Photos by Thomas Miller
A whole lotta’ heart and a whole lotta’ soul would be a simple but an accurate portrayal of Tedeschi Trucks Band (TTB). Husband and wife duo, Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi, surround themselves (and their electric guitars) with seasoned players making for an all around big band sound and a horn section that could steal your heart. The synergy of the ensemble put together was a palpable ripple that extended through the large Albany crowd.
Besides the obvious family of the group, matched with dynamic individuals, the unit mimicked all the facets and idiosyncrasies of what would be an extended family. And every family wouldn’t be complete without an impish, naughty yet playful trumpeter off to the side raising havoc with his horn, as was the case with Maurice Brown. George Porter Jr. guested, as former bass player Oteil Burbridge left the band. Porter was right at home standing next to a laid back Derek Trucks – who grew up on the stage – with disciplined and focused energy that filtered through his body, into his fingers, onto the fret board, and culminated in an electric resonance that filled the grandeur of The Palace.
The Palace, located at the edge of Albany’s downtown business district, sits majestically like a Queen perched in her thrown. A grabbing, well-lit marque can be seen from the highway, but the real magic happens inside. Each wall, post and parts of the high ceiling are covered in ornate paintings of blue skies and angels. A community of musicians such as the Tedeschi Trucks Band is a befitting match for just such a venue.
The Tedeschi Trucks Band pulled songs from 2010 release, Revelator with crowd favorites such as “Bound for Glory,” which was led into with a swampedelic intro by Trucks breaking into a full gospel handing the helm over to Tedeschi. TTB included favored covers (which can be heard on Everybody’s Talkin’) such as Stevie Wonder’s “Uptight.” Tedeschi’s depth and vibrato in her vocals especially grabbed the soul in her rendition of John Prine’s ballad “Angel From Montgomery”, a fitting end to the evening.
Opener, Charlie Mars won over the crowd with his charming songs and tales of days gone by.