Jazz Fest 2016: Tedeschi Trucks Band is the next big thing, producer says

The Tedeschi Trucks Band with special guests Billy F. Gibbons, right center, and Jimmie Vaughan, back left, on the Acura Stage at Jazz Fest on Thursday, April 28, 2016 in New Orleans. (Photo by Chris Granger, Nola.com | The Times-Picayune)

By Christy Lorio NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune 

on April 29, 2016 at 7:05 AM, updated April 29, 2016 at 2:18 PM

"When they got together, they made the next great American band," New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival producer Quint Davis boldly proclaimed as the Tedeschi Trucks Band hit the Acura stage on Thursday (April 28) to close out the day.

The band's two-hour set, ranging from incredible guitar riffs to heart-felt ballads, proved Davis right.

The 12-piece Southern blues band, fronted by husband and wife duo Derek Trucks, on lead guitar and former Allman Brothers member, and Susan Tedeschi, vocals and guitar, filled the stage with a full horn section, two drum kits, a keyboardist and guitars.

Tedeschi took the stage in a low-cut, sky blue sequined knee length dress and opened the set with "Made Up Mind" off their 2013 album of the same name. The band bounces between rock, gospel and blues.

Tedeschi's soulful, gravelly voice impressively commands the 12-piece band. Trucks kept an even, cool demeanor even through the most hair-raising guitar solos, despite sweat dripping off his guitar. "It's like the guitar is talking to you," said an audience member. He was right.

Tedeschi brought so much energy to the Wayne Carson's classic "The Letter," she had to reach for a towel to wipe sweat from her glasses after the song. It was certainly a turning point in the already high energy performance.

The biggest anticipation was the appearance of Jimmy Vaughn and Billy Gibbons on stage.

Jimmy Vaughan sauntered on stage first, with slicked back grey hair and a burgundy Western snap shirt with a silver conch guitar strap. The band bowed down without bowing out as Vaughan joined Tedeschi for "Let The Good Times Roll."

Next up, Gibbons, wearing the coolest black rhinestone studded black leather jacket, joined the band onstage to play everything from ZZ Top tunes to B.B. King. "I don't care who you are (as a musician)...you were touched by him," Tedeschi said of King.

read more: http://news360.com/digestarticle/1LDM0CP9eE616tWM_nSEbQ