Tedeschi Trucks Band Kicks Off 2017 ‘Wheels Of Soul Tour’ In New Hampshire

The Tedeschi Trucks Band returned to the road on Saturday night at the Bank Of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook in Gilford, New Hampshire. Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi led the ensemble through a collection of originals and covers to headline the first night of this year’s Wheels Of Soul Tour, which also features sets from Hot Tuna and The Wood Brothers.

The TTB’s longtime keyboardist Kofi Burbridge was not on stage as he’s recovering from major heart surgery. Derek and Susan recruited talented keys man Carey Frank to fill Kofi’s spot while Burbridge recuperates. Frank, an L.A.-based musician, celebrated his birthday on Saturday and was honored with a cake. He seemed excited for the opportunity to play as part of the 12-piece and shined whenever the spotlight shone his way.

Saturday’s Tedeschi Trucks Band set opened with a cover of the Derek & The Dominos’ gem “Keep On Growing.” Both the early and late parts of the set were heavy on originals. “Made Up Mind,” “Laugh About It,” “Don’t Know What It Means” and “Midnight In Harlem” were among those at the beginning, while “Bound For Glory” and “I Want More” ended the 14-song main set. Trucks delivered a patient and powerful solo during “Midnight In Harlem.”

Susan Tedeschi’s voice was at the heart of a number of highlights. Included among them was her always memorable take on “Angel From Montgomery” that as usual segued into the Dead’s “Sugaree.” Tedeschi also teamed up with Mike Mattison to lead “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free.” Later in the set, the TTB covered “I Pity The Fool” by Bobby “Blue” Bland” and the traditional “Will The Circle Be Unbroken?” The evening’s encore saw the Tedeschi Trucks Band serve up a spirited rerndition of “Statesboro Blues.”

The Wheels Of Soul Tour continues at SPAC on Monday night.

Watch a collection of fan-shot videos from Saturday’s show:

[Keep On Growing | Captured by Jamey Klein]

[Bird On The Wire | Captured by Brosef Wilson]

[Angel From Montgomery – Sugaree | Captured by Jamey Klein]

[I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel To Be Free | Captured by Brosef Wilson]

[Will The Circle Be Unbroken?, Bound For Glory | Captured by Brosef Wilson]