It is no secret that I am a huge fan of Derek Trucks’ guitar playing.  If he put out a “hey this is Derek practicing scales on the front porch” album I would probably buy it.  (who am I kidding – I would totally buy it)  With this in mind, I was surprised by how much I like Revelator, the new release from the Tedeschi Trucks Band. 

Derek’s guitar is present, but it doesn’t overwhelm the other instruments or Susan’s voice.  The arrangements are so well done, especially on tracks like Shelter.  Susan’s voice weaves in and around the music so smoothly she almost sounds like another instrument playing.  It is just beautiful. 

(I know. I know…I can’t believe I am talking about arrangements either.  I expect to look out the front windows and see flying pigs zooming around any moment now.)

The band is huge with Derek on guitar, Susan on vocals and guitar, Oteil Burbridge on bass, Kofi Burbridge on keyboards and flute, Tyler Greenwall and J.J. Johnson on drums, Mike Mattison and Mark Rivers on harmony vocals, Kebbi Williams on sax,  Maurice Brown on trumpet and Saunders Sermons on trombone, but they all mesh together and the music just flows perfectly. 

My favorite track is Shrimp and Grits with Shelter running a close second.

You can pick up a free mp3 of Bound for Glory off the Tedeschi Trucks Band website  and can purchase Revelator from Amazon, iTunes and other retailers.

- Kit