It appeared as if Derek threw the entire band a curve ball to kickoff the show, when he decided to open the last show of their annual residency at The Warner Theatre with "Midnight in Harlem".  Susan had a look of surprise on her face as Derek launched into the opening notes.  I'm not sure if the band has ever opened a show with this tune, but it felt like a first. And it was amazing!  Derek must have known something about how he was feeling because the version they cranked out was truly mind-blowing.  The rest of the set was just as good as you can read below (source: fm.setlist.com)


​Set 1
Midnight in Harlem; Play Video; Do I Look Worried; Gravity; Life Is Crazy (Mike Mattison cover); Learn How to Love; All the Love; Yes We Will; Idle Wind; 

Set 2:
So Long Savior; Anyhow; Playing With My Emotions; Where Are My Friends?; Stand Back
(The Allman Brothers Band cover) (>) Mr. Clean (Freddie Hubbard cover - with Stand Back reprise); The Feeling Music Brings; (Susan Tedeschi song); I Walk on Guilded Splinters (Dr. John cover); Bound for Glory; Angel From Montgomery (John Prine cover); Get What You Deserve; (The Derek Trucks Band cover); 

Encore:
Space Captain (Matthew Moore cover)


I've covered TTB since 2012, a mere two years after forming.  I've been lucky enough to witness, first-hand, the evolution into the top touring band in the world (as of this writing).  I've watched Derek mature into an inventor. He has a way of plating notes, that, by themselves would never sound good together, but by stringing those thoughts and the ones in his head (likely 10 steps ahead of everyone else), together, he is able to invent entirely new solos live, on the spot.  It's an amazing thing to watch up close and give in to the sounds, losing oneself.  And Susan...what is there to say about her? She has always has "the" voice...it has now just become yet more bluesy, sultry, and full out rocking! The one area I think she has improved so much at is her guitar playing. 


While always a star, as The Susan Tedeschi Band, possibly by osmosis, though I bet she practices her ass off, it is her guitar playing that she has mastered, and when she decides she is going to rip up a song (ex: The Sky is Crying), there is no hesitation, and the rest of the band knows it's coming.  She's remarkable, fun, and very smart.  And that band.... Mike Mattison has a voice that could stand alone and belt out the blues.  Ephraim Owens (trumpet), Elizabeth Lea (Trombone), Tyeler Greewell (Drums), and a few of the other long-time members, have gelled ito a force on-stage.  I especially wanted to mention Alecia Chakour, who has such and amazing voice, her pitch and range are beautiful.  Paert of it is what she adds when Susan is singing.  If you pay attention she is singing a lot of the parts backing Susan up, and it magical.  When she has a solo or sings one of her songs is when I perk up a bit and really listen.  Always a treat!  Yje rest of the band are all stars in their own-right.  All talented and complimnent the larger band perfectly. As I mentioned, I've been covering them a long time. Since Mountain Jam 2012.  It had been raining off and on, right up until TTB took the stage about 3:00 (if I remember), and the clouds parted and the sun stared to peek out.  By the end of the set the sun was totally out and it had become a beautiful afternoon.  Coincidence?  Maybe.  This was the shot I took that say that started this whole magazine, photography, obsession.  I had run out of camera battery, si with my, then old iphone, I snapped this.  I wasnt even watching, The music told me to take it.  True story, promise.  Some years later I had it printed on wood and one night at the Warner, while the fist set was ending, I asked Susan to sign it.  She did and I was, and still am, super happy about this.


​While always a star, as The Susan Tedeschi Band, possibly just by osmosis, though I bet she practices her ass off, it is her guitar playing that she has mastered, and when she decides she is going to rip up a song (ex: The Sky is Crying), there is no hesitation, and the rest of the band knows it's coming.  She's remarkable, fun, and very smart.  And that band.... Mike Mattison has a voice that could stand alone and belt out the blues.  Ephraim Owens (trumpet), Elizabeth Lea (Trombone), Tyeler Greewell (Drums), and a few of the other long-time members, have gelled ito a force on-stage.  I especially wanted to mention Alecia Chakour, who has such and amazing voice, her pitch and range are beautiful.  Paert of it is what she adds when Susan is singing.  If you pay attention she is singing a lot of the parts backing Susan up, and it magical.  When she has a solo or sings one of her songs is when I perk up a bit and really listen.  Always a treat!  Yje rest of the band are all stars in their own-right.  All talented and complimnent the larger band perfectly. As I mentioned, I've been covering them a long time. Since Mountain Jam 2012.  It had been raining off and on, right up until TTB took the stage about 3:00 (if I remember), and the clouds parted and the sun stared to peek out.  By the end of the set the sun was totally out and it had become a beautiful afternoon.  Coincidence?  Maybe.  This was the shot I took that say that started this whole magazine, photography, obsession.  I had run out of camera battery, si with my, then old iphone, I snapped this.  I wasnt even watching, The music told me to take it.  True story, promise.  Some years later I had it printed on wood and one night at the Warner, while the fist set was ending, I asked Susan to sign it.  She did and I was, and still am, super happy about this.


Tedeschi Trucks Band
March 4, 2023 - Warner Theatre - Washington, DC

​​​Rock, Roots, & Blues - Live

Mountain Jam 2012 photo:S. Hefter