The Derek Trucks Band

The follow up to their critically acclaimed 2002 release Joyful Noise, Soul Serenade displays The Derek Trucks Band’s patented blend of jazz, blues and world music packed into seven soulful tracks. Contrary to your typical "follow up" album, Soul Serenade was actually created before Joyful Noise. Recorded mostly live in the studio in October 1999 and February 2000, the album’s release was delayed because of contractual problems.

An inspiring rendition of Curtis Ousley’s "Soul Serenade" kicks off the album before quickly transforming into Bob Marley’s "Rasta Man Chant." After a slow start, the tune eventually picks up steam when Trucks steps into the driver’s seat and launches into a fiery slide guitar solo. "Bock to Bock" finds the band exploring a more familiar jazz territory with Kofi Burbridge’s flute wonderfully harmonizing with Trucks’ guitar lines.

Gregg Allman lends his powerful vocals to the bluesy "Drown In My Own Tears." Trucks’ slide guitar work intertwines with Allman’s voice so well that it’s nearly impossible to tell that his singing was actually an overdub. "Afro Blue," one of the album’s strongest tracks, finds Derek and his band gliding through this Mongo Santamaria jazz classic in an exciting manner.

A take on the Wayne Shorter ballad "Oriental Folk Song" once again showcases Kofi Burbridge’s immediate impact on the band (this album was recorded shortly after he joined) as his flute &keyboard work add depth and originality. The influence on world music on Trucks is displayed in the soulful piece "Sierra Leone", which features Derek playing a Sarad.

While their debut album Out of The Madness and Joyful Noise featured collaborations with the likes of Jimmy Herring, Warren Haynes Solomon Burke, Susan Tedeschi and others, Soul Serenade is more of a true band album. While it might not be as ground breaking as Joyful Noise, Soul Serenade captures the band in a focused and dynamic stage in its evolution.

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