[rating=4.00]
Recorded in the informal atmosphere of a home studio, Already Free effectively extends the sound of The Derek Trucks Band on stage without a conscious attempt to replicate the live experience. While the album doesn’t focus on the instrumental aspect of the group’s music like 2003’s Soul Serenade, it never for once ignoresTrucks’ exquisite guitar work.
In fact, the leader’s extraordinary talents on his own instrument simultaneously act as a foundation for the project and a means of elevating its own merit. The musicianship of the band is a little less unpredictable yet every bit as rife with personality as their leader’s playing, exemplified by the fluidity of Todd Smallie’s basslines on "Days Is Almost Gone" Kofi Burbridge’s organ mirroring the jaunty horn arrangement on "I Know." Still, it’s difficult not to look forward to the moments that Trucks lets loose on a solo, as on "Get What You Deserve," where he makes a complete and impassioned statement.
The original material included here as well as the cover material benefits from the down-to-earth approach. Bob Dylan’s "Down in the Flood," originally released as a download this past Election Day, is a dense mix including acoustic guitars (which appear even more prominently on "Our Love") that surrounds Mike Mattison’s growling delivery of the off-handed lyrics; the performance is further ignited by guitar fills of Trucks’ that come and go almost indiscernibly.
The presence of multiple vocalists, including Susan Tedeschi on the country blues inflected "Back Where I Started" as well as the diversity of the material and arrangements, recalls 2002’s Joyful Noise. Derek’s former guitar partner in Eric Clapton’s band, Doyle Bramhall II, sings "Maybe This Time," leaving a sub pleasant impression, yet Trucks’ blistering guitar work gives the track distinction. Likewise, this version of "Sweet Inspiration," with an authentic sounding gospel chorus smoothes over Mattison’s hoarse voice and Derek’s slide work contains subtle phrasing akin to the human voice.
As on the abbreviated title song closing the album, Derek Trucks’ memorable presence, as player and producer, will ultimately compel repeated playings of Already Free. The humility that allows him to be integrated within the band is in direct proportion to the singularity of his individual skills.
