Teresa Spencer
Words by Teresa Spencer
Known for their unique fusion of Southern rock, blues, soul and jam band styles, the Grammy Award-winning Tedeschi Trucks Band has built a reputation as one of the most electrifying live acts in contemporary music. Hailing from Jacksonville, the powerhouse ensemble led by renowned guitarist Derek Trucks and vocal powerhouse Susan Tedeschi has graced our pages numerous times over the years. Their celebrated discography and unforgettable performances make them a cornerstone of modern roots music.
Derek Trucks’ journey into music began with a serendipitous garage sale find, a $5 guitar that sparked a lifelong passion. From there, his trajectory soared, leading him to play with the legendary Allman Brothers Band at just 19. His musical prowess, combined with Tedeschi’s soul-stirring vocals and guitar skills, laid the foundation for the Tedeschi Trucks Band, which officially formed in 2010 when the couple merged their respective backing bands.
Their debut album, “Revelator,” was an instant classic, earning them a Grammy for Best Blues Album in 2011. With each subsequent release, the band has continued to push the boundaries of their genre, delivering soul-drenched, emotionally charged performances.
Tedeschi Trucks Band is not just a group, it’s a traveling musical family. With a 12-piece lineup featuring an array of talented musicians, the band thrives on deep camaraderie and collaboration. Unlike many major touring acts, they embrace a communal spirit, ensuring that every voice is heard and every member contributes to their evolving sound.
“We talk about what we should work on. There’s a lot of communication. We just love and respect each other. It’s a family vibe on the road, unlike some bands where it’s pure debauchery,” Tedeschi shared. “We have that, too — don’t get us wrong,” she laughed. “But we keep it pretty tight. If somebody’s unhappy, we work on it.”
Their fourth album, “Signs,” released in 2019, reflected a more pensive and political tone. Inspired by a series of personal and musical losses, including the passing of Gregg Allman, Butch Trucks, Leon Russell and Kofi Burbridge, it carried an emotional weight that resonated deeply with fans. Burbridge, a beloved member of the band, tragically passed away on the album’s release day, leaving behind a lasting imprint on their music.
Despite hardships, the band has continued to evolve, welcoming new members and embracing new influences. Their signature blend of analog recording techniques and improvisational energy ensures that each album and live performance is a raw, heartfelt experience.
Following the pandemic, the band embarked on one of their most ambitious projects yet—the four-part album and film series “I Am the Moon.” Inspired by “The Story of Layla and Majnun,” a 12th-century Persian poem that also influenced Eric Clapton’s “Layla,” the series reinterprets the tale from Layla’s perspective, bringing fresh emotional depth to the narrative.
“It just became this really interesting puzzle — how to make the music flow and the story arc work,” Trucks explained. “In some ways, it was kind of a happy accident.”
The series captures the emotional turbulence of isolation, personal reflection and creative renewal, making it one of the most immersive projects of their careers. With each installment released alongside a visual counterpart, “I Am the Moon” invites fans on a deeply personal and sonically rich journey.
Whether headlining major festivals, paying tribute to legends like Joe Cocker or leading all-star collaborations, they continue to push musical boundaries while staying true to their roots. From their Grammy-winning debut to their genre-defying concept albums, their commitment to raw, powerful storytelling remains unwavering.
As Jacksonville locals, their homecoming performances are always something special, an opportunity for family, friends and fans — old and new — to witness the magic up close. With an ever-evolving sound and an unbreakable bond, they are not just making music; they’re crafting a legacy that will stand the test of time.
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