"Midnight in Harlem" by Tedeschi Trucks Band, Reaction/Analysis by Musician/Producer

[@paulkossak7761]

That Hammond Organ sounds so great. Perfect for this tune.

[@stevewiley8409]

This. song never fails to bring tears to my eyes . it's not the lyrics though they are meaningful.. it is the FEELING of the the music .. just what a great song is supposed to impart.. I saw them in NH a few years ago and wept openly at the greatness of the TTB... artistry inspires and awes

[@kmruhgrdsvrojh]

I must have listened to this track hundreds of times down the years, but the line “you can almost see the moon” gets me blubbing every time…what a strange gift music is to mankind

[@goodehands5388]

This is an old video, they have a horn section and 3 backing singers. The singer on the right is the song writer. I've seen them live and there's no band better live, period!

[@BeauLyons-ym8qt]

Agree ✊🏽✌🏽

[@Luismayer77]

@@BeauLyons-ym8qt For me is still their best Midnight in Harlem, and that solo is one of the best I've ever heard

[@shesparkey]

Hands down the best touring band out there. If they come even remotely close, buy a ticket.

[@davidbrowning2889]

My favorite song. Period. What a magical voice and the best slide solo ever!!!!!

[@TheDivayenta]

At last! This is a masterpiece by TTB! You gotta see them jamming with BB King on Rock Me Baby at the Crossroads Festival. Derek’s uncle was Butch Trucks with the Allman’s. Derek had been playing with ABB since his early teens. He is the greatest slide guitarist in the world today. ❤ Susan had a successful solo career as a blues singer / guitarist before she met Derek! They are married. I would say they’re the greatest working live band on tour today.

[@AntonyFleck]

Just a Sublime piece of music ! Balm for the Soul, every time you listen to it!!!.. Glad you enjoyed!....

[@leannerwin342]

This is my second favorite version of this song. Derek plays the solo differently every time. My favorite version is their performance on Live on ETown. It is magical!

[@petertoal371]

B.B King idolised Derek Trucks and paid him some of the loveliest accolades. Derek is so modest and humble.

[@kathsellshomes]

Why do I tear up listening? Love…

[@bertjones3010]

Me 2

[@mooshuemooshue]

@@bertjones3010 Me 3

[@fuzzyjax]

Because your hearts are in the right place and your souls are intact. ❤

[@machellemills3285]

Absolutely love this band and couple. They’ve been married for many yrs and have 2 adult children. Love all of their music!! ❤❤❤

[@paulhill19259]

I saw an interview with Susan and Derek on KZbin where they talked about the two drummers. Derek started with The Allman Brothers band where his uncle Butch Trucks was one of the founding members and one of the double drummers. Derek stated that with TTB being such a large band, the drums were sometimes lost a bit by the volume of the rest of the band. He was experienced with two drummers from the Allman Brothers so he wanted to try two drummers to get better balance in the sound. I just got back from seeing TTB live in New Hampshire, and they put on the best show I have seen. They had 2 guitars, bass, keyboards, sax, trumpet, trombone, 3 backing vocals and 2 drummers, for a total of 12 members. All were world class musicians and all of them got to shine with a solo. I think they are the tightest band I have ever heard. You should take a trip down the TTB rabbit hole and see them live if you can. One piece of trivia you might not know is that Susan hired Double Trouble as her band after Stevie Ray Vaughn died in the helicopter crash.

[@sharonsendurancehorses9]

These guys have been around awhile, have seen them live twice and they are one of the best live bands around. Dig deeper, there is a lot to listen to from them and always great.

[@djperry6787]

I listen to several of their songs on you tube every evening. Just spectacular! Eventually, if you haven't already, you might listen to "Anyhow" the drums and the beat come in very strong right after the prologue. Enjoy!

[@corygivan5507]

Awesome reaction! One of the best bands going! And probably the greatest living guitar player..

[@lescaster2179]

amazing live band. A big band that's magically orchestrated by Derek, walking the stage, hearing everyone in their space, it's a work of art how it's all so tightly woven together on stage. It's also nice to how everyone not only has their sonic space in songs but everyone gets their moments to shine during their shows. Maybe the best touring band in the last 10 years.

[@3puttJimmy]

I’ve seen many videos of this song and in my opinion, this one is the best. Everything about it is perfect.

[@pepevisedo7304]

Derek Trucks is a fine and sensitive guitarist, as well as powerful. He has a good apprenticeship with the 21st century Allman Bross and, of course, with his own father, who was in the original Allman line-up playing drums. And yes, you're right Jeff, Susan has a fantastic voice for warm blues and elegant soul. It is a band that never disappoints.

[@naustin0630]

Butch Trucks, the drummer from the Allman Brothers, is Derek's uncle not his father.

[@pepevisedo7304]

@@naustin0630 OK

[@AK4TF]

This video is from the infancy of the Tedeschi Trucks Band when they were going by the Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks Band. Derek had just gone on hiatus with his solo group, as did Susan. They've been married for I think 21 years or so at this point. The group has had the addition of a horn section and singers. Some members have left for other projects, some no longer with us. But the current line up is Derek, Susan, Brandon Boone on bass (Oteil Burbridge was the original bassist, also from the Allman Brothers), Gabe Dixon on keys (Kofi Burbridge, may he rest in peace, was the original keys player, joined from Derek's solo band), Tyler Greenwell on drums (I believe Susan's drummer), I believe Isaac Eady is the other drummer now (JJ Johnson was the original 2nd drummer), Kebbi Williams on sax (founding member), Ephraim Owens on trumpet, Elizabeth Lea on trombone, Mike Mattison (singer from DTB), Mark Rivers on vocals, Alecia Chakour joined the band on vocals a number of years ago, and I think that rounds out all 12 members of the group. They are a force to be heard live. The arrangement of their songs and the bands dynamics live. They start playing, volume seems quiet to reasonable. Then they pick it up at some points and it can seem a little loud. But the whole band in full flight is a whole other level, before they bring it back down. You really do need to check these guys out. Hands down probably the the number one touring band out there at the moment.

[@jimharmon8653]

Watching you react to this song reminded me of when I first heard it. The joy on your face, bro.

[@davidcochran6291]

Isn't it a great thing to watch someone else who knows the music end of a great song being played by the absolute best band for that song?!!! I was watching him as each phrase past through him and the smiles the almost to tears expressions that moved over his face. It does bring you back to your first exposure, doesn't it? Thanks for writing your response.

[@riittasihvonen2011]

What an incredible guitar playing, what a lovely melody and poetic lyrics. This type of blues makes my heart bleeding.

[@Stumbler2001]

Welcome to the TTB rabbit hole.

[@Hobodeluxe007]

Don't sleep on the keys and that leslie sound. And the bass line. all of it was great. Love this band, seen em live twice and they're coming back and we have tickets for that too. never miss them or Joe Bonamassa.

[@caprise-music6722]

I remember Derek Trucks played with BB King, and he played a lick, and the King himself, BB said like: that’s the best thing I’ve ever heard. Play it again. I mean basically you cannot get higher praise then that! John Mayer was also on that stage, and he basically turned into a strictly rhythm player lol Great stuff!

[@jimramsdell3729]

The solo that you wish would never end

[@Steakfrie]

Late to the TTB party here. You can't make a deep dive into TTB without going back to the solo efforts of Tedeschi and Trucks as solo artists. Trucks (an Allman Bro legacy) has performed alongside many greats to include Clapton (see Who's Been Fooling You), BB King and joining slide legend Sonny Landreth to cover 'Congo Square'. See TTB's performance of "Laugh About It" at Austin City Limits. Mike Mattison (singing backup now) wrote Midnight in Harlem. He was Trucks lead singer in TDB before the merge. See them perform "I'd Rather Be Blind Crippled and Crazy' live to see musician's musicians playing funky greatness.

[@cheesesteak59]

A wonderful song. Doesn't matter which version.

[@custardflan]

Welcome. I love these guys and this is their signature song. What a journey.

[@mikec2420]

I gotta say, it feels like Christmas to me that you plan to check out more! I hope you get trapped in that rabbit hole. First band that I’ve absolutely fallen in love with for decades. You cannot miss with any live track…I’ve watched and listened to them every night for the past year and they always deliver. They’ve had the same twelve piece ensemble together for the past five-ish years. All are accomplished at their craft and all get a chance to shine during the show. A lot of call and response, trading licks, etc, etc. One of my favorites is “Laugh About It” at the Tivoli Theater. Then maybe The Beacon 50th show and just start with the first song “Don’t Let Me Slide” where you get to see Susan flex on guitar trading leads and licks with Derek and you’re off to the races! As for the two drummers, Derek is the nephew of the late drummer Butch Trucks a founding member of The Allman Brothers Band, who had two drummers. Derek played with them during the 2000s. In TTB they complement each other and basically are often playing the same beat but a little differently, for instance as the band fades into Midnight in Harlem one guy is hitting the snare and the other is cross sticking, but otherwise their right hand and feet are the same. The Grateful Dead is the other band that leaps to mind that had two drummers who, I would say, did more of their own thing, one sometimes playing more as a percussionist, or maybe throwing in some polyrhythmic stuff.

[@itsdeclan7733]

I'm nearly 70, Like you TTB is the first band I've fallen in love in decades. I only discovered them about 6 months ago. They are the essence of the best of American music. The "I am the moon" albums are simply outstanding.

[@dbcanada]

Thanks, Jeff. They always play feel-good grooves. Love it!

[@BeauLyons-ym8qt]

I think one of the absolute best bands out on the road 🍄🍑

[@rzacharyuaw]

The bass player Oteil Burbridge played some with the Allman bros, as did Derek on the slide/guitar

[@rontiemens2553]

This is the channel to come to for reactions to really really REALLY good music. Thank you.

[@gregharmon3797]

They are great

[@dmmjq2]

I love this video cuz she looks like she's having so much fun

[@alexharbison4411]

Nice reaction. This song was written Mike Mattison who is the backup singer on the right. Derrick is the greatest slide player alive and may be the GOAT since Duane died so young. Try some other LIVE songs like Gravity, Everybodys Talking or The Letter. They do an amazing version of Layla also.

[@jeffdempsey6478]

@@alexharbison4411👍👍

[@kathsellshomes]

Check out Derrek at 14 years playing Layla, incredible!

[@dannielledickinson672]

Thank you for this, I as well heard this song at random, had to Shazam it, unbelievably beautiful.. The 1975 oh caroline you might enjoy that video

[@davidlevine1697]

1st off, almost any song with a B3 and Leslie is what i live for. 😁 2nd, any band that is in the family tree of the Allman Bros is also right up my alley as they may be my most favorite group of all time. i love this kind of meandering guitar that just keeps moving forward . great road trip music IMO. tyvm for posting. ☮❤🙏

[@michaelfontenot2539]

Nephew of Butch Trucks drummer for Allman bros.

[@martingaffney7293]

Clapton's Crossroads 2010 festival This spot was supposed to be the Allman Brothers Band, but due to Greg Allman's last-minute liver transplant, plans were tweaked.

[@deirdrelegge]

Susan grew up in the town next to my hometown . I’ve seen her a few times ~ incredible. Please react to “I Pity the Fool” live in Boston a couple of years ago. Astounding! Great reaction!

[@j1974f]

Great reaction! They are amazing!

[@drmoore4011]

To quote the founder of the Allman Brothers, Duane Allman said, when asked, why do you have 2 drummers. Because I want a freight train pushing me. One a straight rock drummer, the other jazz.

[@tombigelow8905]

The best band you've never heard of!

[@pockynon]

Derek is a child pr- been laying since he was 11 years. His Uncle was Buch Trucks drummer for the Allman Brothers. Susan went to the Berklee School of Music in Boston, arguably our best music school. This was in England - Eric Clapton’s Guitar Festival.

[@jamesdwyer7379]

Derrick Trucks is Gregg Allmans nephew who played with Allan brothers for years

[@spiderbass65]

He’s Butch Trucks’ nephew, and it’s The Allman Brothers.

[@sttuartthompson7686]

@@spiderbass65 I'll bet the Alan bros reference was a spell correct or AI blunder and not a real typographic mistake. Spell check screws me over pretty often.

[@markkauder1288]

Thank you............The bass player has moved to another band. He was the nephew of the Hammond Organ player, who passed away some time back (RIP). Susan and Derick have 3-4 kids together.

[@naustin0630]

Oteil Burbridge, the bass player, is the brother of the Organ Player, Kofi Burbridge.

[@robertdoerr2599]

Has you may or may not know. Derek was a member of the Allman Brothers for at least 20 years. That's what makes him so special.

[@paularietta6744]

Love this song.

[@erlecoleman2975]

Check out TTB - Keep On Growing or the TTB version of Layla

[@joecoles3978]

Never heard of them??? One of the top bands in the country and he is universally considered as one of the top current and all-time great guitarists. She is a grammy-award winning blues artist. Her name is pronounced Tu-des-ki.

[@StrateleStudios]

I just said I’ve heard of them in the video hahahaha 1:03

[@cherylwoodward]

Oteil Burbridge (bass) and his brother Kofi (keyboardist) used to play for TTB. Oteil moved in but Kofi passed from cancer in 2019. It really hit the band hard. Since, Gavin DeGraw has taken over keyboards and also sings.

[@danordaz1362]

@@cherylwoodward actually it's Gabe Dixon on keys. He's been part of the band since covid.

[@3puttJimmy]

If you like Susan T, check out her video at Farm Aid “Just won’t burn” i believe and her rendition of Janis Joplins Kosmic Blues.

[@boroblueyes]

Just think of all of the great guitar influences that Derek has had in his life.

[@joyceadams7953]

Midnight just tears your heart apart. First saw Susan in the 90's @ Castle Hill, Dereck playing Layla @ 13 with Clapton! What a combo like Raitt/Allman❤️

[@petey0404]

I never doubted that you would be blown away by this band. I think you will be totally overwhelmed when you watch some of my suggestions. Both Derek and Oteil Burbridge (bass player) played with the Allman Brothers on Whipping Post version I sent. Since it’s a 13 minute song I wouldn’t expect to see you do a reaction/analysis but just try to watch it yourself and let me know what you think. The two drummers with the Allman Brothers definitely played different parts on the drums. I sent the links on Patreon. Thanks. David.

[@danpatterson6937]

Added subscription, excellent approach to commentary. Tedeschi Trucks used to play locally (small mid-Atlantic city) until they were discovered by larger markets. Good for them for their well-deserved success. I'll search your library for mixing and production notes as well.

[@kellykonoske91]

Power Couple

[@edbigtruck]

They’re even better then they get credit for. If you e ever heard her in an interview it’w hard to believe she has that great of a soulful voice. Dereck just gets lost in the solo with such emotion and feeling. The entire band is amazingly talented

[@JackPeters-g5z]

This is an old song reinvent Ed by TnT Mike Matteson introduced the song to the band .It is an old video Kofi s there.Its a great song !Everything they do is great the best bad !

[@javavoicecafe6968]

Hi Jeff, Derek is descended from musical royalty. He is the nephew of Butch Trucks, The Allman Brothers drummer, and was himself a member of the Allman Brothers. ✌️🌻 👨‍🦳

[@jameswaddell3348]

You are correct in almost every other band besides the Allman Brothers, the drummers are almost always playing the same thing! Tedeschi Trucks newest drummer with the original is working well together, but again NOTHING comes close to Jaimoe and Butch...Why? Jaimoe had the freedom to play his Jazz style that he could interweave parts so opposite to Butch's rock solid beats, IT FIT! You want to hear Jaimoe at his best? Listen to that 1st Sea Level Album from 1977! There is also video footage of the band, that shows just what a great drummer he was. It is stunning to hear his technique and approach to the music!

[@JackCerro]

@5:47 yep, it's like that

[@davidbrowning2889]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@Bear78420]

Keep on Growing-live at the Fox theater. It’s amazing ☺️

[@davidwoolard1264]

I Pity The Fool live from the Orpheum is an absolute must see!!!

[@johndurham5629]

Mike Mattison, the taller back up singer on the right, co-wrote this song (lyrics) with Derek. He's done that for many of their songs.

[@davidgehoski1306]

Listen to Darlin' Be Home Soon or when they have a full horn section.

[@muppetsstoogesfan1]

There are videos of Derek Trucks playing guitar at like 7 years old in Pittsburgh. Bonkers slide guitarist.

[@AlanDalziel]

A great live track (from 2010 Crossroads) , but I consider their cover of Anyday at the 2007 Crossroads as their best.

[@dlsmith1961]

You should really check out this band at the Orpheum. Called Susan blows the roof off the Orpheum. Susan shows she doesn't play 2nd guitar to anybody. Just a really really great video and performance.

[@carrieb5711]

😎🎙🌃😎

[@TheNorcalmonkey67]

*too lazy to scroll down...** Bassist & keyboard player are brothers (Kofi {keys) & Oteil {bass} Burbridge). Oteil & Derek Trucks did a stretch in the Allman Brothers (Derek is Butch Trucks nephew I think). Oteil was playing in Dead & Company. TTB is a very large band, this is a stripped down version of the band...they usually have a horn section etc....deep dive worthy....BUT PLEASE CATCH THEM LIVE

[@frankwalton1628]

You never mentioned the Hammond!!! Who doesn't love a Hammond organ? That Gibson is in safe hands

[@StrateleStudios]

@@frankwalton1628 if I mentioned the Hammond then what you have to complain about?!!! 😆

[@frankwalton1628]

@@StrateleStudios Oh I got loads. Enjoy your reactions. Rens band The Big Push do a live cover/ mash up of Buddy Guys What Kind of Woman is This you might like.

[@amietedeschi3203]

FYI - Tedeschi is pronounced Ted-es-kee, like a key in the door.

[@StrateleStudios]

Ah, thank you!

[@jimharmon8653]

"What a wonderful marriage of vocals and guitars" you do know they are married in real life?

[@StrateleStudios]

👍

[@jeffstone2585]

Before Derik besame jaded and Susan still had her figure.

[@SEKunkle]

Really don’t see it as gatekeeping. In my opinion, it’s simply a suggestion. I suppose what compelled me to actually comment was that, as I stated from the start, this is easily the fourth if not the fifth version of “reaction” video I’ve seen for this particular classic song. All different versions, none that hold a candle to the eTown version which I suspect you still choose not to see for yourself. Perfectly fine with me, that’s your choice. I know which one I always return to, I’ve listened more than a hundred times through very good ‘phones and it lifts me up every single time. You are obviously free to enjoy whatever version you like but you’re not free to judge without hearing both. Peace, out.

[@StrateleStudios]

@@SEKunkle I never said I prefer one version over another. I don’t have a personal investment in any version but rather honor the requests I’m given to watch a particular video. I don’t decided to change the request because I believe there is a better version out there. That’s how it works.

[@rgoers]

Well heck, and here I was going to ask you Jeff why a band would have two drummers like that.

[@dennispitkofsky6026]

Susan had her own band and Derek they merged the 2 groups into 1 band

[@stefanconradsson]

Ah ... the twin drums thing, yes. The Allman Brothers had two drummers (as is well known) and they came from different backgrounds. Butch Trucks was a rock drummer, whereas Jaimoe was a jazz drummer. I always thought of that pairing as Butch was the engine while Jaimoe supplied the ornamentation. Don't know if that's true for the Tedeschi Trucks Band though. Cheers man 🍺

[@michaelfontenot2539]

Both awesome drummers.I was lucky to see them.

[@stefanconradsson]

@@michaelfontenot2539 Same here, but I only saw them once in 1991. Great experience and a fond memory. Cheers 🍺

[@mimo5239]

great version but the horns are missing

[@bobbycameron3592]

Susan and Derek had different bands and when they decided to merge they just kept the 2 drummers.

[@pockynon]

Derek Trucks is a child prodigy- been playing since he was 11 years old. His Uncle was Butch Trucks, drummer for the Allman Brothers band. Susan is from Massachusetts- she went to the Berklee School of Music - arguably our best music school. I love how Derek just stands there and plays - no drama, histrionics.

[@SEKunkle]

Sorry to be Donny Downer here but I’ve seen a handful of “reaction” videos to various versions of this beautiful song and they all suffer from inferior sound quality. Nothing wrong with TTB, they’re always great. But these live recordings are all like watered down punch compared to the full, rich and expertly recorded eTown version. It’s a live recording as well but the difference in power and richness is night and day. I defy anyone who’s heard that performance to argue in favor of this one or any of the other underwhelming versions.

[@StrateleStudios]

@@SEKunkle maybe the person who requested this video was not fixated on the sound quality but on other aspects of the performance.

[@SEKunkle]

Respectfully, disassociating sound quality from music makes no sense to me. Is there value simply in admiring the band members’ expertise and joy in performing? Of course. But it’s akin, in my opinion, to marveling at the frame around a Rembrandt. I’m not challenging anyone’s motives, simply begging people who genuinely love this band to treat themselves to a true masterpiece, both in performance and sound quality.

[@StrateleStudios]

@@SEKunkle but at the end of the day, it’s up to the individual to choose what it is they want to find enjoyment in (whatever that may be). Gatekeeping what others should watch doesn’t seem appropriate, in my opinion. Having said that, would I personally want to watch a video that has the highest quality? You bet! But I don’t questions what others want to see and I respect whatever connection they may have with whatever video they’d like me to react to. Maybe they were at the show? Maybe that particular performance has some special meaning to them personally. Who am I to judge. 😊