Tedeschi Trucks Band
Layla Revisited (Live At Lockn’) Fantasy Records
A different Derek… but the same classic Dominos album
Playing Clapton’s Layla album in its entirety might seem like a strange choice for the established Tedeschi Trucks Band, but that feeling soon fades when you listen to it. To begin with, nobody can complain about the material. When Layla And Other Assorted Love Songs was originally released in 1970, it disappointed the die-hard Cream/Blind Faith/Bluesbreakers fans because all of Clapton’s guitar histrionics appeared to have been left behind and what’s more – the horror – he was playing a Strat!
The album is now recognised as a seminal recording, and despite Eric including some of the material in his live set over the years, these songs have laid dormant. Until, that is, the Tedeschi Trucks Band surprised their live audience with a complete – and faithful – rendition of the entire album in 2019, augmented by Phish guitarist and vocalist Trey Anastasio for the occasion.
It’s wonderful celebration, with Anastasio sounding like a younger Clapton when he takes over the mic. The bloodline between Duane Allman and Derek Trucks is established and so the slide-guitar work is a perfect fit throughout. Extended tracks including Keep On Growing and Anyday are gripping. It’s the live album The Dominos never made and a wonderful tribute to an enduring masterpiece. [DM]
Standout track: Anyday
For fans of: Eric Clapton, Derek And The Dominos