Originally scheduled two years ago and then again last summer, the “Wheels of Soul” tour is finally coming to Vermont, bringing prominent rock ensemble Tedeschi Trucks Band and legendary Los Angeles roots rock band Los Lobos. on the Midway Lawn at Champlain Valley Expo in Essex Junction.
Tedeschi Trucks Band, a 12-piece band led by electric guitar couple Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi, performs in support of an epic new series of four-part albums, “I Am the Moon,” including two have recently come out.
The first, “Crescent”, was released at the end of May while the second, “Ascension”, was released yesterday. The third and fourth albums, “The Fall” and “Farewell”, will be released at the end of July and August respectively.
Each episode of “I Am the Moon” includes its own album-length accompanying film that debuts three days before each audio release. The immersive films offer fans the chance to experience music the way the band intended, in an uninterrupted community setting.
A collaborative group effort that fuses blues, soul, funk, country, jazz and gospel, “I Am the Moon” is based on an ancient Persian poem, “The Story of Layla & Majnum” – the same love story that inspired Eric Clapton’s band Derek & the Dominoes’ classic 1971 album, “Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs.”
One of the most ambitious and expansive rock projects in recent memory, the 24-song collection is a magnum opus from one of the most compelling bands on the planet.
“Crescent,” which Rolling Stone called “one of the strongest pieces of music they’ve ever made,” finds the band firing on all cylinders.
Opener “Hear My Dear” is a Tedeschi Trucks Band classic, hovering over Tedeschi’s beautiful vocal work. Other highlights from the five-song set include the gorgeous title track (which features stellar vocals from Tedeschi and keyboardist Gabe Dixon), the soaring “Circles Around the Sun” and the closer epic “Pasaquan “, a fascinating 12-minute excursion into the mystique that Allman Brothers fans are sure to love.
“At a time when rock itself has become a niche genre,” Rolling Stone added, “‘I Am the Moon’ feels like nothing less than one of the last cracks in a major statement from a rock album: the bookend of an era, but a fitting farewell.
Los Lobos
Los Lobos are performing in support of their acclaimed 2021 album, “Native Sons,” which won a Grammy Award — the band’s fourth — this year for “Best American Album.”
The band’s 17th album, “Native Sons,” is a 13-song cover set that pays homage to Los Angeles, the band’s longtime home base.
“The adventurous song selections make the album a celebration of diversity and a showcase of Los Lobos’ wonderful versatility,” the Associated Press said, while the All Music Guide called it “essential listening.” of one of America’s greatest bands.
Formed by four East LA high school graduates and sons of Mexican immigrants, Los Lobos still boasts the four founding members: singer and guitarist extraordinaire David Hidalgo, singer and guitarist Cesar Rosas, singer and guitarist Louie Perez Jr. and bassist Conrad Lozano. And saxophonist Steve Berlin has been on board for almost 40 years.
Widely underrated in the rock world despite decades of critical acclaim, the band – which Mother Jones recently called a “national treasure” – have been hailed as “one of rock’s most impressive live bands. by AMG, which calls Los Lobos “one of America’s finest rock ‘n’ roll bands.
Opening the show is Nashville singer-songwriter Gabe Dixon, who also plays keyboards in Tedeschi Trucks Band. Dixon performs with his trio in support of his excellent new EP, “Let Me Be Your Melody”, which was released yesterday.
ThomasWhuntington @hotmail.com
