@chaunceyandchumleysdad / chaunceyandchumleysdad.tumblr.com
I have not been to the Chicago Theatre very often. When I attended the Tedeschi Trucks Band concert last night, that was the first time (in my memory) that I sat in the balcony. That allowed me to have a closer view of the spectacular ceiling of this wonderful palace. My camera phone photos do not do it justice, but I just wanted to share a bit of the historic venue.
Tedeschi Trucks Band January 20, 2017, Chicago Theatre
My wife and I had an absolute fabulous time at this show! When it comes to live music, there is, perhaps, nothing better than a good old fashioned jam band, and this 12 piece ensemble of tremendously talented musicians are as good as it gets. Derek Trucks grew up with, and was a member of, The Allman Brothers Band and there is no question that he brings that influence to Tedeschi Trucks Band. TTB is like a heavenly reincarnation of ABB. Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi are a guitar duo that rival Duane Allman and Dickey Betts, and Susan raises the ante with her beautiful and powerful voice. Along with bass, keyboards, and two drummers (ala ABB), add three wonderful background/lead vocalists and a three piece horn section, and then travel beyond the blues with elements of soul, gospel and jazz, and you’ve got a mix of some of the best American Rock music you will ever hear. Of all the concerts I’ve seen over several decades, The Allman Brothers Band (November 1, 1973 at the old Chicago Stadium) has always been one of the most memorable, and for pure musical enjoyment, this TTB show will be right up there with it. Last time I saw TTB was at the Auditorium Theatre in Rochester, NY (October 22, 2011). It was a good show in a very nice old building, but they were still a new band at the time, and being about 12 rows from the stage, I thought they were a bit too loud. This time around, with five years of experience under their belt, they were incredible. They played longer set with some great selections and they had more original material to choose from. Although we were in the rear balcony, we were lined up at dead center of the stage and the beautiful Chicago Theatre provided excellent acoustical sound. Some of the treats consisted of Luther Dickerson joining them for three songs, including their encore, Anyday which also evoked a bit of ABB’s Mountain Jam. The three-guitar jams were mesmerizing! There were also some very nice covers including Isn’t It A Pity (George Harrison) and Delta Lady (Leon Russell) with outstanding lead vocal by Mike Mattison. Another cool segment was an improvisational moment that was generically called Tribute To Miles Davis. Although I did think of Miles Davis when I heard it, I also felt like they were channeling segments of Frank Zappa’s album, The Grand Wazoo. And, of course, the many guitar jams were phenomenal. I could have listened all night! Tedeschi Trucks Band tours inexhaustibly and I hope they keep up the pace because I’ve decided that from this point on, I am going to have to see them every time they come to town.
Set 1:
1. Isn't It a Pity (George Harrison cover) (with Luther Dickinson)
2. Get What You Deserve (The Derek Trucks Band cover)
3. Do I Look Worried (Made Up My Mind)
4. Until You Remember (Revelator)
5. Key to the Highway (Charles Segar cover) (with Luther Dickinson)
6. Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever (Four Tops cover)
7. Improvisation - Miles Davis Tribute
8. Had to Cry Today (Blind Faith cover)
Set 2:
9. Color of the Blues (George Jones cover)
10. Anyhow (Let Me Get By)
11. Bound for Glory (Revelator)
12. Don't Drift Away (Made Up My Mind)
13. Delta Lady (Leon Russell cover)
14. Crying Over You (Let Me Get By)
15. I Pity the Fool (Bobby “Blue” Bland cover)
16. Idle Wind (Made Up My Mind)
Encore:
17. Anyday (Derek and the Dominos cover) (with Luther Dickinson)
