The trio of studio albums that precedes Tedeschi TrucksBand’s Signs no question had adiscernible maturity. The group hasnever been one to shy away from tackling some tough topics in theirsongwriting, including the horrendous tragedy of the Sandy Hook schoolshooting. Not to mention, that at itscore, the band is built on the blues, carrying inherently the accordant painand release of that genre. Still, thereis something collectively darker and more developed – a ruminating, consistentsense of heightened emotion- that runs through even the optimistic spurts ofthe record.
Guitarist Derek Trucks, long characterized as a wunderkind,has respectfully ascended to a place of authority within this musical communityboth as a player and bandleader. He, andin equal parts with Susan Tedeschi and their ten bandmates, have an album thatbuilds off its predecessors, delivering the expected level of top flightmusicianship, pairing it with themes and messages, heavy and beating withheart. The outcome is a collection thatwrestles between quiet and volatile, between looking in and speaking out,between mourning and moving forward.
Each of the eleven tracks is performed by a focused ensemblefiring their every cylinder, whether with the dirty keyboard and greasy hornsthat open the record on “Signs, High Times,” or featuring a wonderful use ofeach vocalist in the group, separate and in unison, or on Trucks outgoing guitarsolo, sans slide, that hopefully, finally, will demand all future references tohim be as a world-class guitarist, (not just world-class slide player). On “I’m Gonna Be There” the group makeslovely use of strings beneath a reassuring chorus, for a song that recalls thebest of Gladys Knight and the Pips. Then,with patient acoustic and a call for help, the set shifts softly to “When WillI Begin.”
Before things settle in too much, “Walk Through This Life”cross-pollinates New York funk with Southern restraint and gospel vigor, movinginto a ballad of resolve on the following “Strengthen What Remains.” It’s the baroque piano and progressive rockchord pattern of “Still Your Mind” that maybe surprises most, showing a growthand a confidence to step into a new character. And, there’s still space to burn the dance floor, on a back-to backcouplet of jumping R&B, then sizzling horns and indicting lyrics: on “HardCase” and “Shame,” respectively. Thefinal three entries showcase blues forms new and old, ending on “The Ending,”an emotionally contained elegy to the late Col. Bruce Hampton, drawing asimple, perfect portrait of words and music for their departed friend andmentor.
Tedeschi Trucks Band is a group that has always beenresolute in their protection of a variety of genres and musicians that inspiredthem. They have recognized and honoredthe contributions of those that came before, both in influence andperformance. It’s here, though, thatthis band has issued a statement of place and time that will, and should, berecognized as a performance of its own lasting and powerful influence.
