GRAMMY Award-winning Tedeschi Trucks Band formed in 2010 are led by the dynamic wife and husband duo of Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, and release their sixth studio album, `Future Soul` this month.
Their twelve piece band consists of Susan Tedeschi (guitar, vocals), Derek Trucks (guitar), Mike Mattison (guitar, vocals), Brandon Boone (bass), Tyler “Falcon” Greenwell (drums, percussion), Mark Rivers (vocals), Alecia Chakour (vocals), Kebbi Williams (saxophone), Emmanuel Echem (trumpet), and Elizabeth Lea (trombone) with Gabe Dixon (keys, vocals) and Isaac Eady (drums, percussion) being the newest members.
The album opens with `Crazy Cryin’` a funky soul offering with a nice shuffle like beat which maybe hints at a relationship that`s run its course and the narrator is remarkably upset at this set of circumstances. The Mike Mattison composed `I Got You` has it all. A fast paced offering with keys, vocal harmonies, a guitar solo and brass hues. A song seemingly in praise of a partner.
`Who Am I` is a dreamy slow burn with some understated organ and what sounds like resonating guitar chord riffs sprinkled throughout. There`s an almost tribal drum beat to the grungy `Hero` which feels as if it`s a song of resilience and strength.
`What In The World` is a ballad like offering, quite introspective with organ and a modest understated guitar solo. Title track `Future Soul` is pure unadulterated soul with some gospel like tinges and a guitar tone that almost talks to you.
`Under The Knife` has a delightful swampy vibe, a real laid back hypnotic slice of r&b with vocals that sounded like Marc Bolan at times whereas `Be Kind` has a rhythmic rock shuffle.
The Gabe Dixon written `Devil Be Gone` is a rhythmic rolling foot tapper of a number with `Shout Out` being a slower reflective, thoughtful, and absorbed submission.
The album closes with `Ride On` which has more of a country come Americana feel to it.
`Future Soul` is a delightful blend of styles which at times is groove laden, soulful, gospel-like, and funky. Susan`s vocal range is wonderfully varied allowing vulnerability, warmth but a harder edge when required. This album was my introduction to the delights of Tedeschi Trucks Band and with five previous albums to explore, i`ve got some homework and catching up to do.
Rating 8.5/10
