Customer Reviews

Roadsongs

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Two discs,48,58 minutes each approximately. The sound is very crisp and clean,with an almost "you are there" feel. The discs are slipped, bare, into a tri-fold cardboard holder, which has some interesting color photos inside, along with a pertinent quote from Eric Clapton about being on the road constantly. The booklet lists the song titles, and lengths. There's a short written piece by singer Mike Mattison on his first concert experience as a member of the band, playing live,and how blues music is the foundation of THE DEREK TRUCKS BAND. The remainder of the booklet is taken up with color photos of members of the band.

With this new release, the DEREK TRUCKS BAND proves that they are one of few bands that can deliver great live versions from their previous, bluesy, studio release "Already Free", combined with their take on a (lengthy) jazz classic "Afro Blue", the well known "Anyday" (DEREK AND THE DOMINOS), and the old blues warhorse "Key To The Highway" (among others), and inject them with their own sound. Songs like "Down In The Flood" (Dylan), "Days Is Almost Gone", and "Down Don't Bother Me", for example, are injected with the excitement of a live recording in front of an appreciative audience. Trucks and his band are capable of playing in virtually any genre of music they choose-from blues, gospel, rock, r&b, country, to world music, all combined into one broad style-and it's all here.

On this live set Trucks and his band (which range in age from their 20's to their 40's) show they have the skill, confidence, and depth to assimilate many styles of music and take that music (and the listener) in virtually any direction. Trucks, who came out of THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND, who had a penchant for improvisation, has that rare combination of technique, style, and soulfulness that elevates him into the upper echelons of guitar players. His playing with musicians like Eric Clapton and Warren Haynes has only deepened his approach to improvisation. He has continued to define his guitar tone, and whether picking single notes or playing full chords, his sound is rich and full. His slide playing is very warm, soulful, yet visceral, with an almost understated excitement.

The 2003 set "Live at Georgia Theatre" (now available for approximately $10), is a good comparison in defining Truck's tone and style. On this 2 CD set his sound is closer to Duane Allman's, with Trucks just beginning to step into his own style. The core band (as on "Roadsongs") members do their usual good job of holding/advancing everything together. Both of these sets are companion pieces when it comes to great live music from this band. If you haven't heard "Live at Georgia Theatre" (with great sound) you're missing some fine music.

The bands sound, which is a combination of razor sharp chops, and a relaxed, honest, organic approach is the perfect combination that seamlessly blends straightforward, no frills playing with several of the better tracks from their last album, with some newer live renditions of other songs. Throughout, the well thought out arrangements (with the inclusion of occasional horns), which constantly ebb and flow, keep the music fresh and interesting-along with the (sometimes subtle) always exciting playing of Trucks. The vocals, handled by Mike Mattison, allow Trucks to concentrate on his guitar playing and the direction of the music, which is vital when weaving seemingly disparate styles of music into one organic whole.

This live set is a continuation, a refinement of this bands sound. Trucks (and the band) continues to forge ahead in whatever direction the music takes them (and us), which is the hallmark of a band that's choosing to stretch the boundaries of music and not be satisfied with playing the same music in the same repetitive style. This group is one of few bands to play across and assimilate different genres of music, and weave them into an honest style all their own. So sit back and let this music take you where it will-you won't be sorry.

Let's be honest: "Already Free" was severely underwhelming to many DTB fans. I am not one of them, because I enjoy that album exactly for what it is -- good music, good friends, good family. Trucks doesn't do a lot of soaring on that album (nor did he need to), and he let a lot of other things shine.

When they announced the release of "Roadsongs," my spine started to tingle again. Could it even begin to compare to "Live At Georgia Theatre" (capturing DTB just as singer Mike Mattison was coming into his own as the voice of the band)? Could it elevate to the standard established by "Songlines! Live" (putting a face on DTB with this DVD release)? This was my concern. What if they are now a laid-back band? What if Trucks is no longer interested in ripping every inch of every song apart?

No worries. "Roadsongs" delivers like you wouldn't believe.

As Mattison says in the liner notes, DTB is a band that makes its mark on the stage. From the outset, Trucks puts in flying solo after flying solo, never staying within any box ever presented to him. The band is tight and playing like it's just another night on stage -- and "just another night" means that they are delivering. The horn section adds depth and taste as well as a few solos in songs like "Afro Blue." DTB runs the gamut of their collection, with a focus on the songs from "Already Free"; of particular greatness are "Get What You Deserve" and "Down In the Flood." They go way back to "Afro Blue" from their album "Soul Serenade" as well as a couple of tunes from "Songlines."

As for the covers, we get what we wanted: "Key to the Highway" and "Anyday" are throw-backs to Derek and the Dominos that only DTB are capable of pulling off. It's almost unreal what this band does to these songs. As a bonus, we get "Who Knows" -- that great Hendrix tune -- thrown onto the backside of "Get Out of My Life Woman," and Trucks plays some of the most outrageous tricks-in-the-bag that he's got. I would put him above Bonamassa, Sheperd, and Mayer any day of the week (even though I love their playing, too).

I could talk for hours about this record, and I've only had it for a day and a half. But I'd rather listen to it again. And again. And again.

OK, this will be easy. The DTB has no bad CDs or DVDs. Roadsongs just adds to an already brilliant musical catalog. Enough said. Folks, this is the BEST band in the world and they have been for a few years now, if not more. If anyone thinks differently, they haven't caught the band live yet. A suggestion: when the DTB comes to your town, run, don't walk to get tickets. They are a LIVE band in the purest sense of the word. While their recorded material is great, it just doesn't do justice to their live shows. This is no image-band; there is no con game at their shows (I've seen them 9 times). JUST THE MUSIC !! Yes, Derek is a mind-blowing guitarist but trust me, Kofi, Mike, Rico, Todd & Count M'Butu are not far behind !! Buy this disk; buy anything from the DTB. You won't be disappointed. But go to a DTB show; then you'll understand.

This double disc cd captures the Derek Trucks Band at their performance peak. This was recorded on April 8 & 9, 2010 at The Park West in Chicago, during their "Already Free" Tour. (This is where they recorded their live concert "Songlines Live" DVD back in 2006.) This seems to be their "Live at Filmore East" which was a classic live album for the early Allman Brothers Band. This double album cd, features songs from their Grammy Award Winning Album "Already Free". This double album cd features extended versions of their songs from the "Already Free" album, plus some Derek Trucks Band classics. This double live album includes some great, "improvised", "spontaneous", "jam" music. This is great, "joyful", "soulful", "jazzy", but mostly "bluesy" music, with some great guitar play from Derek Trucks, including some excellent slide guitar play.

The pamplet in the double disc package contains an essay of thoughts, observations, and insights into the music and the band, written by Mike Mattison, lead singer, and signed "Altanta, Georgia, February, 2010".

This double disc cd contains over 100 minutes of live music.

The band members are legendary for performing very well together, and that legacy continues in this double disc cd.

Derek Trucks is also a guitarist for the Allman Brothers Band. He is also a member of Eric Clapton's Band at times. He is the nephew of founding Allman Brothers Band member & drummer Butch Trucks. He is also the husband of Blues singer/guitarist, Susan Tedeschi.

This double album cd is full of excellent "slide guitar play" by Derek Trucks.

Mike Mattison is a great lead vocalist. He has a unique way, of blending his voice into the music performed by the band.

The line-up: (Each one of these band members deserve recognition. Each & every one is very talented and without any one of these, the music would not be as good.):

Derek Trucks - guitar (including great slide guitar play)
Todd Smallie - bass & vocals
Yonrico Scott - drums & vocals
Kofi Burbridge - keys, flute, & vocals
Mike Mattison - lead vocals
Count M'Butu - percussion & vocals

Additional musicians:
Mace Hibbard - tenor saxaphone, horn arrangements
Paul Garrett - trumpet
Kevin Hyde - trombone

The songs: (This is definitely, "Album Oriented" music!!!!)
Disc 1:
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 (A Great Instrumental, beginning with some great flute play, and extending into great "jazzy","joyful",jam music with all of the instruments playing.)

Disc 2:
1.I Know
2.Down Don't Bother Me
3.Don't Miss Me
4.Rastaman Chant (According to Mike Mattison thoughts in the liner notes, he states the DTB performs an "improvisatory take" on this Bob Marley song. It begins with a great, percussion, drum beat rhythm, & then extends into all the instruments playing in perfect harmony. It is also a "joyful" song.)
5.Key to the Highway
6.Get Out My Life Woman/Who Knows
7.Anyday ("Bluesy" & "Joyful", with some great soulful vocals by Mike, and great "slide guitar play" by Derek).

This is a great "live", double disc cd. You will not be disappointed with this one. Thanks and may God Bless!!!

There's a quote from Butch Trucks (uncle of Derek Trucks and original Allman Brothers Band drummer) in the Derek's Wikipedia entry which says "My nephew is just scary. I have played with a lot of really good guitar players. And with every one of them, I start figuring out what they are going to do [...] even with Duane. There are certain patterns they play that lead to something else and you kind of get used to what they are going to do. After all the years of playing with Derek, I still don't have the faintest idea of what he is going to do."

For me, this quote sums up why I can never hear or see enough live music from this band. No two performances are ever the same, and I always end up saying, that's "the best live version of [insert name] I've heard yet!" A quick comparison of Roadsongs to the Songlives Live DVD, which share 4 tracks in common, confirms this. On Roadsongs, "Key to the Highway" begins with a pacing and feel reminiscent of the Derek and the Dominos' cover, while the Songlines version feels like an encore performance at a blues bar on a Saturday night. Each performance is powerful ... and each performance is original.

In my opinion, Already Free (which the band was promoting) is more tightly packaged, and more polished, than their other studio recordings ... and I LOVE it! I was curious to see how the material on Already Free would translate into live performances, where the band still plays with structure, but more room to explore. I enjoyed the material from Already Free, but "Down Don't Bother Me" really stood out. I loved the bass line, I loved what the horn section adds, I loved Mike Mattison's vocals, and Derek's guitar work was both nuanced and inspired. It was "the best live version of Down Don't Bother Me I've heard yet!" ;)

My favorite performance on the CD was "Afro Blue". It's one of my favorite Coltrane tunes/performances (along with Alabama, Spiritual, My Favorite Things, and A Love Supreme), and my favorite track on Soul Serenade. The song begins with a light flourish ... Kofi Burbridge on flute ... percussion and bass join to drive the song forward, and the solos by saxophonist Mace Hibbard (who captured Coltrane's brash tone) and Derek are amazing! The track is energetic and intense.

Roadsongs does capture the experience of a Derek Trucks Band live performance. The band explores music-making from a variety of platforms, including slow blues ("Key to the Highway"), jazz ("Afro Blue"), and reggae ("Rastaman Chant"). Roadsongs doesn't contain anything directly comparable to "Maybe Your Baby" (Songlines Live) or "Freddie's Dead" (Live at the Georgia Theatre), but "Get Out My Life Woman" does get funky, and then segues unexpectedly into "Who Knows". Because "For My Brother" (Live at the Georgia Theatre) and "Machine Gun" (Jimi Hendrix, Band of Gypsys, Live at the Fillmore East) are my two favorite live recordings ever, I was thrilled to hear the band reference Jimi.

Overall, Roadsongs is a must-have CD from a must-see band, especially if you like live improvisation. I HIGHLY recommend it.

Without a doubt these live recordings by The Derek Trucks Band should for all intents and purposes be the equivilent of the great "Allman Brothers Live at the Fillmore East". Yes!!! Absolutely!!! It's just that significant. Just as the ABB needed a couple of studio albums under their belt before they recorded those seminal live sessions at the famed Fillmore East. Likewise Derek and Company honed their craft in the studio and have now hit their stride with Roadsongs. This is a beauty start to finish. I'm dying to catch them live this summer. And for all the Mountain Jam fans out there, I highly recommend "Rasta Man Chant", (a holy chant by Rastafarians. It was done accapella by The Wailers on the Burnin' album). I get the same vibe from "Rasta" that I've always felt with "Mountain". They both flow so effortlessly. And Freddie King's great blues classic "Get Outta' My Life Woman" absolutely cooks. But Wow!!!!!! How about "Key To The Highway"? It's one of two Layla covers. The other is "Anyday" (actually an old Delaney & Bonnie chestnut). Both have the intensity and dynamics and of course the soul of that special Duane/Eric magic. Yeah no doubt, Derek surely was born out of that great ABB/Dominos legacy. He's got that pedigree baby!!! He's even got the name...And man oh man!!! He's sure enough got the chops!!!!

Loving the road travelled by Sonny Landreth, John Hiatt, Joe Bonamassa, Walter Trout and even Smokin' Joe Kubek, there was an inevitability that Derek Trucks Band's Roadsongs would pop up on my radar. Living way down under in New Zealand, the Truck ensemble has, to my knowledge, NOT stopped on these shores. Although looking at the cover art in the stylishly designed cd cover it seems that DTB's music is at home in an ecletic range of territories--the US, the Tropics and the Far East. Maybe this part of the world is next.

It was somewhat of a punt taken, based on the reviews I read, but I'm thrilled with the result. To me, and maybe showing my age, DTB is a wonderful fusion of Weather Report meets Allman Brothers Band...and then much more. VERY hard to pigeon hole their style but it doesn't need any labels to constrain the energy the emerges from the two wonderfully recorded CDs. It took me two 'listenings' to really embrace the quality and integrity of not just this recording but the whole ethos and style of the Band.

Thanks to all those who gave it 5 Stars so that I could return the favour and recommend this as MUST listening. With us coming into summer I can imagine this is going to get a great deal of play.

I bought the album yesterday and have already listened to the entire CD straight through. First of all, I am a huge Derek Trucks fan...I have all of the DTB albums and I especially enjoy Derek Trucks' work with the Allman Brothers Band- which I highly recommend. (youtube Desdemona, Rockin' Horse, and Dreams and prepare to be blown away) I say that, because if you are unfamiliar with the Derek Trucks sound, which includes a lot of funky slide guitar, I can't guarantee that you will like this album, or anything else from Derek Trucks for that matter.

But if you are either a Derek Trucks fan, or a fan of the blues and jam bands, then this album is an absolute must buy. Although I have definitely enjoyed the DTB studio albums, live performances are what the DTB (and most jam bands) are all about, and I personally feel that Roadsongs does an incredible job of capturing just how good the Derek Trucks Band really is. There is not one song on this whole album that I do not enjoy, and furthermore, any previously recorded Derek Trucks song is superior performed live on this CD. Down in the Flood is a great example...I loved the song on Still Free, but Trucks' guitar work on the song live is simply unbelievable...its almost a totally different song.

The real genius of this album, however, is that it is a showcase for the ecliptic sound of the Derek Trucks Band. If you're into traditional blues, Derek's take on Key to the Highway, Don't Miss Me, and Anyday are right up your alley. But if you really want to just chill out and take in some truly unique and beautiful guitar work...then Rastaman Chant and Afro Blues is a great prescription. In my opinion, Derek Trucks is in his own class of guitar players all by himself. He certainly has the ability to melt your face off with lightning quick solos, but his god-like talent is really grounded in the emotion and unique sounds that he creates, pushing the limits of what is possible on an electric guitar. There is nothing else like it...buy the album and you won't be disappointed.

To tide fans over while going on hiatus, the Derek Trucks Band has delivered a stunning live album, ROADSONGS. Recorded on their ALREADY FREE 2009 tour, the two CD's deliver on what has made them a top notch live attraction. Mixing rock, blues, jazz and some world influences the DTB play with both great chops and deep feeling. Many of these songs eclipse their already stunning studio versions. Highlights include DOWN IN THE FLOOD, RASTAMAN CHANT, a fiery AFRO BLUE and a take on Derek and the Dominos ANYDAY. The whole band shines with Trucks amazing guitar taking center stage, he never wastes a note! The only complaint I have is they did not include the 15+ minute version of Coltrane's MY FAVORITE THINGS that was a highlight of their tour. ROADSONGS is a true classic live album in every sense!

Many fans commented about TDTB's latest studio recording (ALREADY FREE) that it was a more cohesive, tight and pop sounding expression from the band, without Trucks' extended solos and eclectic flare. This (great priced!) double live CD delivers all that, with the band at its finest - cohesive, yet relaxed and playful and wanting to jam. Similar to their earlier live recording, SONGLINES, this isn't new musical ground as much a deeper, fuller expression of their distinctive Southern swamp-blues-funk-jazz tinged rock. The show is crisply recorded and well mixed (some very nice drumming and keyboard moments, and the horn arrangements are an especially nice touch), yet one can't avoid that this is Trucks' vehicle and he's clearly at the wheel.

Year after year we've gotten to see Trucks grow from child protege to mature man - not changing, but becoming more himself while getting more substantial and grounded. This recording is consistently alive - hot, raw, thick and loud! Even when its down to a sinuously winding slide part, you know its gonna build to a burn down the house, dance with snakes in your mouth, lightning through the roof climax. Turn it up!