Search - The Derek Trucks Band :: Roadsongs

EXCITING COMBINATION OF GENRES BY TRUCKS AND HIS BAND

Stuart Jefferson | San Diego,Ca | 06/21/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Two discs,48,58 minutes each approximately. The sound is very crisp and clean,with an almost "you are there" feel. The discs are slipped, bare, into a tri-fold cardboard holder, which has some interesting color photos inside, along with a pertinent quote from Eric Clapton about being on the road constantly. The booklet lists the song titles, and lengths. There's a short written piece by singer Mike Mattison on his first concert experience as a member of the band, playing live,and how blues music is the foundation of THE DEREK TRUCKS BAND. The remainder of the booklet is taken up with color photos of members of the band.



With this new release, the DEREK TRUCKS BAND proves that they are one of few bands that can deliver great live versions from their previous, bluesy, studio release "Already Free", combined with their take on a (lengthy) jazz classic "Afro Blue", the well known "Anyday" (DEREK AND THE DOMINOS), and the old blues warhorse "Key To The Highway" (among others), and inject them with their own sound. Songs like "Down In The Flood" (Dylan), "Days Is Almost Gone", and "Down Don't Bother Me", for example, are injected with the excitement of a live recording in front of an appreciative audience. Trucks and his band are capable of playing in virtually any genre of music they choose-from blues, gospel, rock, r&b, country, to world music, all combined into one broad style-and it's all here.



On this live set Trucks and his band (which range in age from their 20's to their 40's) show they have the skill, confidence, and depth to assimilate many styles of music and take that music (and the listener) in virtually any direction. Trucks, who came out of THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND, who had a penchant for improvisation, has that rare combination of technique, style, and soulfulness that elevates him into the upper echelons of guitar players. His playing with musicians like Eric Clapton and Warren Haynes has only deepened his approach to improvisation. He has continued to define his guitar tone, and whether picking single notes or playing full chords, his sound is rich and full. His slide playing is very warm, soulful, yet visceral, with an almost understated excitement.



The 2003 set "Live at Georgia Theatre" (now available for approximately $10), is a good comparison in defining Truck's tone and style. On this 2 CD set his sound is closer to Duane Allman's, with Trucks just beginning to step into his own style. The core band (as on "Roadsongs") members do their usual good job of holding/advancing everything together. Both of these sets are companion pieces when it comes to great live music from this band. If you haven't heard "Live at Georgia Theatre" (with great sound) you're missing some fine music.



The bands sound, which is a combination of razor sharp chops, and a relaxed, honest, organic approach is the perfect combination that seamlessly blends straightforward, no frills playing with several of the better tracks from their last album, with some newer live renditions of other songs. Throughout, the well thought out arrangements (with the inclusion of occasional horns), which constantly ebb and flow, keep the music fresh and interesting-along with the (sometimes subtle) always exciting playing of Trucks. The vocals, handled by Mike Mattison, allow Trucks to concentrate on his guitar playing and the direction of the music, which is vital when weaving seemingly disparate styles of music into one organic whole.



This live set is a continuation, a refinement of this bands sound. Trucks (and the band) continues to forge ahead in whatever direction the music takes them (and us), which is the hallmark of a band that's choosing to stretch the boundaries of music and not be satisfied with playing the same music in the same repetitive style. This group is one of few bands to play across and assimilate different genres of music, and weave them into an honest style all their own. So sit back and let this music take you where it will-you won't be sorry."

Well done, gentlemen

M. Lenda | Boulder, CO | 06/24/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Let's be honest: "Already Free" was severely underwhelming to many DTB fans. I am not one of them, because I enjoy that album exactly for what it is -- good music, good friends, good family. Trucks doesn't do a lot of soaring on that album (nor did he need to), and he let a lot of other things shine.



When they announced the release of "Roadsongs," my spine started to tingle again. Could it even begin to compare to "Live At Georgia Theatre" (capturing DTB just as singer Mike Mattison was coming into his own as the voice of the band)? Could it elevate to the standard established by "Songlines! Live" (putting a face on DTB with this DVD release)? This was my concern. What if they are now a laid-back band? What if Trucks is no longer interested in ripping every inch of every song apart?



No worries. "Roadsongs" delivers like you wouldn't believe.



As Mattison says in the liner notes, DTB is a band that makes its mark on the stage. From the outset, Trucks puts in flying solo after flying solo, never staying within any box ever presented to him. The band is tight and playing like it's just another night on stage -- and "just another night" means that they are delivering. The horn section adds depth and taste as well as a few solos in songs like "Afro Blue." DTB runs the gamut of their collection, with a focus on the songs from "Already Free"; of particular greatness are "Get What You Deserve" and "Down In the Flood." They go way back to "Afro Blue" from their album "Soul Serenade" as well as a couple of tunes from "Songlines."



As for the covers, we get what we wanted: "Key to the Highway" and "Anyday" are throw-backs to Derek and the Dominos that only DTB are capable of pulling off. It's almost unreal what this band does to these songs. As a bonus, we get "Who Knows" -- that great Hendrix tune -- thrown onto the backside of "Get Out of My Life Woman," and Trucks plays some of the most outrageous tricks-in-the-bag that he's got. I would put him above Bonamassa, Sheperd, and Mayer any day of the week (even though I love their playing, too).



I could talk for hours about this record, and I've only had it for a day and a half. But I'd rather listen to it again. And again. And again."

DTB--GREAT CD--GREATER BAND

Christopher R. Mcbeth | Walnut Bottom, PA USA | 06/27/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"OK, this will be easy. The DTB has no bad CDs or DVDs. Roadsongs just adds to an already brilliant musical catalog. Enough said. Folks, this is the BEST band in the world and they have been for a few years now, if not more. If anyone thinks differently, they haven't caught the band live yet. A suggestion: when the DTB comes to your town, run, don't walk to get tickets. They are a LIVE band in the purest sense of the word. While their recorded material is great, it just doesn't do justice to their live shows. This is no image-band; there is no con game at their shows (I've seen them 9 times). JUST THE MUSIC !! Yes, Derek is a mind-blowing guitarist but trust me, Kofi, Mike, Rico, Todd & Count M'Butu are not far behind !! Buy this disk; buy anything from the DTB. You won't be disappointed. But go to a DTB show; then you'll understand."