Pure energy! It’s certainly not what the teenage kids are screaming about upon leaving a lip-synched, choreographed and rehearsed Brittany Spears performance, though that is not to say that one doesn’t get a rush from such an event. But there is a palpable difference between the energy level of such a performance, and one performed by the likes of today’s improvisational oriented rock bands. And while a CD recording of a concert will hardly come close to capturing the rush of being at such an event, modern recording technology is certainly closing the gap.
Live at the Georgia Theater, the latest offering from The Derek Trucks Band, (DTB) available at the ITUNES music store and other on-line retailers, (it’s not available in stores) is one such offering. If the name rings a bell for fans of classic rock, it should: he’s the nephew of Butch Trucks, the legendary percussionist of the Allman Brothers band. The prodigy has been splitting his time between handling the slide guitar duties for the ABB, his own band, and recording with both acts, all the while maintaining a family life with his wife Suzan Tedeschi and a new baby.
If you’ve yet to discover this young (25) talent, then this live release is a fine introduction to the soulful slide guitarists’ repertoire. The two-disc set contains over two hours of music, thirteen songs showcasing not only his extraordinary guitar prowess, but also the exceptional musicians of the DTB. A nearly three minute drum and percussion intro opens the CD before the rest of the band saunters on stage and the crowd erupts in delight. Without missing a beat, the band gracefully segues into “Kam-Ma-Lay,” an elegant cut with an Indonesian flare that highlights the graceful flute playing of Kofi Burbridge. That’s followed by the more straight-ahead blues rock of “Gonna Move” and “Volunteered Slavery” with the deeply resonating vocals of Mike Mattison backed by the thick layers of keys and Trucks slide playing. So it goes throughout the entire set, the band jumping from one genre to another. Disc two opens with the R&B laced “For My Brother” with a funky, driving bass line laid down by Todd Smallie. Here, Trucks adds some of his most elegant fret picking to Mattison’s smooth and soulful vocals. “Sonida Alegre” is a fifteen minute Latin flavored butt shaker that breaks down late to include playful solos from everyone. The energy level reaches its peak on the gospel oriented “Joyful Noise,” on which the crowd can be heard singing the spirited chorus along with the band.
While it’s disappointing this release is not available in stores, it is welcoming to see both an artist and label coming together and embracing Internet technology. And though this live recording may not turn this artist on to the massive numbers who so truly deserve to hear his music, it’s a must have for any fan of high energy, live performance, whether or not you’re
