Led by the formidable duo of guitarist Derek Trucks and singer/guitarist Susan Tedeschi, Tedeschi Trucks Band stands as a pinnacle of roots rock music. Renowned globally for their distinctive sound and unmatched musicianship, they effortlessly blend elements of rock, soul, blues, and Americana. The ensemble, consisting of 12 exceptional musicians, includes Susan on guitar and vocals, Derek on guitar, Gabe Dixon on keyboards and vocals, Brandon Boone on bass, Tyler “Falcon” Greenwell and Isaac Eady on drums and percussion, Mike Mattison on vocals and guitar, Mark Rivers on vocals, Alecia Chakour on vocals, Kebbi Williams on saxophone, Ephraim Owens on trumpet, and Elizabeth Lea on trombone.
The Tedeschi Trucks Band brought their summer caravan to Northern Virginia, delivering two electrifying performances at Wolf Trap in Vienna, Virginia, on June 27-28, 2023.
The band continues to tour in support of their highly acclaimed fifth studio project, I Am The Moon, a collection of songs that emerged during the creative hibernation enforced by the COVID-19 pandemic. This album, released as four volumes over the summer of 2022, showcases the band’s prolific songwriting abilities, drawing inspiration from an ancient tale of star-crossed lovers.
Stream all four volumes of I Am The Moon by Tedeschi Trucks Band on Spotify:
On the first night of their Wolf Trap performance, Tedeschi Trucks Band enchanted the audience with a setlist that showcased their versatility and reverence for musical history. From soulful renditions of Joe Cocker’s “Woman to Woman” and Elmore James’ “Done Somebody Wrong” to heartfelt covers of Joe Tex’s “Show Me” and Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,” the band took their fans on a journey through time and genre. They also performed original tracks like Susan Tedeschi’s “Looking for Answers” and the captivating “Pasaquan.” The night culminated in an encore featuring vibrant renditions of Wet Willie’s “Keep On Smilin'” and Joe Tex’s “Show Me.”
The second night’s setlist continued to captivate the audience, opening with a rousing cover of Blind Willie McTell’s “Statesboro Blues” and including Tedeschi Trucks Band favorites like “Midnight in Harlem” and “Bound For Glory.” Their performance of “I Am the Moon” from their latest album showcased the band’s ability to craft emotionally rich and introspective compositions. The night also featured memorable covers such as Little Milton’s “Feel So Bad” and The Rolling Stones’ “Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo (Heartbreaker).” The band closed the show with a powerful encore that included Muddy Waters’ “Got My Mojo Workin'” and a soul-stirring rendition of Matthew Moore’s “Space Captain.”
Unlike their previous “Wheels of Soul” tours, which featured a traveling music festival format with multiple supporting acts, this summer Tedeschi Trucks Band opted for a different approach. They are touring with a single support act each night, allowing the band to indulge in longer sets, delving deeper into their vast catalog of over 100 songs.
Country and blues singer/songwriter Vincent Neil Emerson graced the stage as the supporting act for both Wolf Trap shows. During his set, he shared a delightful anecdote about his involvement in the tour. It turns out that Derek and Susan’s teenage daughter, Sophia, became a fan of Emerson’s music and urged her parents to give him a listen. Impressed by what they heard, Derek and Susan offered him the opportunity to open for them on several dates throughout the summer.
Throughout both nights, Tedeschi Trucks Band displayed their unparalleled musicianship and the profound connection they share with their audience. The Wolf Trap performances were a testament to the band’s remarkable talent and their ability to deliver memorable live experiences. Fans were left in awe, eagerly anticipating their next opportunity to witness the magic of Tedeschi Trucks Band on stage.
Enjoy some additional photos from Tedeschi Trucks Band’s June 27, 2023 (Night No. 1) at Wolf Trap. All images are courtesy of and copyright by Ari Strauss.
