Derek Trucks
Continuing his exploration of great slide players Harrison Marsh examines the style of one of the finest ever, the awesome Derek Trucks.
Derek Trucks was a child prodigy. He stood in with Gregg Allman’s group aged just 10 and with blues legend Buddy Guy only three years later. By the time he became an official member of The Allman Brothers at 20, in 1999, the slide virtuoso had released two albums with his own band. Indeed the Jacksonville-born guitarist had already been playing alongside his uncle, drummer Butch Trucks for several years as a guest musician with The Allman brothers and had shared stages with the likes of Bob Dylan and a host of others. Trucks’ time with The Allmans saw him appear on two live albums and the band’s final studio recording, as well as performing with them on stage until their retirement in 2014.
The Grammy award-winning Derek Trucks Band would go on to release nine albums with its own unique blend of blues, southern rock and soul that evokes the great ‘70s jam bands.
In all of Trucks’ playing the Duane Allman and Elmore James influences shine through. His creativity as a songwriter and band leader sees him incorporate a wide range of styles, techniques and genres. He spent time studying Indian classical music, and its influence is clear throughout his playing.
Amazingly he finds time to play sideman for an array of top artists, ably demonstrated by 2006’s collaboration with Eric Clapton and JJ Cale on The Road To Escondido, as well as going on the road with EC’s live band.
In 2011 Derek and his wife Susan Tedeschi released the first Tedeschi Trucks Band album. The two had toured as leaders of their own outfits for years before logically combining talents.
All the Tedeschi Trucks albums and later Derek Trucks releases are recorded at their home studio. Trucks has always stated an interest in recording and gives the impression that his skills as a guitarist, songwriter and band leader are always developing.
As a slide player and musician in general, Trucks is regarded as one of the finest ever; his talents have even seen him performing at the White House for president Obama.
While exploring a range of musical styles there are some common factors to Trucks’ style. He plays almost exclusively in open E tuning and his control of tone and melody, as well as his fluidity, inventiveness and sheer musicianship means that Derek Trucks is an essential study for any slide guitarist.
NEXT MONTH Ronan gets to grips with another genius of slide guitar, the great Ry Cooder
derek Trucks stood in with gregg allman’s group aged just 10 and with blues legend buddy guy only three years later