The Derek Trucks Band: Songlines Live from 2006 is a must-see film for any fan of blues guitar music. The movie is a recording of a live concert performance by the Derek Truck Band, a group of seasoned musicians with Derek Trucks on guitar, Kofi Burbridge on keyboards and flute, Count M'Butu on percussion, Todd Smallie on bass guitar, and Yonrico Scott on drums. The movie showcases the band's unique blend of blues, jazz, and rock music, featuring Derek Truck's phenomenal guitar skills and the band's tight harmonies and grooves.
The movie begins with the song "Crow Jane," which serves as an introduction to the band's sound and style. Derek Trucks plays with a slide guitar technique that he inherited from Duane Allman, his uncle and mentor. His playing is precise and soulful, and he is clearly having a great time on stage. Burbridge's keyboard accompaniment and flute solos add a jazzy touch to the music, while Count M'Butu's rhythmic percussion keeps the groove going.
The band then goes into "Sahib Teri Bandi/Maki Madni," a medley of two traditional Indian songs that the band has re-arranged into a bluesy jam. The song highlights the band's ability to blend different musical styles into a cohesive sound. The guitar work is especially impressive, with Trucks playing intricate riffs and licks that are both melodic and technically challenging.
The concert then slows down with "Chevrolet," a mellow blues tune that allows the band to showcase their vocal harmonies. Mike Mattison takes lead vocals on this song, with Trucks adding background vocals. The lyrics tell the story of a man who sells his car to pay his bills, and it is a testament to the band's songwriting skills that they can make such a mundane topic sound emotionally engaging.
The movie then picks up the pace with "Sailing On," a lively tune that features the band's trademark groove. The song is an original composition by Trucks and Mattison, and it has become one of the band's most popular songs. The guitar work is once again impressive, with Trucks playing rapid-fire licks that are both intricate and fluid.
The band then goes into "Revolution," a song that showcases the band's political consciousness. The lyrics are a call to action for people to stand up against injustice and oppression. The music is suitably urgent and intense, with Trucks playing some of his most ferocious guitar lines.
The concert then takes a lighter turn with "I'd Rather Be Blind, Crippled, and Crazy," a cover of a song by O.V. Wright. The band's version is faithful to the original, with Mattison's soulful vocals and Trucks' emotional guitar playing capturing the spirit of the song. Burbridge's keyboard work and Count M'Butu's percussion also add flavor to the music.
The movie then reaches its climax with "For My Brother," a tribute song to Trucks' late uncle Duane Allman. The song is a beautiful ballad that showcases Trucks' emotional guitar playing. The music is accompanied by a slide show of photographs of Trucks' family and friends, including his uncle Duane. It is a touching tribute to one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
The concert then ends with "Feel So Bad," a classic blues tune that allows the band to let loose and have fun. The song is an extended jam, with Trucks and Burbridge trading solos and Count M'Butu adding percussive accents. The concert ends with the band taking a bow and soaking in the applause of the appreciative audience.
Overall, The Derek Trucks Band: Songlines Live from 2006 is a fantastic movie that showcases one of the greatest blues guitarists of our time. The band's ability to blend different musical styles into a cohesive sound is nothing short of amazing, and their performances are both technically impressive and emotionally engaging. Whether you're a fan of blues, jazz, or rock music, this movie is a must-see for anyone who loves great guitar playing and excellent musicianship.
The Derek Trucks Band: Songlines Live is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 40 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.8.