Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » The Derek Trucks Band: Roadsongs

290

The Derek Trucks Band: Roadsongs

By

Sign in to view read count
The Derek Trucks Band: Roadsongs
A full-length extension of the previously issued EP, Already Live (Victor, 2009), and a more than worthy successor to Live At the Georgia Theatre (Sony Legacy, 2004), Roadsongs accurately summarizes the evolution of The Derek Trucks Band over its sixteen-year existence. Recorded at Chicago's Park West, the site of the group's concert DVD Songlines (Legacy, 2006), this double-disc set collects standards of the DTB repertoire as well as selections from the unit's most recent studio recordings, many of which are freshened by the presence of a three-piece horn section.

The horns are never intrusive, but rather are arranged appropriately to the material. Thus, saxophonist Mace Hibbard, trumpeter Paul Garrett and trombonist Kevin Hyde are celebratory on "I'll Find My Way" and majestic, in an understated manner, on the melancholy "Day's Is Almost Gone." Hibbard also takes a bracing solo on "Afro Blue"—and in so doing aids, in no small part, to shift the group's extended rendition of Mongo Santamaria's jazz standard to an altogether higher gear.

The Derek Trucks Band's rounds during "Sailin' On" are indicative of an unusual level of empathy, honed by years on tour together. The presence of its charter members—drummer Yonrico Scott and bassist Todd Smallie—benefit the most from Trucks' production and Chris Shaw's mix: they have developed their own panache as the center of gravity for the group. In his lead vocals on tracks such as "Down Don't Bother Me," Mike Mattison refuses to call attention to his role, keenly aware that his voice is another instrument in the ensemble. Meanwhile, the keyboards, flute and singing of Kofi Burbridge are a source of versatility that mirrors the band's mastery of such an eclectic range of material, with elements of pop, R&B, blues, soul, jazz and even Eastern tones weaving in and out of the music.

Trucks elevates the level of playing throughout his group in various ways. He continues to grow as a brilliant soloist (on slide or finger-picked electric guitar)—tough and tenacious on Bob Dylan's "Down in the Flood" and tender during the intro of "Already Free." But the once and future Allman Brothers Band relishes the role of rhythm guitarist too, as this affords him the opportunity, during Bob Marley's "Rastaman Chant," to wield his acute sense of dynamics as an accompanist within the group. This cut also happens to be the sole interval where Count M'butu's percussion is conspicuous in its presence.

In the hands of Trucks & Co., Marley's tune radiates as much a sense of delight as Big Bill Broonzy's "Key to the Highway"—and, in the segue from "Get Out of My Life Woman" into an absolutely white-hot version of Jimi Hendrix' "Who Knows," the band imbues its playing with a joy proportionate to its technical skills.

Dedicated Derek Trucks Band fans will find reaffirmation of their previous live experiences with the band in Roadsongs, while newcomers to this extraordinary group will be only a little less impressed.

Track Listing

CD1: I'll Find My Way; Down In The Flood; Sailin' On; Get What You Deserve; Days Is Almost Gone; Already Free; Afro Blue. CD2: I Know; Down Don't Bother Me; Don't Miss Me; Rastaman Chant; Key To The Highway; Get Out My Life Woman/Who Knows; Anyday.

Personnel

Derek Trucks: guitar; Todd Smallie: bass, vocals; Yonrico Scott: drums, vocals; Kofi Burbridge: keyboards, flute, vocals; Mike Mattison: lead vocals; Count M'Butu: percussion, vocals; Mace Hibbard: tenor saxophone; Paul Garrett: trumpet; Kevin Hyde: trombone.

Album information

Title: Roadsongs | Year Released: 2010 | Record Label: Sony Music

Comments

Tags


For the Love of Jazz
Get the Jazz Near You newsletter All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.

You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.

More

Love Is Passing Thru
Roberto Magris
Candid
Sunny Five
Inside Colours Live
Julie Sassoon

Popular

Eagle's Point
Chris Potter
Light Streams
John Donegan - The Irish Sextet

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.