There is a tendency with superior musicianship to go down a path of instrumental excess.
With the amazing talent pool in the Tedeschi Trucks Band, one could be forgiven for thinking it would result in music aimed squarely at fellow musicians. Made Up Mind sidesteps this concern most spectacularly.
It’s an earthy workout with band co-leader Susan Tedeschi delivering just the right amount of grits and gravy in her vocals while husband and Allman Brothers Band alumni Derek Trucks spits fire when it’s completely appropriate while laying out and comping extremely tasty fills at other times. The caliber of guitar explosion Trucks is capable of lends the instrumentation an ever-present threat that adds much.
Redefining what a ten-piece band is capable of, there is not one note out of place. The space between notes is also impressive and the music has such a humanistic cadence, the extra instrumentation drops in, makes a solid point and then drops out. The result of this is a constant revealing of sublime moments.
Made Up Mind is the kind of record that will remain in your player for extended periods as each spin reveals more and more sonic wonders. Roots music has never sounded so valid or vital.
Rob Hudson
www.tedeschitrucksband.com
