TTB Double Live Everybody's Talkin'

The Tedeschi Truck’s Band’s brand new live album, Everybody’s Talkin’, is the proof of theory that was hinted at in Susan Tedeschi’s interviews on the 2010 Crossroads DVD. Citing Delaney and Bonny (and Friends) as well as Joe Cocker’s all-star Mad Dogs and Englishman revue of the early 1970’s as touchstones the then embryonic TTB covered tunes from both those groups, “Comin’ Home” and “Space Captain.” Though neither of those songs is featured on this release the spirit of those groups permeates the grooves. If the goal was to create a feel good convergence of talented musicians at the top of their game then TTB is batting 1000.

Much like the Allman Brothers’ classic At The Fillmore East album Everybody’s Talkin’ gives TTB a chance to show off how they’ve blossomed on tour since last year’s debut album. While the Revelator album (reviewed here) was a favorite of mine in 2011, TTB’s live renditions almost immediately eclipsed the studio versions. I was totally blown away by the performance I saw at NYC’s Beacon Theater last September (review here.) Tunes I had been dismissive of like “Bound For Glory” became showcases for band interaction. I was enamored with “Learn How To Love” in the first place but the live version upped the ante with some searing and soaring slide work from Derek. Both those songs are highlights of this album.

I’m also drawn to the syncopated juke joint take on “Rollin’ and Tumblin’”, which is as much Ray Charles as it is Muddy Waters inspired. I’m glad they chose to include Stevie Wonder’s “Uptight.” Driven by Oteil Burbridge’s percolating bass it takes full advantage of the 11 piece band’s scope. The only misstep for my personal taste is the rendition of John Sebastian’s “Darling Be Home Soon” which doesn’t reach the vocal intimacy of either the original or the Joe Cocker versions.

The dual disc format of Everybody’s Talkin’ affords plenty of room for stretching out that will keep jamband fans satisfied. It’s a solid offering that conveys the camaraderie and excitement of the TTB live show. A nice tasting menu of what you get when you see them on stage. Bottom line is you must be a participant to get the full effect. There are plenty of chances coming up.

Tedeschi Trucks Band Tour Dates – 2012
 

5/27                 Summer Camp: Sunshine Main Stage, Three Sisters Park – Chillicothe, IL
5/30                 Murat Theatre – Indianapolis, IN
6/1                   Stage AE – Pittsburgh, PA
6/2                   Appel Farm Arts & Music Ctr – Elmer, NJ
6/3                   Mountain Jam Festival: East Stage – Hunter, NY
6/15                 Paramount Theatre – Seattle, WA
6/16:                The Britt Festival – Jacksonville, FL
6/17:                Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall – Portland, OR
6/19:                The Center For The Performing Arts – Vancouver, BC
6/21                 Jack Singer Concert Hall – Calgary, AB
6/22                 Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium – Edmonton, AB
6/24 & 6/25     Minnesota Zoo Amphitheater – Apple Valley, MN     
6/27                 Overture Center For The Arts – Madison, WI
6/29                 TD Toronto Jazz Festival: Main Stage Marquee, Nathan Philips Square – Toronto, OH
7/6                   Winnipeg Folk Festival: Main Stage – Winnipeg, MB
7/7                   Thunder Bay Blues Festival – Thunder Bay, ON
7/10                 RBC Royal Bank Ottawa Bluesfest 2012 – Ottawa, ON
7/11                 Quebec City International Summer Festival – Quebec City, QC
7/18                 Ravinia Festival – Highland Park, IL
8/5                   Newport Jazz Festival: Main Stage, Fort Adams State Park – Newport, RI
8/11                 Toyota Pavilion At Montage Mountain – Scranton, PA
8/28                 Verizon Theatre At Grand Prairie – Grand Prairie, TX
8/29                 Sandia Casino Amphitheater – Albuquerque, NM
8/30                 Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, CO
9/1                   Comerica Theatre – Phoenix, AZ
9/2                   The Joint – Las Vegas, NV
9/5                   Hollywood Bowl – Los Angeles, CA
9/7                   Bob Hope Theater – Stockton, CA
9/8                   The Mountain Winery – Saratoga, CA
9/9                   Harrah’s Rincon – Open Sky – Valley Center, CA
9/14                 Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival – Fredericton, NB
9/20                 Beacon Theatre w/ special guest Leon Russell – New York, NY
9/21                 Beacon Theatre w/ special guest The Wood Brothers – New York, NY    
10/27               Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise – San Juan, PR