Already Free Review

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Already Free ReviewAfter releasing the tour de force album SONGLINES in 2006, I have eagerly awaited the follow up from the very talented Derek Trucks Band. While the newly released ALREADY FREE does not match the majesty of SONGLINES, it's still is a very good album by one of the best working bands out there.
To me, this album represents a tightening of their eclectic approach to music, no doubt trying to consolidate their fame as a great live group. ALREADY FREE focuses on the blues/soul side of the band at the expense jazz/world fusion side. While I miss the expansive jams that have highlighted their previous releases, the focus on songcraft and tight ensemble playing does not diminish the joy factor too much. Derek and the band provide a solid set of tunes in a swamp-funk blues style while expanding their songwriting chops and serving up some choice covers. My favorites include the opening semi-obscure Dylan tune DOWN IN THE FLOOD, BACK WHERE I STARTED which features a great vocal turn by Mrs. Trucks, Susan Tedeshi, GET WHAT YOU DESERVE and the slide guitar showcase I KNOW.Actually, all the songs are pretty good, to my ears, there's no real weak link here. The copy that I received also has 3 bonus tracks including a back porch blues called THE CHICKEN ROBBER SONG and a slow simmering instrumental SWAMP, another highlight. Throughout the album the band provides solid backing and provides good space for Trucks to solo. With all his chops, Trucks does not showboat as a soloist. He articulates his message short and sweet and always perfectly within the context of the song.
I hope that by taking a more conservative direction on this release that the DTB can gain some more well deserved recognition. I also hope that with that recognition that the band does on occasion revisit the wide ranging influences that have made their previous albums such a treat for music lovers. In the meantime, I'm sure I'll be getting plenty of listening pleasure from this one.
Already Free Overview

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Guitars (CD/DVD) Review

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Guitars (CD/DVD) ReviewI had no idea this was coming out until I saw it by chance in a store today and can now happily report that it is another excellent outing by the longstanding jazz master, McCoy Tyner in the middle of a phenomenal jazz trio with a number of distinguished guests. The trio consists of McCoy with Ron Carter on bass and Jack Dejohnette on drums. The guests are all either guitarists or in the case of Bela Fleck, a banjo player. The result is a varied, always interesting takes on a number of songs, including some Tyner standards, some classic Coltrane songs and a few of the guests' compositions for good measure.
The trio at the standard is exactly what you would expect, namely, superb. The skills of Tyner, Carter and Dejohnette have already in numerous places been praised, so I see no need to say anything other than that they live up to there reputations here. Especially Dejohnette, a personal favorite of mine, who constantly amazes with his sense of time, accent and space within the band. Only one person could have possibly done it better than him, in my opinion, and that would have been Elvin Jones. In the end, he and Ron Carter provide a very solid core over which McCoy and guests experiment. McCoy himself is continuing to go strong as he has in the past.
The guests, obviously, make this recording interesting, and there is a lot in there contributions. There are five of them (Marc Ribot, John Scofield, Bela Fleck, Derek Trucks and Bill Frisell) and each has a very distinctive style and repertoire. The result is that the album is varied, not so varied as to lack cohesion, but varied enough to remain interesting throughout. Their very specifics sorts of tones add a lot to the mix of the album. Trucks, for instance is very blues driven, while Scofield has a wider, more mellow tone. A personal favorite for me is Bela Fleck. Anyone familiar with his album with Chick Corea, 'The Enchantment', will know how versatile and talented he is. Here he plays three songs, two of his originals and 'My Favorite Things'. His compositions are probably the most interesting on the album, distinctive from the more standard sounding sorts of songs (like the Coltrane blues 'Mr PC') and they offer McCoy a different sort of space to some into musically. That being said, Bela also fits right in on 'My Favorite things' demonstrating some very healthy, sometimes Trane-like complicated licks. John Scofield is my next favorite. He really tears it up 'Mr PC', so much so, that McCoy remarks afterwards that the guitar had to have caught on fire.
Which brings me to my last point, and a great surprise for me, the Bonus DVD. The quote from Tyner cannot be found on the album itself, but on the DVD, which contains studio video of some of the songs from the album. For each song, there is a section while they warm up and discuss the way they will play the song, and then there is the song itself, followed by a brief period of conversation. The song is obviously the most interesting part, as you get to see the musicians actually performing. The best part of this arrangement, are the multiple camera angles. They had four cameras in the studio, one on each musician and there are six different viewing options. The first one is pre-edited and switches from musician to musician. The second one shows all angles simultaneously and the last four show just one specific musician (like Jack Dejohnette, all the way through the song). This was a very interesting feature, Which I had a lot of fun with, being able to watch the musicians work is incredibly impressive, to say the least.
All in All, this was a solid production. I do not think that it is the next 'A Love Supreme', but certainly worth looking into for fans of any of the musicians involved. You will not be disappointed.Guitars (CD/DVD) Overview

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Best Kept Secret Review

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Best Kept Secret ReviewPlaying Time - 52:02 -- Just about two decades ago, Jerry Douglas had already established himself as the premier dobro player on the bluegrass scene. Fine albums on the Rounder, MCA and Sugar Hill labels were one of his legacies from the 1980s and 90s. "Slide Rule" and "Lookout for Hope" were two stupendous releases. Now associated with growing Koch Records, Douglas now appears headed in new electric directions that match up his resophonic guitars, Fender telecaster and lap steel with drums, B-3 organ, violin, guitars, bass, mandolin, banjo, saxophone and piano. Joining him on the journey are a number of friends, including Sam Bush and Bela Fleck who joined Jerry in the band, Strength in Numbers. Other key quests include Alison Krauss, John Fogerty, Bill Frisell, and Derek Trucks.
"The Best Kept Secret" may take a few by surprise. Bluegrass fans expecting a more acoustic or traditional sound will be displeased. On the other hand, fans of progressive country rock will immediately take to the dramatic opening salvo of the 6-minute "She Makes Me Want To Sing," with its driving guitar. The album appears to be a vehicle for Douglas' astonishing creative juices to freely flow, an even the most close-minded traditionalist has to appreciate the hot picking in the upbeat "Who's Your Uncle?" An album of enterprising undertaking, Douglas seems to enjoy the challenge of facing formidable tasks. It's actually pretty cool to hear Alison Krauss getting down and funky on "Back in Love Again." Assuming you like blues and country rock, this is the kind of music that grows on you with repeated listens. On my first few spins of the CD, orchestrated late at night after a long day, I took to the soothing effect of Joe Zawinul's "A Remark You Made" and Bob Willis classic "Swing Blues No. 1," sung by John Fogerty. Guitarist Bill Frisell trading licks on "Lil' RoRo," and Douglas' "Ya Ya etc." are packed with punch and intensity. Musicians appearing on most cuts are Gabe Witcher (violin, B-3), Keith Sewell (guitars), Shannon Forrest (drums, percussion), and Derek Jones (acoustic bass).
While many Nashville artists are getting more country or acoustic and a lot less rock `n' roll, Jerry Douglas is bucking that trend. I won't purport to say that he's going against the grain because he's never had a specific grain to follow. His objective has always been to simply produce stimulating music. With multiple Grammy awards under his belt, Jerry Douglas has the experience and smarts to know exactly what he's doing. His "Best Kept Secret" may be commercial and targeting a younger album-buying demographic. In any case, we know he's come to represent exceptional dobrology with broad influences. His aqueous compositions are full of excitement and energy. It's Playing Time - 52:02 -- Just about two decades ago, Jerry Douglas had already established himself as the premier dobro player on the bluegrass scene. Fine albums on the Rounder, MCA and Sugar Hill labels were one of his legacies from the 1980s and 90s. "Slide Rule" and "Lookout for Hope" were two stupendous releases. Now associated with growing Koch Records, Douglas now appears headed in new electric directions that match up his resophonic guitars, Fender telecaster and lap steel with drums, B-3 organ, violin, guitars, bass, mandolin, banjo, saxophone and piano. Joining him on the journey are a number of friends, including Sam Bush and Bela Fleck who joined Jerry in the band, Strength in Numbers. Other key quests include Alison Krauss, John Fogerty, Bill Frisell, and Derek Trucks.
"The Best Kept Secret" may take a few by surprise. Bluegrass fans expecting a more acoustic or traditional sound will be displeased. On the other hand, fans of progressive country rock will immediately take to the dramatic opening salvo of the 6-minute "She Makes Me Want To Sing," with its driving guitar. The album appears to be a vehicle for Douglas' astonishing creative juices to freely flow, an even the most close-minded traditionalist has to appreciate the hot picking in the upbeat "Who's Your Uncle?" An album of enterprising undertaking, Douglas seems to enjoy the challenge of facing formidable tasks. It's actually pretty cool to hear Alison Krauss getting down and funky on "Back in Love Again." Assuming you like blues and country rock, this is the kind of music that grows on you with repeated listens. On my first few spins of the CD, orchestrated late at night after a long day, I took to the soothing effect of Joe Zawinul's "A Remark You Made" and Bob Willis classic "Swing Blues No. 1," sung by John Fogerty. Guitarist Bill Frisell trading licks on "Lil' RoRo," and Douglas' "Ya Ya etc." are packed with punch and intensity. Musicians appearing on most cuts are Gabe Witcher (violin, B-3), Keith Sewell (guitars), Shannon Forrest (drums, percussion), and Derek Jones (acoustic bass).
While many Nashville artists are getting more country or acoustic and a lot less rock `n' roll, Jerry Douglas is bucking that trend. I won't purport to say that he's going against the grain because he's never had a specific grain to follow. His objective has always been to simply produce stimulating music. With multiple Grammy awards under his belt, Jerry Douglas has the experience and smarts to know exactly what he's doing. His "Best Kept Secret" may be commercial and targeting a younger album-buying demographic. In any case, we know he's come to represent exceptional dobrology with broad influences. His aqueous compositions are full of excitement and energy. It's another chapter in Flux's music book that illustrates the creative genius at work. (Joe Ross, staff writer, Bluegrass Now)
Best Kept Secret OverviewKicking off with the slippery and driving groove of 'She Makes Me Want To Sing' featuring fellow slide-master Derek Trucks, the album's 11 tracks are the most ambitious and accessible work to date for Douglas, marking the masterwork of a key musical explorer and a testament to his evolving creative spirit. The Best Kept Secret takes an inclusive tack on 'Who's Your Uncle', regular co-conspirators Bela Fleck and Sam Bush whip it up on a series of blistering choruses, while on 'Back In Love Again' Douglas unveils a new slinky -- one could even say funky -- side from singer Alison Krauss. Koch. 2005.

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Roadsongs Review

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Roadsongs ReviewTwo discs,48,58 minutes each approximately. The sound is very crisp and clean,with an almost "you are there" feel. The discs are slipped, bare, into a tri-fold cardboard holder, which has some interesting color photos inside, along with a pertinent quote from Eric Clapton about being on the road constantly. The booklet lists the song titles, and lengths. There's a short written piece by singer Mike Mattison on his first concert experience as a member of the band, playing live,and how blues music is the foundation of THE DEREK TRUCKS BAND. The remainder of the booklet is taken up with color photos of members of the band.
With this new release, the DEREK TRUCKS BAND proves that they are one of few bands that can deliver great live versions from their previous, bluesy, studio release "Already Free", combined with their take on a (lengthy) jazz classic "Afro Blue", the well known "Anyday" (DEREK AND THE DOMINOS), and the old blues warhorse "Key To The Highway" (among others), and inject them with their own sound. Songs like "Down In The Flood" (Dylan), "Days Is Almost Gone", and "Down Don't Bother Me", for example, are injected with the excitement of a live recording in front of an appreciative audience.Trucks and his band are capable of playing in virtually any genre of music they choose-from blues, gospel, rock, r&b, country, to world music, all combined into one broad style-and it's all here.
On this live set Trucks and his band (which range in age from their 20's to their 40's) show they have the skill, confidence, and depth to assimilate many styles of music and take that music (and the listener) in virtually any direction. Trucks, who came out of THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND, who had a penchant for improvisation, has that rare combination of technique, style, and soulfulness that elevates him into the upper echelons of guitar players. His playing with musicians like Eric Clapton and Warren Haynes has only deepened his approach to improvisation. He has continued to define his guitar tone, and whether picking single notes or playing full chords, his sound is rich and full. His slide playing is very warm, soulful, yet visceral, with an almost understated excitement.
The 2003 set "Live at Georgia Theatre" (now available for approximately $10), is a good comparison in defining Truck's tone and style. On this 2 CD set his sound is closer to Duane Allman's, with Trucks just beginning to step into his own style. The core band (as on "Roadsongs") members do their usual good job of holding/advancing everything together. Both of these sets are companion pieces when it comes to great live music from this band. If you haven't heard "Live at Georgia Theatre" (with great sound) you're missing some fine music.
The bands sound, which is a combination of razor sharp chops, and a relaxed, honest, organic approach is the perfect combination that seamlessly blends straightforward, no frills playing with several of the better tracks from their last album, with some newer live renditions of other songs. Throughout, the well thought out arrangements (with the inclusion of occasional horns), which constantly ebb and flow, keep the music fresh and interesting-along with the (sometimes subtle) always exciting playing of Trucks. The vocals, handled by Mike Mattison, allow Trucks to concentrate on his guitar playing and the direction of the music, which is vital when weaving seemingly disparate styles of music into one organic whole.
This live set is a continuation, a refinement of this bands sound. Trucks (and the band) continues to forge ahead in whatever direction the music takes them (and us), which is the hallmark of a band that's choosing to stretch the boundaries of music and not be satisfied with playing the same music in the same repetitive style. This group is one of few bands to play across and assimilate different genres of music, and weave them into an honest style all their own. So sit back and let this music take you where it will-you won't be sorry.Roadsongs Overview

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