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The Derek Trucks Band

From Alfawiki
The Derek Trucks Band
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1994
FounderDerek Trucks
Defunct2010
Headquarters
Jacksonville, Florida
,
United States
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Derek Trucks, Todd Smallie, Mike Mattison, Yonrico Scott, Kofi Burbridge, Bill McKay, Count M'Butu
ProductsStudio albums, live recordings, concert DVD

The Derek Trucks Band was a U.S.-based blues rock ensemble established by slide guitar virtuoso Derek Trucks, who began performing alongside renowned blues and rock artists at the tender age of nine. After working with numerous musicians during his early years, Trucks officially created The Derek Trucks Band in 1994.[1] Rooted in familial connections to The Allman Brothers Band, Trucks gradually formed his own group around his hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, typically comprising six members.

This ensemble drew from a wide array of influences brought by its members, earning praise for a unique fusion of blues, southern rock, jazz, rhythm and blues, gospel, soul, and funk combined with elements of Hindustani classical music, afro-beat, and world fusion. Their body of work features six studio albums, two live recordings, and a concert DVD. The band’s repertoire melded reinterpretations of classic artists’ compositions with original material, channeling an eclectic approach that fueled Trucks’ artistic vision alongside his contributions as a collaborator and eventual full-time member of The Allman Brothers Band.[2]

History

Founded in 1994 by Derek Trucks, The Derek Trucks Band initially included bassist Todd Smallie from Atlanta’s jazz and blues scene.[1] Smallie was the first to join, with Trucks remarking that they "kind of grew up together."[3]

Drummer Yonrico Scott became part of the group in 1995, establishing the band’s foundational rhythm section.[4] Scott, who brought Motown influences and held a percussion degree from the University of Kentucky, contributed songwriting from their 1997 debut onward. Trucks lauded their shared "musical ESP" developed over time.[3]

Original keyboardist and vocalist Bill McKay departed after playing on the early albums. In 1999, Kofi Burbridge—brother to bassist Oteil Burbridge of The Allman Brothers Band—joined as a classically trained multi-instrumentalist handling keyboards, organ, flute, and backing vocals.[5][1] Trucks described Burbridge as "one of the few musical geniuses" he has collaborated with and a crucial creative contributor.[3]

In 2002, producers Craig Street and John Snyder introduced singer Mike Mattison to the band.[5] Mattison’s soulful vocal style and commanding stage presence completed the group’s sound. Trucks emphasized his extensive vocal range as essential for interpreting their varied material.[6][2] Since joining, Mattison has co-written tracks on every album, including the 2008 title piece Already Free.[7] He also performs separately as part of the duo Scrapomatic.[6]

Percussionist Count M’Butu was added later as the final member, though he did not participate in every tour.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name A longtime figure in Atlanta’s music community, M’Butu infused African and Southern rhythmic influences that enhanced the band’s global music blend.[2] By 2009, the lineup represented multiple generations, ranging from individuals in their twenties to those in their sixties.

Following the establishment of this core lineup in 2002, the group adapted to rigorous touring schedules and embraced improvisational performances. Mattison noted that each musician contributed distinctively without overshadowing others within the collective dynamic.[8]

Their 2009 release Already Free earned the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards. That same year featured the release of their live record Roadsongs. In 2011, they were honored with the Blues Music Award for Band of the Year.

The band occasionally collaborated with Susan Tedeschi’s group under the moniker "Soul Stew Revival," facilitating joint tours for Trucks and Tedeschi. This collaboration eventually led to forming the Tedeschi Trucks Band, which included Mattison and Burbridge from The Derek Trucks Band. As a result, The Derek Trucks Band has been inactive since 2010. Kofi Burbridge and Yonrico Scott passed away in 2019,[9][10] while Count M’Butu died in 2021.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name

Personnel

Current lineup
Past members

Discography

External links

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Official bio1
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Tennille
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Joyful1
  4. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named YonricoSBand
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named npr2006
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Jambase
  7. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Mountain Stage
  8. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named MattisonStarTribune
  9. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Burbridge obit
  10. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named Scott obit
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