DCist Preview: The Derek Trucks Band @ National Harbor
Though rightfully associated with the jam band circuit, the Derek Trucks Band is much more than a musical backdrop for the youthful tie dye set. Built on top notch songwriting, impeccable musicianship, and a solemn commitment to putting music before personality, the group is a throwback to the blues/gospel tradition that forms its biggest influence. The sextet also has an openmindedness to music that seems increasingly rare on today's rock circuit. Every show feels like an exploration, and whether they are drawing on their American roots or influences soaked up in their world travels, their concerts always feel fresh and uplifting.
As drummer Yonrico Scott put it, "We're a new school band with with an old school flavor."
Area fans can catch the group on Thursday, as part of the National Harbor's Sunset Concert Series.
The ensemble's center of gravity is its namesake, who, at just 30 years-old, has already spent over 15 years touring and recording. Regularly performing with the Allman Brothers Band (his uncle Butch is one of that group's drummers) and recently touring with Eric Clapton, Derek Trucks is considered a master of the slide, and has already entered the pantheon of guitar gods.
"Thank God for Derek, he just has so much energy," said Scott. "He's not a flashy guy or a flashy player, he just wants it to be right."
While Trucks is the group's driving force, DTB is a band in the truest sense of the word. Drummer Scott and bassist Todd Smallie have each been with him for over 15 years. Keyboardist Kofi Burbridge, percussionist Count M'Butu, and vocalist Mike Mattison have been members for over a decade. After playing literally thousands of gigs together, one would be hard pressed to find a more tight and road tested band.
This intimate musical relationship is evident on Already Free, the band's latest release. Recorded at Trucks' home studio and illustrative of the DTB ethos, the album has a classic sound, but one that is still forward looking. Any one of the tracks holds a lot of potential for the transition to live performance.
"I see the band in a good place," said Scott. "We're not one to just sit on our hands when it comes to developing a live show. We change stuff all the time."
Thursday's show will be DTB's first U.S. show after a tour of Canada and Europe. Jazz-funk band Soulive is also on the bill. Having shared the stage with Derek Trucks before, Scott expects members to be sitting in for the main set. The Derek Trucks Band's last area performance was at the Southern Ball during President Obama's inaugural festivities, and given recent time abroad, the group is eager to return to the nation's capital.
"Everyone's so positive and so up, expect a fresh sound where everybody's very excited," said Scott. "It's like an old car that's been tuned up real nice."
The Derek Trucks Band will be performing at the National Harbor on Thursday along with Soulive. 6 p.m. doors/6:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $16.50 + processing fees.