Roadsongs
Masterworks
The Derek Trucks Band is on hiatus for 2010, but they’re releasing this double-disc 2009 concert recording to tide fans over. Heavy on material from the last album, “Already Free,” it improves on 2004’s “Live at Georgia Theatre” not only in terms of sonic quality but also with the addition of a horn section, lending it a more soulful feel à la The Band’s classic live “Rock of Ages.”
Clocking in at an hour and 45 minutes, there’s plenty here to chew on. Trucks’ slide guitar work just keeps blowing minds, Mike Mattison’s vocals glide effortlessly from whisper to growl, and the rest of the gang play with near perfect precision and from-the-gut emotion.
The title track from their last one merges the Delta blues found on the studio version with that sitar sound Trucks likes to dabble in. The 14-minute “Afro Blue,” written by Mongo Santamaria and popularized by John Coltrane, gives keyboardist Kofi Burbridge a chance to work out on his flute and likewise hired gun Mace Hibbard on his tenor sax.
Other highlights include the tandem percussion of drummer Yonrico Scott and unofficial member Count Mbutu on “Rastaman Chant” and “Key to the Highway”; a 13-minute medley of “Get Out of My Life Woman” and “Who Knows”; and a nine-minute cover of Derek and the Dominos’ “Anyday” that was only hinted at when Trucks played with Eric Clapton at 2007’s Crossroads Guitar Festival.
Tracks
DISC ONE
1. I’ll Find My Way
2. Down In The Flood
3. Sailing On
4. Get What You Deserve
5. Days Is Almost Gone
6. Already Free
7. Afro Blue
DISC TWO
1. I Know
2. Down Don’t Bother Me
3. Don’t Miss Me
4. Rastaman Chant
5. Key To The Highway
6. Get Out Of My Life Woman / Who Knows
7. Anyday
Total time: 1:46:19
External links
artist’s website
amazon.com
iTunes Store
