Guest Book

The Derek Trucks Band was outstanding at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee last night. It was apparent that the band really enjoyed the surroundings, one of the most historic and beautiful theaters imaginable-picture a more ornate, but tasteful, Chicago Theatre with a capacity of only 900 and you get the idea. Absolutely gorgeous. They kicked it off with For My Brother, one of the coolest tunes there is (which always reminds me of seeing the DTB at Tribeca and Lyon's Den into the wee Manhattan hours last year after preceding Beacon shows-that song just sounds like late night/early morning NYC to me) followed by *gasp* SOUL SERENADE which I had asked Derek's manager Chris to ask them to play. I had never seen them do this one live before so I was in Nirvana. They also played (in no particular order, and I'm sure I'm missing a few-I've got the setlist at home which Rico handed me after the show-I said, "Rico, I always yell 'How you feeling' when I see you and he said, 'I know! I recognized your voice!' Good liar) Kama-a-ley>44 Blues, Goin' Down Slow, a bunch of other stuff, all great....and then we also got.....Afro Blue! Man, a show with Soul Serenade AND AB, can't ask for much more than that. Sound was phenemonal and my seat was perfect-4th row center, got a lot of good photos and just soaked up this kid's limitless talent. After the show the band graciously signed stuff for the fans in the lobby, including the setlist Rico handed me, and then Derek was nice enough to pose for a photo with Chitown (Pat), PeachyPeteWi (Pete) and myself after Pat and I explained that Pete had taken a photo of Derek with Pat and me at Luther's Blues in Madison back in '02 and we wanted to get Pete in this one. There is not a humbler or nicer cat out there than Derek Trucks. It is astounding how a kid his age can possess so much talent, taste and humility. It is truly rare in someone his age, much less someone in show biz. He is truly special. This kid has the GIFT and anyone who doesn't want to share in it is really missing out on one of the great experiences of life. It was great getting together with Marley, RonB, Brandon, and PPW and Chitown before and after the show, as well as the new friends we made. All in all, another great ABB related experience. And I got about 20 minutes of live footage of the DTB in the FOX 6 studios to top it off! Marley, I hope you made your train this AM, bro...did the best I could, but getting up at 5 AM is a little earlier than my normal reveille. Especially after getting in after 1 AM. P.S. Lonnie Brooks was outstanding for an opener. 70 years young and not a grey hair on his head. I hope I have HALF his energy at that age.