While I enjoy the TTB the most out of any band I've seen Derek with, I'm always intrigued by his many paths. This recent interview with Susan gives a glimpse of what they each might tackle next:
https://www.loudersound.com/features/susan-tedeschi-im-hoping-to-do-something-with-harry-styles
Looking to the immediate future, where do you go after a project like I Am The Moon?
Good question! I’ve always wanted to do a country record and a gospel record. And Derek’s always wanted to do more of a jazz or instrumental record, so in the future we’re going to try to do some solo projects as well as this band. Actually, I’m hoping to do something with Harry Styles too. We’re connecting with some of his management and there’s talk about it, so maybe that will be really fun and exciting.
First time I saw Susan or ever heard of her was in 1999 when she opened at an Allman Brothers Band show. She had her own band and they were a rocking little outfit. Derek was in the ABB but Dickey was still there too and Derek and Dickey played well together. Derek talked in an interview about what Fillmore East and Eat A Peach meant to him growing up and what a gas it was to actually play many of those songs with Dickey and Butch, Jaimoe and Gregg in the mix too.
It kinda feels as if Susan put her band and career aside to work with her husband.
She probably deserves a solo record and tour here and there.
A Derek should do some kind of instrumental album to showcase his guitar playing. Do something like Jeff Beck did Blow By Blow. Maybe he would become as famous as Jeff Beck. I think he deserves to be as famous as Eric Clapton. He is that special.
The I Am The Moon releases is the best new music I've heard in years. It should have sold better.
It's hard to see a lot of albums today. They say if an artist usually sells a million copies, today it's 100,000. You drop one zero. If you generally sell 100,000 albums, now it's 10,000.
This is how she looked at the show I saw her the first time. Same Tele guitar. It has a good tone too.
@jimsheridan: "Derek’s always wanted to do more of a jazz or instrumental record". Soul Serenade by The Derek Trucks Band is an all instrumental, straight ahead jazz record. The only exception is that Gregg adds vocals on Drown In My Own Tears. GREAT RECORD!
The I Am The Moon releases is the best new music I've heard in years. It should have sold better.
It's hard to see a lot of albums today. They say if an artist usually sells a million copies, today it's 100,000. You drop one zero. If you generally sell 100,000 albums, now it's 10,000.
You raise an interesting point. Is "album sales" even the right metric anymore?
I have both a paid Spotify and Apple Music account, and I never actually did a singular transaction for I am the Moon. In fact, In never even downloaded it because I just listen via stream whenever I want to.
@islalala sorry about "see" instead of "sell". My spell checker.
Yes if Dark Side Of The Moon by Pink Floyd or Sticky Fingers by the Rolling Stones or Rumors by Fleetwood Mac or Brothers and Sisters by the ABB were released today would they sell millions of copies or would it be 500,000 or so?
Obliviously it's a tougher roe to hoe for bands today to score a platinum plus album.
I imagine Thriller by Michael Jackson would be 10 million now since it's 40 million back in the 80's and 90's.
Bring on the DTB or some sort of version of that. Maybe some Doyle Bramhall involved.
Everyone has a plan, till you get punched in the face,
Derek's first commercial release in '97 "Derek Trucks Band" is basically an instrumental jazz album with songs including "Mr. PC", "Naima" and "So What" included. The only vocals are on one song "555 Lake." His playing would be more sophisticated 26 years later and perhaps there are some more classics (and originals) he'd like to interpret. I'd listen.
"Is that a real poncho or is that a Sears poncho?"
interesting. I love both DTB and TTB. I was always intrigued about the concept of Derek doing a jazz album / tour. He mentioned a while ago about doing a project with Jimmy Herring and apparently was planning something with Elvin Jones before he died. Can't wait to hear the album / see the tour.
I really don’t know about sales but WikiPedia has the four from I Am the Moon each charting top twenty, whatever that means these days.
I hope they ride it as long as it is good.
Whatever happens, change gonna come.
This made my day reading Derek wants to make a jazz/instrumental album, perhaps with Jimmy. I really think their names have gotten big enough with their respective bands that a tour with possibly Oteil (also a bigger draw since being in the Dead) would be awesome, particularly in good sounding theaters. Hope this happens.
This really is exciting news. I know TTB is probably the best touring band out there now, but I have to admit I'm one of those guys who feels Derek limits himself so that everyone else in the band can shine, especially Susan. I certainly don't have anything against Susan -- back in the day I saw her solo a few times and I certainly realize that she has more talent in one of her gorgeous toes than I do in my entire body -- and I know the rest of TTB are excellent musicians. Still, only one of them is transcendental, and we all know who that is. So, anything that has Derek playing more has to be a good thing. And it will be interesting to see which other players he hooks up with.
Completely agree with others here that this is nothing but good, if not great, news
@delawhere I understand Derek hopes to work with Jimmy Herring on his next project.
@delawhere I hear ya, but yes - please do stop - as this would quickly evolve into yet another Allman Brothers tribute/cover band! I believe that Derek's been trying to make his own form of music throughout his own career. For me - whatever he does - with whatever musicians that he ends up working with - I really hope that the music that comes from this is unique to Derek's spirit and soul! I am ready to accept that this music might not sound Allman Brothers-ish at all.
Peace,
R
@rusty I recently realized after reading and watching Derek and Warren interviews that they indeed did enjoy being in the Allman Brothers Band and did their best to preserve the great legacy of the band, their musical thoughts and ideas largely were focused on their own musical creations and bands.
Both men loved the Allman Brothers Band growing up and especially Derek, the Fillmore East, Eat A Peach albums were huge in his life and musical identity growing up.
Their respect for the original band and Warren even saying when he and Derek think about the Allman Brothers Band, it's the original band they connect to that name.
It also seemed likely from things they said they were ready to move fulltime into their musical pursuits at the 40th anniversary in 2009 and even Gregg seemed ready to finish the ABB in 2009. But Butch developed cold feet and lobbied hard for another five years. Probably some of that was Butch needed to shore up financial problems with the IRS.
So out of respect for Butch and the band in general, Warren and Derek graciously agreed to stay another five years. When 2014 arrived, Butch again wanted to keep going but Warren and Derek put it in writing they would not continue after 2014.
So apparently what both men are doing now it what they want to do musically but I think a little thread will always be connected to the Allman Brothers. Both may even play as the Brothers again for a special occasion.
And if you think about it, Warren and Derek kept their heads in the right place and didn't go down that destructive rock and roll drug/booze road that so many in the music business did in a number of bands including Gregg and Dickey. It has to be hard to be in a band with Gregg, Dickey, Lowell George, Joe Cocker, Jerry Garcia and many others.
The Grateful Dead couldn't even play in cities where Jerry didn't know where he could score a fix while there.
Gregg said chasing that bag day after day became such a struggle and was so time consuming you took your eye off the ball musically and that suffered.
And some such as Dickey and Ronnie Van Zant had their mean and destructive side while chasing booze and a bag of blow or whatever.
Warren and Derek Trucks apparently never allowed that pressure to drag them down. And that is good.
@robertdee Good words. Beyond all that - every artist SHOULD make their own mark. I'm sure there's still money to be made in placating die-hard fans (like myself) who just can't let that music go. "That music" will live on forever in recordings, videos and yes - occasional covers by artists who were inspired by it. The Allman Brother's Band definitely made their mark on the world! Musicians of the stature of Derek, Warren and Oteil really owe it to themselves (more so than to the fans) to carve their own statues. I'd label this as "my opinion", but I believe this to be gospel.
@rusty No you are right. It's gospel. Duane, Dickey, Berry, Butch and Jaimoe carved their musical statement with the Allman Brothers. I think Gregg did too but some of Gregg's is his solo career beginning with Laid Back.
From 1989 to 1994 Warren was playing Duane Allman's part in my mind the when he did his solo album and tour in 1993 and Gov't Mule beginning in 1994, then that was Warren beginning to carve out his place.
First time I saw Derek, he was a teen and was doing his Duane Allman thing and incredibly well too. Statesboro Blues and Must Have Done Somebody Wrong was Duane reincarnated.
But now with TTB and his growth as a player, he doesn't sound like a Duane Allman clone. He has his own licks and style but can give a Duane or Elmore James nod at any moment. He is an extraordinary musician.
X2 all around, can’t be reiterated enough - Derek Warren & Otiel are to the ABB what Duane BO era are imo - 13 years capped/brought full unbroken circle at the 2020 MSG show - Jack Pearson, Jimmy Herring, Woody….all the others as well
the stuff Jimmy & Derek have done w/Col Bruce, Frogwings, Project Z, others - Really looking forward to what they come up with🎼🎵🎶🍄 - happy belated birthday to Jimmy btw (Jan 22)
I just got back from seeing TTB in Clearwater and Gainesville. I've seen a lot of TTB shows, and these were probably two of the top 5. If anyone thinks TTB limits Derek, they haven't seen a TTB show - he's always front and center. Especially with "Pasaquan" - just drummers, keys, bass, and Derek's fingers for about 10-15 minutes. It's glorious. Still, I'm often surprised how much of a TTB show features his slide. If anything I'd love to hear more horn solos (which we got on the "Show Me" encore) compliment him. It's a great combo.
However, seeing the band still peaking after 13+ years (remember, the Allman Brothers had broken up twice during the same amount of time), reminded me a little of dTb in 2009. Both bands have built this vast catalogue of originals and covers they have made their own. They're selling out shows and reached this plateau - I could see Derek thinking about moving on to something at that moment, before the well dries. Derek mentioned in an interview recently that going forward maybe TTB would do a year off, or a year with just 15 dates, and then 2 years on. It makes sense with such a big band that some might like the steady gig, others might want to seek other opportunities. It would certainly break up the momentum, but maybe that's the key to staying fresh, kind of like the Stones.
@stephen Warren's favorite guitar player according to two interviews is Jeff Beck. I can see Warren in the audience on a Beck live DVD I have recorded in New York City.
Well here is Jimmy Herring's take on ok be of Beck's more famous songs and Jimmy is very good.
@stephen As good as the last lineup of the ABB was, to me, it can't be catalogued as equal to the Duane BO era.
It had been been 32 years since the band's beginning when the last lineup began in 2001. The unique sound and style of play was founded and forged by the original band. Original songs, arrangements etc. The success of the band was achieved by the original band and of course broke wide open by the Chuck/Lamar lineup. And as I look back, Dickey's Ramblin' Man apparently is why Brothers and Sisters and those 1973 and 74 shows were sellouts coast to coast in large arenas and coliseums.
The crowds were there at the last lineups shows because of Idlewild South, At Fillmore East, Eat A Peach, Brothers and Sisters for the most part.
I don't see what the last lineup did to forge something new or add a groundbreaking additional chapter to the band's legacy anymore than the Warren/Dickey/Woody lineup.
Hitting The Note wasn't a big seller and non of the songs on it broke out. At first I thought Firing Line perhaps would.
On the plus side the last lineup played the songs including the old stuff with a level of musicianship that equaled the original band. But when you listen to Fillmore East and Eat A Peach, the original band is just enough different to separate itself from any other lineup.
No way the last lineup could re-record Fillmore East, Eat A Peach or even Brothers and Sisters and make it better. Those albums are perfect.
Can you imagine a version of Statesboro Blues or In Memory of Elizabeth Reed by the last lineup being BETTER than what is on Fillmore East???
It's like saying some good hot younger actors could re-shoot Casablanca and top what Humphrey Bogart and Ingred Bergman did on screen. Can't be done.
How could a group of the best young actors and actresses working today top this?
Or what on earth could Warren, Derek and Otiel DO to improve on what Dickey, Duane and Berry did here??
Yes, no modern day version could top that (or EAP) - love the ol b/w flicks & albums
I’ll reach for Meadowbrook 2009 as readily as 8/17 or 9/16 of ‘71 - it’s all what one likes - the short burst of fire in 1969-71, or the longer brilliance of 2001-14 -
have never really noticed a “better-than” between the two - different, yes, of course - not really better-than tho
@stephen The only reason the original band is tops is because they were first. The musicianship is equal. Duane Allman, Dickey Betts, Berry Oakley, Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes and Otiel are all fantastic musicians with their own strengths and styles.
If TTB is around 32 years after it's founding, and a group of great musicians have replaced everyone but Susan and a drummer, those of us who were blown away by the original band would always think of it as the sound of the TTB.
I'm not convinced the last lineup was a creative as the original band. Butch didn't think so even though he thought Derek could do what Duane could do on the old songs plus do things Duane didn't do on newer material.
It could be the Warren/Allen Woody lineup was more creative than the last lineup. Maybe not on the fly jamming creating but there was more songs being created by Warren and Dickey in particular.
The Chuck/Lamar lineup could leave some smoke on the stage too. I saw that lineup several times too.
This is live in San Francisco Nov 1973. They are smoking.
@stephen You see Derek on the Clapton tours?
Eric Clapton of course is one of the most famous and successful electric guitar players in history. Worth over $400 million dollars and over a dozen platinum albums and fills concert venues all over the world.
But Derek Trucks can stand toe to toe with EC with ease.
I don't see what the last lineup did to forge something new or add a groundbreaking additional chapter to the band's legacy anymore than the Warren/Dickey/Woody lineup.
Robertdee I love your enthusiasm for defending the original lineup. They were, no doubt, THE BEST. The last lineup IMO WAS groundbreaking in the way that they returned to the roots of the original but with their own spin.
1. The Setlists is the first obvious example. They played a lot more songs from the vault. Songs the original lineup NEVER played and some that the original lineup rarely played and not that well. Find me a kickass version of the originals doing Black Hearted Woman. It doesn't exist. Every Hungry Woman is another that the originals played from time to time but never remarkably. But the list is long. Revival went to new heights, Leave My Blues at Home, The originals never played Please Call Home.
2. Variations on the arrangements of the older and newer tunes. YDLM is a great example here. Lots of different arrangements that were still true to the Fillmore East version, just re-arranged. The Dickey & Warren era just played the verses with a solo or two & stopped. 6 - 7 minutes tops. It's hard for me to imagine not ever hearing some of the Mountain Jams & Liz Reeds that the last version did live. But some of the newer tunes got Re-Allmanized as well, the Rocking Horse Jam, The NLTRW Jam was awesome and sounded just like something DB & DA would have done. Mountain Jam sandwiches were definitely groundbreaking for me.
3. Covers - Covers MADE the original band. I love all the DB & GA penned tunes but Imagine the ABB without One Way Out, Trouble No More, Statesboro Blues, Stormy Monday, Done Somebody Wrong, YDLM, like the Road this list goes on forever and the last version of the band brought this back to life with some awesome covers. A lot of people didn't care for that but I loved it AND it really was a return to the roots. The first version of every one of those songs I ever heard was the ABB. I later would check out the Taj Mahal version of Statesboro Blues and the others. I think one reason people didn't appreciate the covers from the last lineup is that we were already familiar with the songs by the original artists and it seemed cheap to copy them. Well I don't think it was a bad thing for the original line up and I loved it when the last lineup would throw a curve ball. I was there the first night they played Why Does Love Got to be So Sad and The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down. Two songs I literally imagined the original band doing when I was kid.
4. New Songs - Maybe not groundbreaking here but there were some great new tunes. Some from HTN and some that were never recorded in the studio.
The last line up wasn't the original nor could they ever be the original. But I think they took the band back as close to the original concept as any and that WAS groundbreaking for me. And I loved EVERY lineup. Some less than others obviously (Arista Years) but I still loved all of them. So I am with you on the original but I am enthusiastic about defending the last lineup. The ONLY thing that would have made the last line up better would have been for a healthy Dickey Betts to have been involved somehow at some point. I do regret that they didn't do more in the studio but they gave us an eternity of live recordings.
Wanted to put a like to that Passaic NJ 1979 footage, don’t see it now tho - but just finished watching it & Awesome, esp Butch in background on the kettle drums & Jaimoe’s hands right up to camera
have long loved this show, esp this segment - Butch & Jaimoe are do-in-it - this bass solo is as ABB as it gets to my ears - almost fusion-sounding in a way - fits in nicely in that fast tempo they were in (am not a musician) - Rook is the man
the vids illustrate well the points you make - will be cool to see what Derek & Jimmy have in mind if that collaboration happens, & Susan as well -
never did see the Derek/Eric gigs, gotta get more familiar
whoops, wrong thread😵💫🪐
@kcjimmy Yes the original lineup IS the Allman Brothers Band. They created the sound and style that defines the ABB. Incredible jams. High octane energy. Chose the cover songs that many people now consider Allman Brothers Band songs. Maybe the last lineup chose cover songs that were not as obscure as those old blues songs were to all those white people falling in love with the original.
I saw several shows and Duane's attitude and energy and confidence was infectious. They were a high energy smoking band.
They also came up with great original songs. For the Allman Brothers Band sound, Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts were far better song writers than Warren or any last lineup members.
And remember the original lineup played 300 shows a year but many were opening act shorter shows. I saw Every Hungry Woman done very well by them.
Warren and Derek are carving their legacy right now. In the ABB much of the time they were pinch hitting for Duane and Dickey and trying to imagine how they would do it all those years later.
Look at this review!!! This is Derek Trucks carving out HIS OWN PLACE!!! And doing it too. These standing ovation fans were NOT yelling for the last lineup of the Allman Brothers Band to play some more but the TTB.
Derek has moved well beyond the last lineup of the ABB. He is in what is shaping up to be one of the best bands playing today anywhere in the world!! AND it's their thing. Not trying to keep a legacy alive that began in 1969.
Read this.
