Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi  Soul Stew Revival ~  July 11, 2008 ~ The High Falls Brewery ~ Rochester, NY

Words and Photos by Joe Koch

As another work week comes to an end, you couldn't ask for a better way to celebrate; Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi Soul Stew Revival, the long-awaited performance of the husband-and-wife blues duo. The crowds filtered and spread their blankets about the nontraditional venue — a parking lot behind Rochester's High Falls Brewery, one of the largest and oldest continually operating breweries in the United States.

If you were lucky enough you were able to mingle with Derek and Susan on the previous night, as they were in town a day early and decided to take in the Los Lobos show at Rochester's Party in the Park Concert Series. They were said to be chillin' in the crowd and signing autographs.

As any chance of rain was erased behind the sun-drenched horizon, the ensemble of musicians took the stage. A guitar-less Susan and Mike Mattison — Derek's regular lead vocalist — approached their mikes to lead the band into "Don't Do It," a number that instantly reveals the guitar prowess of Derek.
By the second song "People," Susan was strapping her axe. As they moved through the night they displayed songs from each others repertoire and some were new just for the Soul Stew Revival tour. While Derek is not the most expressive person, occasionally you will find him looking to his wife for an reaffirming smile and the smile is always returned.

As the moon trades places with the sun, the mood for the remainder of the evening is set — just kick back and enjoy the jams. The acclaimed slide guitarist illuminates the stage with his blistering solos that leave most wondering how that skinny little white guy gets his guitar to talk as if he was summoning the late great blues artists of past. Throughout the evening, you could always find Derek at center stage ripping away while his band set the foundation for the perfect groove to compliment his playing.

In a one-of-a-kind treat, Susan announced that she was going to have a special friend join them on stage,. This friend turned out to be Adrienne Hayes, who played with Susan on her earlier albums Just Won't Burn and Better Days. It was Adrienne's birthday, so she was invited to perform with the band. Adrienne's guitar work was just as compelling as Derek's and Susan's, and she smiled the entire time she was on stage.

As I walked to the rear of the venue I got a wide-angle view of the band playing a bluesy version of "Hey Jude." They ended the night with the classic; "The Weight" by The Band, leaving the crowd screaming for more. As one fan said, "Susan and Derek brought tears to my eyes, they gave me goosebumps. This was one hell of a show!"

For more info go to:

• Derek Trucks ~ www.derektrucks.com
• Susan Tedeschi ~ www.susantedeschi.com