Concert review: Derek Trucks Band at the Granada (March 6)

by Ron Dempesmeier

A sold out audience in the venerable Granada Theater got its share of jaw-dropping moments during the Derek Trucks Band performance. Trucks’ slide guitar technique on his red Gibson SG was a wonder to behold. His precise, fiery playing led his group through stops in blues, jazz, gospel, Indian/Pakistani and rock styles, with several songs hitting nearly all of them in succession! Trucks does not need showy stage antics to punch his guitar hero ticket – he just uses his fingers, intense concentration and a Pyrex tube do it for him.

Trucks’ band was also outstanding and their talents were showcased throughout the evening. Kofi Burbridge played some sizzling Hammond organ, funky clavinet and his flute playing was featured on the John Coltrane version of “My Favorite Things.” Drummer Yonrico Scott put on a clinic of powerful blues and jazz drumming and sang some gruff backing vocals. Bassist Todd Smallie anchored the rhythm with his solid playing and provided the majority of backing vocals. The oldest member of the group (likely in his sixties) was percussionist Count M’Butu who played a full set of African drums and just about any shaker, scraper, cowbell and stick available. Count M’Butu was announced as being from Plano, Texas, which got a big rise out of the crowd.

Lead vocalist Mike Mattison had a very soulful voice that went from gritty bluesman to pure falsetto. Originals like “Down in the Flood” and “Get What You Deserve” represented the traditional blues vein. The dulcet side of Mattison’s voice was displayed on “Sweet Inspiration” and an inspired reading of immortal the Curtis Mayfield classic “Move On Up” (which would challenge any male vocalist’s high register, but Mattison pulled it off in fine style). Mattison sat on a stool next to the keyboards all evening, except during instrumentals, but his relaxed demeanor could not hide the passion of his voice.

Derek Trucks is related to Butch Trucks of the Allman Brothers Band and has toured with them and with Eric Clapton in the past. These influences exerted a strong pull on several songs. One was an excellent performance of the 1970 Derek & the Dominos song called “Anyday.” Trucks’ parents named him after this group that was led by Clapton and featured the late, great slide guitarist Duane Allman. Another original (I believe it was “I Know”) really evoked the Allman Brother sound in its loping but light rhythm with the slide riding smoothly on top.

The opening act for the show was a quartet led by Gary Clark Jr. He also played in a very tasty blues style (no slide – but finger-picked) and did an admirable job getting the crowd started. Clark and his drummer joined the Derek Trucks Band for an epic run-through on the old Allen Toussaint chestnut “Get Out My Life, Woman.” It was an interesting sight watching Trucks direct the solos with a nod of his head to the person who was to get the next 12 or 24 bars to shine.

With artists as dedicated and passionate about respecting and extending roots music, the state of music might not to be as dire as one would think. The Derek Trucks Band was definitely worth catching live and I hope to see them come back to the DFW area again.

This article was submitted by a member of the Pegasus News community.