on a Raitt album. The set also finds her sampling from the songbooks of Sly Stone ("You Can Make It If You Try"), Bob Dylan ("Don't Think Twice, It's All Right"), and Stevie Wonder ("Love's in Need of Love Today"), in addition to the more straightforward blues of Koko Taylor ("Voodoo Woman"). Though Tedeschi's stinging lead guitar provides the focus, she receives strong support from a band featuring the interplay of electric pianist Jason Crosby (who doubles on violin) and William Green on Hammond B-3 organ. Highlights include a tribute to jam-band inspiration Col. Bruce Hampton on "Hampmotized" and the simmering "Wait for Me," with its echoes of Aretha Franklin. Tedeschi has yet to show the suppleness as a vocalist to complement her guitar chops, but the musical range she displays here bodes well for her artistic development. --Don McLeese
"Since writing my review below, I was fortunate enough to actually see Susan Tedeschi perform live in Philadelphia and she was phenomenal and played and sung her heart out on a 98 degree night ... she and her band were even hotter than the weather, with Susan's brilliant guitar work comlemented by her entertaining and talented keyboardist William Green. What a magnificent artist and talented performer!
This new live CD by Susan Tedeschi exceeded my expectations and has already become one of my favorites. As someone who has heard and admired Susan Tedeschi's more popular songs ("Don't Think Twice", "Gonna Move") on the radio, I was surprised at the depth and diversity of the tracks on this recording and moved by the excitement of Tedeschi and her talented band. Austin City Limits, a great PBS program and performing location, proves to be a perfect match for Susan Tedeschi's vocal prowess and guitar slinger skills. The supporting band features great keyboards and b-3 organ and bass, and they really jam well together as well as showcase their solo abilities. My favorite tracks on this CD include Tedeschi's Janis Joplin-like vocals on "It Hurt So Bad", the jazzy/bluesy "Hampmotized" and "Lost Lover Blues" where the band really grooves, the heartfelt Susan Tesdechi/Derek Trucks track "The Feeling Music Brings", the moving lyrics of the beautiful "In The Garden", and the Bob Dylan song "Don't Think Twice" where Tedeschi breathes new life into this classic song. This is a highly entertaining CD from start finish and all 15 songs are terrific. Tedeschi and band are in high form in Austin and play with heart and soul and real excitement."
A wonderful, mature entry from this talented blues singer
Birdman | Minnetonka, MN USA | 11/30/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What a pure pleasure this album is! Susan Tedeschi has matured in a number of ways, and all are evident here. Her back-up group sounds seasoned and skilled and more responsive. Her performances range from fiery numbers like "I Fell in Love," to roughly ten more measured, beautifully delivered ballads and love songs. The recording is live, but it is hardly saturated. It is balanced and clear and professional throughout.
It also runs roughly 77 generous minutes.
I have always wanted to see her in person and soon I will. For the time being, I will put my head back and revel in not only THIS album, but in the people who produce and distribute ALBUMS LIKE THIS. They soothe and tickle the weary soul. Tedeschi understands her public, and if this release is any indication, she has a very bright future.
Concurrent release on DVD should be interesting too.
A wonderful album."
SURPRISED!
G. Meyer | Exeter, NH USA | 08/04/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I own "Just Won't Burn" and love that album. Susan's soul shines through on the title track and a few others. It's a great album.
I've seen Susan Tedeschi live once (when she opened for Jonny Lang a few years back). I was unimpressed by her live show at the time, but I wanted her to be much better.
She achieves this greatness here. This is an outstanding live album from Susan. Her voice is strong and the music is outstanding. I recommend this album very highly.
Peace."
Susan Is on Fire
Gerri A. Barnhart | New Mexico, USA | 07/20/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"After being introduced to Susan Tedeschi's work a couple of years ago, I became an instant fan. Her previous CD's, "Wait for Me" and "Just won't burn" only kept me wanting more. Alas, "livefromaustintx" appeared and shows her great musicianship and emotinally raw vocals. Many live recordings can be disappointing, but this one has nothing to worry about. Susan and her band play their hearts out. It is a treat to hear these talented musicians jamming freely. Anyone who loves the blues with a bit of rock flavor will love this recording-guaranteed."
Outstanding music marred by weak mixing
Howard D. Fisher | Ohio, United States | 12/31/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I've been a Susan Tedeschi fan for a while, and I was so excited to get this album for Christmas -- and overall, it's great music. Tedeschi is an outstanding blues/rock musician, and she's in great form with this recording from Austin City Limits.
I was really surprised, though, when I popped it in and heard nothing but Tedeschi's singing and the organ/synth. Yeah, the drums are present. During solos, you can sort of hear Tedeschi's excellent guitar. But the predominant instrument in the mix is that ever-present synth, and that is just not the right mix for her music.
Tedeschi is so good that this album is still excellent -- but more for the hard-core fans who can appreciate the alternate sound. The recording/mixing wasn't up to par, so if you've never heard Tedeschi before, go with one of her studio albums."