I have followed the career of guitarist Derek Trucks since I first heard him play on a broadcast of an Allman Brothers concert from back in 2003. That concert subsequently became available on DVD. Here's this young, blond kid with a ponytail, playing slide guitar on a red Gibson SG with a tone unlike ANY I'd ever heard before. It was not harsh and shrill like a distorted blues harmonica played through a bullet microphone. But rather, it was a sweet, glassy tone. This really intrigued me, in the very short amount of time I'd been following guitarists to that point, almost a decade ago.
Until that time, I hadn't heard his name or knew anything about him. I wanted to know more. So, finding a record by his first band (The Derek Trucks Band), I keenly listened to what he did, and my world changed, much like it had with my discovery of Duane Allman as well. I thought, "wow! This guy is the real deal and he's totally unique!" This was even way before Derek's playing would inspire me to dabble in playing slide guitar. I couldn't believe that someone could get such a sweet, singing sound out of a guitar.
On "Revelator", however, it is the songwriting that takes some precedence over guitar fireworks, although Trucks and Tedeschi both do dig in on some of their numbers. All of these songs are written by the band. Tedeschi's voice is a sure highlight of the record. She is one of the most soulful singers I've heard and one of the top female blues vocalists today.
Trucks' playing has always been fiery. Adding Tedeschi (who is also his wife), to the fold, brings a whole new dimension and makes the band a true ensemble. Horns and keyboards (contributed by Kofi Burbridge, Trucks' longtime friend and music collaborator, and brother of Oteil Burbridge who plays bass with the Allman Brothers), are also a highlight, as well as another ABB trait (twin drummers). The horn section that backs the band also adds a huge dose of soul to the record and perfectly complements the songs in their lyrical structure.
The writing paints very vivid portraits. The whole band does contribute to the songs (as Derek's previous band, The Derek Trucks Band), did. But, Tedeschi/Trucks Band is slightly less about jamming and wowing people with guitar virtuosity and more about the songs. Derek Trucks has stated that throughout his career he's wanted to have a band that focuses on great songs but still has highly talented players, a super group of sorts like Delaney & Bonnie or Mad Dogs & Englishmen.
Well, he seems to have achieved that type of a group with this band and in the process has made a very listener friendly record where someone can casually hear the whole thing and not have to be too hung up on guitar licks. Yet, it also satisfies those of us who are guitar purists as well, I am sure.
"Revelator" Track listing
1. Come See About Me
2. Don't Let Me Slide
3. Midnight in Harlem
4. Bound For Glory
5. Simple Things
6. Until You Remember
7. Ball and Chain
8. These Walls
9. Learn How To Love
10. Shrimp & Grits (Interlude)
11. Love Has Something Else To Say
12. Shelter/Jam
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