Trucks' own songs (or co-writes) reveal yet another strength of his; he gave these songs hooks but never made them too sleek and instilled in them enough depth to ensure them lasting appeal. Just listen to the driving funk of "Something To Make You Happy," or the anthemic, bluesy old-school soul of "Down Don't Bother Me" for some solid evidence.
Mattison's gruff, deeply soulful pipes are a fine fit for the band's gritty personality, but Trucks nonetheless brought in Doyle Bramhall II to take lead vocals on a couple of originals. Bramhall is very much a kindred spirit of Trucks, both having played guitar together behind Clapton and are into much the same kind of roots-based American music forms. Bramhall, though, can also sing, and his vocal abilities work rather well with the funky, mid-tempo rocker "Maybe This Time" and the breezy folk of "Our Love."
And if there's going to be some guest vocals, then it might as well include Trucks' talented spouse, Susan Tedeschi. She gives a committed performance on the acoustic-based number "Back Where I Started." Tedeschi also contributes backing vocals on several other tracks, and I don't have to read any credits to know that; her presence is hard to miss.
The brief album closer, "Already Free," is an appropriate, laid-back wind-down tune with Trucks dubbing together an acoustic slide with a couple of electric ones.
Followers of The Derek Trucks Band will want to know how Already Free stacks up to 2006's Songlines, which I felt is where the band really hit its stride. Songlines remains the fullest expression of the Derek Trucks Band's breathtaking range and abilities. On the other hand, this new one is more tightly focused, yet relaxed.
You could say it's more "down home." Literally.
Article comments
1 - Josh Hathaway
I have picked up Songlines and set it down on three or four occasions. I'm going to have to get that and this and give them an audition.
2 - Tom Johnson
I love Trucks' playing. I had a couple of his earlier albums, kept listening hoping for the lightning to strike and it never did. Something didn't connect. Beautiful playing by Trucks, a great band, and even the vocals didn't get in the way when they were present, but the circle didn't come 'round fully and offer up great songs that I wanted to listen to over and over. They just seemed like formless jams. Maybe he's progressed and grown since those earlier albums. I sure was disappointed after seeing him play on some TV show - the power on display on stage was absolutely not captured in a studio recording.
3 - Pico
No formless jams at all on this record, Tom. Even Songlines isn't all the "jammy" although where it is, it's more interesting. But Already Free is by far the most oriented toward presenting concise, memorable songs. You won't hear the band stretch out much at all, but Trucks still manages to leave behind some great licks that work well within the songs rather than sounding like excuses to show off. And the singing is great all around; Mattison, who didn't appear until Songlines, is straight up a top notch vocalist.
4 - John
A great review of this spectacular album.
5 - Triniman
I just saw perform last night in Winnipeg. I may write a review. This was my second time seeing him, this time to a larger audience. He is still quiet and unassuming, barely looking at the audience at all and speaking only to introduce the band members. There was quite a variety in his playing, from various blues, Indian, funk, and spectacular jazz in the form of My Favorite Things. That 20-minute jam was the highlight for me, but for others it was the blistering Keys To The Highway. I had a hell of a good time. See them live if you can.