Tedeschi Trucks Band Review with Photos 5-10-25

Tedeschi Trucks Band and Blues Legend Buddy Guy Electrify Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

   On Saturday, May 10, the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, transformed into a haven for blues and rock enthusiasts as the Tedeschi Trucks Band, accompanied by the legendary Buddy Guy, delivered an unforgettable evening of music.

Buddy Guy: A Blues Icon

    Buddy Guy has always been towering figure in the world of blues, known for his fiery guitar work, expressive vocals, and electrifying stage presence. Born in 1936 in Lettsworth, Louisiana, Guy rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential blues musicians of all time. His playing blends the raw emotion of Delta blues with the energy and flair of Chicago blues, inspiring legends like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and countless others.

    At 88 years old, Buddy Guy took the stage with the vigor and passion of a performer half his age. As part of his "Damn Right Farewell Tour," Guy showcased why he's considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time. His set included classics like "Damn Right, I've Got the Blues" and selections from his Grammy-winning album The Blues Don’t Lie. Guy's soulful vocals and storytelling captivated the audience, reminding everyone of his profound influence on blues and rock music.

    Recognizable by his signature polka-dot shirts and Stratocaster guitar, Buddy Guy's performances are part concert, part showmanship—often telling stories from his past or striking his guitar with drumsticks or a hankerchief. He’s a six-time Grammy Award winner, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and a recipient of the National Medal of Arts and Kennedy Center Honors.
Now in his late 80s, Guy continues to tour with remarkable passion, proving night after night that age has done nothing to dull his talent or charisma. His farewell tour, "Damn Right Farewell," is both a celebration of his legacy and a poignant goodbye from one of the last living links to the golden era of electric blues.

Tedeschi Trucks Band: A Masterclass in Musical Synergy

    Following Buddy Guy's electrifying performance, the Tedeschi Trucks Band took the stage, led by the dynamic duo of Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks. Their set was a rich tapestry of blues, rock, soul, and Americana, featuring songs from their extensive catalog. The band's 12-piece ensemble showcased exceptional musicianship, with standout performances from keyboardist Gabe Dixon and vocalist Mike Mattison.

    The Tedeschi Trucks Band is a powerhouse collective that stands at the forefront of contemporary American roots music. Formed in 2010 by husband-and-wife duo Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, the band has earned acclaim for its soulful blend of blues, rock, gospel, and jazz, delivered with both technical brilliance and emotional depth.

Susan Tedeschi is a Grammy-nominated singer and guitarist known for her raw, soulful voice and commanding presence, while Derek Trucks—formerly of The Allman Brothers Band and a slide guitar prodigy—is widely regarded as one of the most gifted guitarists of his generation. Together, they lead the 12-piece ensemble that includes horns, backup singers, dual drummers, and a rhythm section that brings a rich, dynamic sound to every performance.

    Always renowned for their improvisational live shows and intricate arrangements, the band’s catalog includes standout albums like Revelator, Let Me Get By and the ambitious 2022 four-part suite I Am the Moon, which explores themes of love, loss, and transcendence. Their concerts are often spiritual experiences for fans—equal parts celebration and catharsis—filled with extended jams, poignant ballads, and moments of musical telepathy.

    In a world of fast-moving trends, the Tedeschi Trucks Band continues to build on the traditions of Southern rock and soul with a sound that is timeless, heartfelt, and undeniably their own.

    As of 2025, the Tedeschi Trucks Band features a core lineup of exceptional musicians, each bringing a unique flavor to the group's rich and soulful sound. Here's a list of the current band members: Susan Tedeschi – Lead vocals, rhythm guitar, Derek Trucks – Lead guitar; Backing Vocalists: Mike Mattison, Mark Rivers and Alecia Chakour; Horn Section: Kebbi Williams – Saxophone, Elizabeth Lea – Trombone, Ephraim Owens – Trumpet, Tyler Greenwell – Drums, percussion, Isaac Eady – Drums, percussion; Keyboards & Bass: Gabe Dixon – Keyboards, vocals, Brandon Boone – Bass guitar. This lineup is known for its cohesion, musicality, and ability to stretch songs into transcendent live experiences, all while remaining deeply rooted in the blues and soul tradition.

A Night to Remember

    The synergy between the Tedeschi Trucks Band and Buddy Guy created a magical atmosphere under the stars. The open-air venue, known for its excellent acoustics and scenic setting, provided the perfect backdrop for this celebration of blues and rock heritage. As the evening concluded, the audience was left in awe, having witnessed a convergence of musical legends and contemporary virtuosos.

    For those who attended, it was more than a concert—it was a testament to the enduring power of live music and the blues tradition.

Tedeschi Trucks Band Setlist:
The Letter (The Box Tops cover)
Do I Look Worried
I Feel So Bad (Chuck Willis cover)
It's So Heavy, Soul Sweet Song
Made Up Mind
Keep On Growing (Derek and the Dominos cover)
Key To The Highway (Charles Segar cover)
Take Me As I Am
Midnight in Harlem
I Walk on Guilded Splinters (Dr. John cover)
I Want More / Soul Sacrifice
Encore:
It's Too Late (Chuck Willis cover)
Part Of Me
Let's Go Get Stoned (The Coasters cover)