Too Many Tears

I first saw Buddy Guy perform at the Fillmore East in the fall of 1968.  There he was coming down the aisle at the Fillmore playing the guitar behind his back.  He remains one of the great showmen of the classic blues.

Too Many Tears is from the 72 year old Guy's 2009 album, which features many fine collaborations but this tune is the standout.  On my first listening the female vocalist brought me up short; what a great voice, but who was it?  I went to the tiny print on the CD and discovered it was Susan Tedeschi of whom I'd never heard.  Too Many Tears made me a fan and I've since enjoyed many of her recordings, both solo and with her husband, the amazing slide guitarist, Derek Trucks.

That's Derek playing slide on this cut.  Enjoy. 

Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad?

Guitar greats Derek Trucks, Warren Haynes, and Eric Clapton at the 2013 Crossroads Guitar Festival.  The song is from Derek & The Dominoes 1970 album Layla on which Clapton and Duane Allman shared lead guitar.  This version features the final incarnation of the Allman Brothers Band.  That's Greg Allman, Duane's brother, on keyboards and Derek is the nephew Butch Trucks, of one of the band's drummers.

Bands THC Would Like To See

The bands you would like to see don't necessarily include all those with your favorite songs.  A live act needs to brings something exciting to the table and can't be too dependent on studio magic for their sound.  Oh, and no lip syncing or backup tracks (unless you are The Who).

THC has raved before about his favorite contemporary live act, Robert Randolph & The Family Band and also seen and enjoyed Los Lonely Boys.  Here are his top three acts that he has not yet seen live and each has a New England link.

TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND

Fronted by the husband and wife team of Derek Trucks on slide guitar (and nephew of Allman Brothers drummer Butch Trucks) and singer and guitarist Susan Tedeschi (from East Boston).  They've played in separate bands but more recently have been recording together.  The current configuration of the band is so strong that the former lead singer, Mike Mattison (who is excellent, listen to him here) is doing backup now and occasionally pinch-hitting on lead. Here they are with a tune from their newest album that displays Susan's smoky vocals and Derek's fluid and soaring slide.

DROPKICK MURPHYS

Official band of Red Sox Nation and best known for I'm Shipping Up To Boston.  My favorite; the tough-love rocker State of Massachusetts. 

She had excuses and she chose to use them
She was the victim of unspeakable abuses
Her husband was violent, malicious and distant
Her kids now belong to the state of Massachusetts

They've been taken away! Hey!
They've been taken away!

Billy was a bright one, Tommy's off his head
Mother loved them both the same, at least that's what she said
I don't predict the future, I don't care about the past
Send them both to DSS, now you've had your chance

The poison stole your babies
The judges took your rights
You can have your children or the night

I suppose you've been a victim, I suspect you may have lied
Have you lost all ambition, won't you give this thing a try
If you can't and you fail, you won't be the only loser
These kids don't stand a chance with you in their future

They've been taken away! Hey!
They've been taken away!

GRACE POTTER & THE NOCTURNALS

Out of Vermont.  Grace Potter on vocals and keyboard with a hard pounding band.  Here they are on a studio cut: They also do some terrific covers.  This is White Rabbit: Grace has also done some good stuff with other artists.  Listen to her on Neil Young's Cortez The Killer with Joe Satriani contributing astounding guitar work.

I'll Find My Way

From the Derek Trucks Band.  Great groove to this tune.  Smooth vocal by Mike Mattison and topnotch guitar work from Derek (catch his closing solo which starts at around 4:00).  Derek and his wife, Susan Tedeschi, were featured in a prior post.  Derek's uncle is Butch Trucks, one of the original drummers for The Allman Brothers Band and Derek often tours as one of the two guitarists in the latest reincarnation of that band.

Friday Song

Little by Little.  What a voice!  Susan Tedeschi (vocals, first guitar solo) & Derek Trucks (second guitar solo).  Susan and Derek are married and Derek's uncle is Butch Trucks, one of the original drummers in the Allman Brothers Band.