Tedeschi Trucks Band, the Grammy Award-winning powerhouse band, has made their mark in music. Hailed by NPR as “two of the finest roots rock musicians of their generation”, this 12-piece ensemble fuses blues, R&B and Southern rock together with its own distinctive mix of influences to produce its signature American sound. Led by husband-and-wife guitarist Derek Trucks and singer-songwriter Susan Tedeschi’s leadership as leaders of world-class musical expression on each album release and live show performance alike.
Signs of Life marks the apex for the hard-touring outfit. As part of commemorating this landmark achievement, band members took time out from touring to record in their home studio in Jacksonville, Florida – producing a warm and inviting album which showcases both technical proficiency as well as musical exploration over time.
One of the key developments during this time was the addition of a second drummer. Isaac Eady joined as a temporary replacement during the COVID-19 pandemic-related absence and ended up playing drums on two songs on this album: Indo-jazz “All The Love” and serpentine Afro-blues of “D’Gary.” As Trucks says: “He played an integral part in us growing as a band during that period.”
Notable changes for the band include its switch to more expansive arrangements, featuring songs with horns and keyboardists. On Signs of Life, Marcus Strickland and Wayne Henderson make their first appearance with the group as saxophonists – including featuring prominently on tracks like the wah-wah-streaked funk of “Ain’t That Something” and dynamic Crescent instrumental “Pasaquan.”
As with previous TTB albums, each track was recorded live to analog tape for an intimate and spontaneous feel that captures the band’s extensive touring – something Tedeschi and Trucks have long strived to capture in recorded form. It’s easy to hear their live shows come through as well – something Tedeschi and Trucks have sought to preserve when recording songs for this album.
This new album includes two covers; a soulful rendition of Bob Dylan’s “When the Levee Breaks” and an expansive interpretation of The Band’s “Midnight in Harlem”. Of particular note is Tedeschi’s expansive take on The Band’s song as she showcases both her deep voice reminiscent of Bonnie Raitt as well as her impressive lead guitar skills reminiscent of Butch Trucks who was an Allman Brothers band member who used slide guitar. Tedeschi displays impressive technique similar to Butch Trucks who was part of Butch Trucks band which allman Brothers band member who used slide guitar for slide guitar players before him and Tedeschi herself has demonstrated this skill for herself as she can also play lead guitar like him!