Made Up Mind

For their third recording, the Tedeschi Trucks Band have developed a sound all their own that only comes from musicians playing together as a true collective-everyone shares the same musical goal and the song is more important than the individual participants. The band's 2011 release, "Revelator" was an introduction of the combined efforts of the Susan Tedeschi and Derek Truck's bands, at one time known as the Soul Stew revival. Songwriting was the key, and the band delivered with original, quality compositions.Last year's "Everybody's Talkin'" captured the group in jam band mode and every member-ELEVEN musicians-were featured on this double disc, especially Susan and Derek sharing guitar duties. "Made Up Mind" shows a band with more confidence, more comfortable as the leading contemporary soul/blues/rock band performing today. The title track jumps out with Derek's driving guitar. Susan has shown unmatched growth as a lead vocalist over the years. When she started out, comparisons were made to Bonnie Raitt. This is a good thing, of course, but Susan has been showing her early start with Gospel. As a child, she attended African-American Baptist churches and sang in the Gospel choir at the Berklee College of Music. You can't help but BELIEVE her when she sings "sure as the moon and the stars gonna rise, I've got a made up mind". "Idle Wind" is quite a departure for the group. Susan again is featured with a beautiful vocal, but the interplay between Derek's slide and Kofi Burbridge's flute is unexpected-and engaging. Burbridge is also featured on clavinet and B3 on "Misunderstood", while the dual drums of J.J. Johnson and Tyler Greenwell drive the band. The horn section of Kebbie Williams/saxophone, Maurice Brown/trumpet and Saunders Sermons/trombone elevate the vocals of Mike Mattison and Mark Rivers. Trombonist Sermons is also a superb vocalist and duets with Susan on "Part Of Me". The TTB has to feature some jamming, so we're treated to Susan and Derek burning it up on "Whiskey Legs". The feel good vibe from this tune abruptly changes with "It's So Heavy". Although a somber tune, the playing is lovely, especially Susan's pleading vocal enhanced by Derek's guitar. "The Storm" is a work out for Derek and Kofi Burbridge on B3 (clever wordplay on this number at its conclusion). Bassist Oteil Burbridge, younger brother of Kofi was a founding member of TTB (as well as a member of the Allman Brothers Band); he left the band in October 2012 for family reasons. Four bass players were recruited for this project, and half of the tracks feature Pino Palladino, one of the premier in-demand players today (check out his sublime bass on "The Storm" as well as "Made Up Mind" and "Heavy". The last track is the sparse, acoustic "Calling Out To You". Derek plays a soft slide and very gentle chords while Susan puts down one of her best vocals on record. This track, more than anything the two have recorded before, sums up what they're all about. These are two like-minded musicians who have managed to live happily in private AND in the spotlight, raise children, make great music and welcome their fans to enjoy the ride with them. "You got to do right by your woman and she'll do right by you." Ain't it the truth.

This is a great alb um from a great band. I know them personally.

I had this one coming since last October, when, due to some piss-poor planning (see all "P's again) we missed the 1st day of the Harvest Festival @ Mulberry Mountain in Ozark, Arkansas (not blamin' 'ya PPP, just sayin') and thus missed many of our top favorite artists, and thus also paid for 3 days and only got 2 ( or 1, if you count the day mother nature sent a gully-washer and it rained all day!) But, Oh, the smells coming from those hippie tents!!! LOL!! We parked in the mud next to 4 very sleepy and rumpled young lads, who had about as much foresight or lack of funds as us, and happily shared our stash of drinks with them ( Oh, yeah, bottled water was all they asked for). . .probably took 1 look @ a couple of our uncertain age and ascertained that was probably ALL we had to drink(never assume, young lads. . .it makes an ASS out of U and ME!!!) LOL!!! We also had chips, and other stash, just for the askin'. . .poor dudes, probably hadn't eaten sice they arrive, but who needs it, when you've got all this glorious music, and did I mention the free smells? Wonder if they knew about the free breakfast on the last morning that is a tradition put on by some wonderfully, generous sharing people, and anyone who contributes to the process! Love all you beautiful FREAKS!!!

Made Up Mind is a fantastic album. No two ways about it. The arrangements are exceptional as is the interplay between the band. The musicianship is stellar which is a must if you are a success on the jam band circuit. However, two things separate them from the pack: 1. Susan Tedeschi is an excellent singer and 2. The high level of their songs. The highlights are many as "Part of Me" plays like a classic with its horn lines and backing vocals while "Idle Wind" is a strong ballad with some tasteful flute playing. "All That I Need" has an instantly memorable melody and an even better chorus. Derek Trucks' solo during the outro is very melodic as well. I can see the band really branching out with this song if given the chance. "Sweet and Low" and "It's So Heavy" are very reminiscent of Carole King in their sense of craftsmanship and space. "Misunderstood" is very funky while "Do I Look Worried" starts out as a slow blues before the horn lines bring a lot of class and drama. "Whiskey Legs" and "The Storm" brings the band's musicianship to the forefront especially in the long jam on the latter. The title track and "Calling Out to You" are also great tracks. In short, everything works. I would recommend this album to anyone. How are they not the biggest band in the world right now?

Derek is a monster guitar player! Susan has one of the most beautiful voices in blues. She’s no slouch on guitar either! Great songs, great vocals and the musicianship is impeccable!! Buy it. Highly recommended!

I have most of the solo albums from both Trucks and Tedeschi - I like Tedeschi's better than a lot of the Derek Trucks albums (I was not a big fan of his world music mixed with blues). This album is just great, it is so easily listenable, the songs do not require you to study them to appreciate the musicianship like a lot of Derek's albums. The bigger band fills out the sound so well that it really sets a great stage for Susan's vocals. The sound is much richer than her solo albums. Compared to Revelator this album is just better - better songs, better production, and it just sounds to me like it was recorded by a really tight band having a lot of fun. I like most of the songs, but from me the stand out is All That I Need - just awesome. If you like blues fronted by a soulful female voice and backed by great slide guitar, horns, and an awesome rhythm section then this album is for you.

Been listening to Susan and Derek for many years now , and each new album , just gets better and better. The Band out does its self here and Derek has a few less guitar solo's .Always amazing to listen too. Susan's voice is mellowing more , but am I not hearing Bonnie Raitt double ?

Ein Bison und eine Dampflokomotive als Albumcover? Bessere Symbole für Druck und Kraft mit gleichzeitiger tiefer Verwurzelung mit typisch amerikanischer (Musik)kultur kann es gar nicht geben! Auf dem heute erschienenen Album „Made up Mind“ setzt die Tedesci Trucks Band ( TBB) den eingeschlagen Weg der bisherigen Alben einDRUCKsvoll fort. Der Hörer bekommt auf dieser Scheibe treibenden Soul und Rock geboten, und 11 köpfige Kapelle geht furios mit Bläsern und Hammond Orgel zur Sache. Ja, die Akkordfolgen sind sattsam aber ich kenne ganz wenige Gruppen aus denen man sofort zwei Solisten identifizieren kann. Die Slideslicks von Derek Trucks und die tolle Stimme von Susan Tedeschi! Die Platte besteht erfreulicherweise vorwiegend aus Eigenkompositionen. '3/4 der Nummern sind sehr soulastige Uptemponummern mit starken Motownanleihen. Spontan fällt mir der frühe Stevie Wonder ein und auch Bill Withers. Derek Trucks spielt seine Linien extrem banddienlich und die Mitmusiker zeigen mehr als einmal Ihr Können, bei einigen Liedern kommt eine Querflöte zum Einsatz, die mich zum Teil den Souljazz von Herbie Mann erinnert. Die akustischen Stücke haben Anleihen zum Singer / Songwriter spiel von Gordon Lightfoot. Die ruhigen Nummern stellen einen schönen Kontrast zu den doch sehr treibenden anderen Stücken dar. Ausgewiesenene Traditionalisten und Anhänger von „Allman Brothers Fillmore East“ wird das Werk vielleicht zu modern und gefällig klingen, dies versuchen Kritiker gerne Derek Trucks anzuhängen. An der Stelle muss auf die heutigen Alben der Allman Brothers verwiesen werden, auf den Trucks den guten Duane huldigt. Ich denke, das Derek Trucks mit der TTB einen ganz anderen Weg verfolgt als die Allman Brothers mit 1970er Lineup zu imitieren oder nachzueifern. Die Band hat sich enorm weiterentwickelt, wie der Vorredner freue ich mich auf eine Umsetzung der Stück vor Publikum. Höchstnote, eine der besten Neuerscheinungen für mich in diesem Jahr und ein Kauftipp

The Tedeschi Trucks Band. Rarely these days is the word 'Band' used correctly. However, The Tedeschi Trucks Band is 100% apt for this collection of 11 wonderful musicians. Of course we have guitars to savour but added to the mix are wonderful vocals, a broad selection of keys, a percussion section that covers all bases, a wonderful horn section and real classy backing vocals. The result is a truly joyous album of eleven stellar tracks and you just get the sense that the band had a real blast recording the album, having fun but also knowing they were in the throes of delivering something exceptional. This is a real cornucopia of sounds and styles, Blues, soul, gospel, country and some funky grooves. Tedeschi and Trucks are the focal point of the band and Tedeschi's vocals just get better and better, the lady is so expressive, so good at her phrasing and able to rise and fall within the dynamics of the songs. Trucks delivers a fretboard masterclass, laying down some incredible rhythms, majestic solos and some inspiring slide work. It must be said however, whilst it might be easy for Trucks to dominate every track, hoe doesn't, he is restrained and very much a part of the band. That only tells part of the story as the rest of the band get the chance to prove just how good they are. The percussion is faultless throughout, providing the base for Trucks to trade on. Equally the keys are delivered in a manner that dovetails perfectly with Trucks. Horns have a spontaneous feel and the backing vocals wrap themselves around Tedeschi. So to the 11 brilliant songs. The title track Made up Mind sets the pace with a pulsating rhythm, clipped riffing and an opening salvo from Trucks. Track 4, Misunderstood is a stunner, a real melting pot of soulful grooves, aside a funky riff and powerful horns. The result is a bright and spacious track that you will instantly love. Part of Me maintains the soulful sound with Tedeschi really to the fore, a low down husky lead vocal, some great harmonies that are redolent of the Motown sound! Just to complete the mix, Trucks lays down some razor sharp riffs and some funked up rhythm playing. Whiskey Legs will satisfy any Blues lover with its chugging guitar and ample reverb, the rhythm section delivering some massive grooves. This is Blues fusion of the highest order. All That I need is a lovely surprise, a track with a radio friendly hook that will seep into your conscious. Not that any mainstream radio station will have the nous to pick up such a quality song. For me the absolute standout of the album comes in the shape of penultimate track, the very aptly titled 'The Storm.' This is a truly magnificent song, it has real power and emotion in equal measure. It has a dense rhythmic opening with some fuzzed up licks. The keys come in and along with the percussion lay down slabs of sound. If Tedeschi awesome vocal is pleading how can one describe the solo of Trucks, it is simply stunning. This is real seek and destroy fretwork. Trucks seems to be trading killer blows with himself. 6 minutes and 30 seconds of sheer bliss. The set closer 'Calling Out to you' brings the pace right down with some seering and beautiful acoustic slide work from the master and Tedeschi going out on a real high with another emotive vocal. If there is real justice, when the Blues awards are dished out at the end of the year. The Tedeschi Truks Band and their magnificent album Made Up Mind must be right in the mix. You will not hear better this year!!

Prenez une super chanteuse de Soul/Blues/Classic Rock, un des meilleurs guitaristes de sa génération et faites les jouer, accompagnés par un groupe du tonnerre et vous obtiendrez un disque sans concession : une pépite ! La Gibson SG de Derek Trucks peut se faire douce et rageuse, tout comme la voix de sa femme Susan Tedeschi. Et je pense que c'est grâce à sa palette énorme d'émotions qu'ils ont réussi à accéder à ce statut de monument du classic rock. Ils ont joué partout, de la Maison Blanche, devant le président Obama, au festival si convoité "Crossroads", organisé par Eric Clapton. Ce groupe, c'est de l'artillerie lourde, tout comme le Buffalo prêt à écraser la locomotive qui lui fonce dessus sur la pochette. Les morceaux "Made Up Mind" ou "The Storm" sont de futurs classiques. Ce disque respire l'Amérique qu'on aime, celle des Allman Brothers, d'Aretha Franklin, John Lee Hooker ou Muddy Waters... je ne pense pas qu'on puisse se lasser de ce disque.

Regalo acertado para mi novio, le gustan muchísimo. Musicas geniales y textos también. Recomiendo a los amantes de este género musical.