Susan Tedeschi - Back to The River (2008)

Yeah, this is considered a "blues album," but it's more of an Americana roots album that encompasses blues, soul, gospel, funk, and Southern rock. I guess it's a nod to almost all American musical traditions and there's strength in the diversity. Plus there's riffs aplenty and I dig the thing. I don't think Tedeschi will ever escape vocal comparisons to Bonnie Raitt and her Telecaster speaks for itself.

Press of the time:

• DownBeat (★★★★): "Tedeschi stands tall with superior material"
• Sounds of Blue (7/10): "What is immediately obvious is how mature Tedeschi's vocals have grown, as well as her songwriting abilities."
• Offbeat: "she truly sets herself apart from her peers, sheds the fair-weather comparisons to Bonnie Raitt, and cements her place at the table"
• All About Jazz: "a well-rounded CD that showcases Tedeschi's talent as a songwriter, guitarist and vocalist."
• Jambands: "this is a great album"
• BBC Music: "Gritty, wood smoked, and with its heart pinned in the right place on its sleeve, Back To The River is a record for singing loudly along to in the car. And if you don't do much loud singing in your car - it probably isn't for you."

Good news! I'm a guy who does a lot of singing in my car and I only have two volumes: loud and off.

Album chart peaks:

• US Billboard 200: #71
• Billboard Blues: #1

Tracks: I enjoy it from top-to-bottom, but things start cookin' in the middle. My top picks are the title track, Love Will, People, Revolutionize Your Soul, and There's A Break In Every Road. Track 9, True, was released as a radio single and the only chart action I can find is on the Radio & Records "Triple A" chart in late November, 2008.

True has a slight Latin feel to it (à la Santana's Smooth) and it is radio-ready for sure with fantastic solos on keys and guitar.

Personal Memory Associated with this CD: None, but now I'm thinking a concert pairing of the Tedeschi Trucks Band and Marc Broussard would be a helluva double bill.