By Mike McKenney, Rock At Night New England Correspondent
Venue: Providence Performing Art Center, Providence, Rhode Island-Friday July 7, 2017 “Wheels of Soul 2017” tour with Special Guests : Hot Tuna and The Wood Brothers
Three years ago, Tedeschi Trucks Band headlined the original “Wheels of Soul” tour. This years version of the “Wheels” tour features a 12 piece blues band. Weaving an equal mix of original songs and covers, the duo of Derek Trucks and wife Susan Tedeschi led a powerful group of outstanding musicians and singers. From Kebbi Williams hard hitting soulful sax solo on “Don’t Know What It Means” and replacement keyboardist Cary Frank’s (filling in for ailing Kofi Burbridge) funky “Leaving Trunk”, to the powerhouse gospel/soul vocals of Mike Mattison’s “Get What You Deserve” and Alecia Chakour’s thunderous “Bound for Glory”, everyone in the band made the most of their opportunity to shine.
Of course for all the bands skill and talent, it is Derek and Susan’s guitars that fills the house. From his years of playing with the Allman Brothers, Derek’s slide work is impeccable as he breaks down songs to their core before bringing them back up to a frenzied pace. Susan adds her own skillful guitar to the mix along with her raspy Joplin like vocals (Circle Be Unbroken, Anyway), that sounded more powerful as she pushed her range throughout the 15 song set.
Featured on this incarnation of the “Wheels of Soul” tour, are two opening acts.
Hot Tuna started out in 1969, and showed they can still impress audiences. Jorma Kaukonen sizzled on electric guitar while Jack Casady plodded around the stage with a bass that easily outweighs him. Don’t be fooled by their age, these guys rocked the PPAC with songs “Talkin About You”, Been So Long”, and Funky #7.
The Wood Brothers continued where Hot Tuna left off with Chris Wood dancing with his bass on “Tried and Tempted” and “Snake Eyes” while Oliver Wood strong lead guitar and rugged vocals on “Atlas” and “Luckiest Man” kept the crowd into it.
The multi talented Jano Rix (drums, keyboard, percussion) started off playing a very strange looking “Shuitar”, a percussion instrument capable of producing a variety of sounds and an portable alternative to a drum kit.
The Providence Performing Arts Center is the perfect sized venue for these types of shows, comfortable and intimate. The mostly older crowd was enthusiastic all night, as Susan Tedeschi acknowledged twice during the show.
All three bands received well deserved standing ovations following their sets.
Set List:
- Anyhow
- Laugh About It
- Keep On Growing
- (Derek and the Dominoscover)
- Within You Without You
- (The Beatlescover)
- Just as Strange
- Leaving Trunk
- (Sleepy John Estescover)
- Volunteered Slavery
- (Rahsaan Roland Kirkcover)
- Will the Circle Be Unbroken?
- ([traditional]cover)
- Bound for Glory
- Get What You Deserve
- (The Derek Trucks Bandcover)
- Angel From Montgomery
- (John Prinecover)
- Sugaree
- (Jerry Garciacover)
- I Pity the Fool
- (Bobby “Blue” Blandcover)
- I Want More
- Soul Sacrifice
- (Santanacover)
Encore:
- Space Captain
(Joe Cocker cover)
Photo Gallery
Mike McKenney is an award winning professional photographer and current New England Correspondent for Rock At Night magazine.
With his years of experience and passion for Concert Photography, Mike has photographed many of the famous acts in the world today.
Rock Icons such as Sting, Peter Gabriel, Dave Matthews, and Fleetwood Mac along with Country artist Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney,and Jason Aldean have all appeared before Mike’s camera.
"My goal is always to present the experience truthfully so fans can feel the energy and emotions the Artists convey. It’s a tremendous honor and responsibility to be allowed to create art while blending my two passions, music and photography”
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