Derek Trucks puts his talents toward a benefit for Special Olympics New Jersey.
By:Jillian Kalonick
At age 26, Derek Trucks is the youngest musician on Rolling Stone’s list of "The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" not a distinction he spends much time mulling over.
"It’s kind of silly, but it was nice to be on there," says Mr. Trucks, speaking a few hours before a show outside Philadelphia. "I don’t read too much in that. For me the time to reflect is way down the road."
Mr. Trucks seems to show a wisdom beyond his years. The nephew of Allman Brothers Band drummer Butch Trucks, he first picked up a guitar at age 9 and was touring by 11. The Derek Trucks Band, which he began more than a decade ago, will make a stop at the State Theatre in New Brunswick Nov. 22 to benefit Special Olympics New Jersey.
The show is the first benefit concert for Special Olympics New Jersey, based in Lawrence, and as part of the event, John Dutton of The College of New Jersey and Nell Sander of Rutgers University will open the show with original music. The two were chosen from campus contests to find the best student singer-songwriter. The contests were a way to partner with local colleges to find Special Olympics New Jersey’s next generation of volunteers. Frank Thewes will also open.
Performing an intricate blend of jazz, rock, blues and world music, the Derek Trucks Band features Kofi Burbridge (keyboards, flute and vocals), Todd Smallie (bass and vocals), Yonrico Scott (drums, percussion and vocals) and Mike Mattison (vocals). Their most recent album, Soul Serenade (2003), features a cover of Bob Marley’s "Rasta Man Chant," vocals by Gregg Allman on "Drown in My Own Tears," and a mix of both the traditional and original. In February 2006 they will release Song Lines.
"We’re really excited to get that out I think it’s by far our best record," says Mr. Trucks. "Everyone’s much more comfortable in the studio and taking more chances. Mike and I wrote a lot of the tunes on this record, but everyone has had a hand in it.
"I think it’s more focused on the songs," he continues. "Sonically there’s just a lot more going on. We weren’t worrying about everything being one take, and no overdubs. We took a lot of liberties to color it in different ways."
In 1999, following the release of his own band’s eponymous debut in 1997, Mr. Trucks was asked to join the Allman Brothers Band to play slide guitar. Rather than give up his own project he decided to take on both, and now spends more than 300 days a year on tour. He and his wife, singer-songwriter and guitarist Susan Tedeschi, sometimes share shows and projects he has produced her albums and she occasionally records with the band. The couple has a 3-year-old son and a 1-year-old daughter.
It seems Mr. Trucks’ band members are committed to their music in a way that’s rare; their kinship is apparent on their albums, and Mr. Trucks’ devotion isn’t just because he spends most of his time touring. Quotes on music by Sufi teacher Hazrat Inayat Khan are included in the liner notes of Soul Serenade, and by Sun Ra in Live at Georgia Theatre (2004). From Sun Ra: "When musicians are compelled to play anything, it goes straight to the throne of the Creator of the Universe, and that is how He sees you, according to your music."
"We’re really fortunate, being musicians, that every night we get a chance to connect and get something out," says Mr. Trucks. "We view what we do as an extension of that, in much the way a gospel group or anyone playing devotional music does. We take it seriously, we’re lucky that way. Some of the most amazing moments I’ve had have been listening to a great artist or musician do their thing. It’s a great way to connect."
Mr. Trucks and Ms. Tedeschi have also found music is a way to bond with their children possibly future musicians themselves.
"They’re around it all the time, there’s musical equipment all over the house," says Mr. Trucks. "You never know, but my son is pretty fearless. He’ll run in and grab a mike and let it rip, so we’ll see."
The Derek Trucks Band will perform at the State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, Nov. 22, 7 p.m. Frank Thewes, John Dutton and Nell Sander will open. Tickets cost $25-$50, $100 Gold Circle, to benefit Special Olympics New Jersey. For information, call (732) 246-7469. On the Web: www.jamforsonj.org. The Derek Trucks Band on the Web: www.derektrucks.com

