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."
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.
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.
