"I think it's important to keep learning and trying new things, no
matter how old you are or how many records you've done," says Susan
Tedeschi. "A lot of times, people will find something that works for
them and just stick with that. But you have to keep an open mind and
stay open to new situations."
In the years since she captured the public's musical imagination with
her 1998 breakthrough album Just Won't Burn, the multi-talented musician
has established a formidable reputation as a deeply expressive singer, a
prodigiously talented guitarist and distinctive songwriter. She's won a
large and loyal audience for her ability to craft elements of classic
blues, rock, R&B, folk and gospel into a distinctly individual style
that honors rootsy musical traditions without being subservient to them.
Hope and Desire, Tedeschi's fourth album and her first for Verve
Forecast, marks a substantial departure for the versatile artist,
presenting Tedeschi in the role of interpretive vocal stylist. She puts
a soulful, unmistakably personal spin on a heartfelt set of songs drawn
from such diverse sources as Ray Charles ("Tired of My Tears"), the
Rolling Stones ("You Got the Silver"), Bob Dylan ("Lord Protect My
Child"), Aretha Franklin ("Share Your Love with Me"), Donny Hathaway
("Magnificent Sanctuary Band") and Fontella Bass ("Soul of A Man").
"I love to do my own material and create new stuff, but at the same
time, there's so many great songs out there," Tedeschi notes. "What I
was really going for was to make a great soul record, and these songs
all have soul, in one way or another. They all had different things
about them that really stood out for me, and they were all songs that
haven't necessarily been heard by a lot of people."
Although she's widely respected for her fiery guitar work, on Hope and
Desire Tedeschi concentrates on singing, leaving the lion's share of the
six-string duties to noted young axe hero Doyle Bramhall II. Three of
the album's tracks also feature guitar by Tedeschi's husband, Derek
Trucks, leader of his own successful group, the Derek Trucks Band, and
current member of the Allman Brothers Band.
The impetus for recording an album of covers initially arose out of
circumstance, but Tedeschi quickly embraced the creative challenge of
tackling outside material. "I had just written some new songs with my
band," she explains, "but with the birth of my daughter, Sophia, most of
them weren't really finished yet, so I didn't feel like we were ready to
make that record yet. I've wanted to record some old tunes by other
artists that I admire for a while and it seemed like the right time."
Ho! Ho! Ho! We thought we'd contribute to the holiday spirit by sharing a new song which we hope functions as an antidote to the madness of consumption that seems to have since long overshadowed the birth of love! It's an alternative Christmas carol & we'd love it if you check it out! May this Holiday season be filled with Kindness! All true blessings upon you & your loved ones, light, mercy & compassion for all!
Hey ya Susan Tedeschi, it's time for Holiday Shopping! Check out Katie's new CD "Next Ride Out" at CDbaby and other outlets all over the Web! - Katies Team at IDC!
Hi Susan, have you ever listened to that milestone in electronic music from 1984? I guess you'll say it sounds kind of outdated... and sure you're right. Maybe that's why 25 years later there's a remix contest for that song on Beatport (1) and Alien Graffiti takes part with a version called "BOSTICH GOES ROCK|Not What You Expected".
Direct Link to the Beatport Remix Player: www.beatportal.com/remix/detail/bostich-goes-rocknot-what-you-expected/
If you like the idea of adding some rock guitars and a driving beat to Yello 'Bostich' (2), please support Alien Graffiti and vote (3) for the "BOSTICH GOES ROCK" remix on Beatport today:
Thanks for your support!!!
(1) Beatport is the leader in electronic dance music downloads for DJs and club music enthusiasts. (2) You can watch the original video on Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJFShE1VfEc) and compare it with my remix. (3) You have to register (no credit card number or any private information needed - only your valid email address) with beatport and "Log In" before you can vote. After logging in, the remix player displays "Spin It!" instead of "Log In" and you can vote for the remix one time by clicking on "Spin It!".
Hi Susan,how are you. I love back to the river,great songs. especially seven hundred horse's , move's my soul. You are an amazing performer,you are inspiration to me. Have a beautifull week, take care. Love and light Lucia angel.
My new record just came out this week on I-Tunes and CD Baby. An exclusive video and link to the new album is featured on my myspace blog. Please leave us some feedback to let us know what you think! Thanks for your support.
-Ray Stephenson
PS: This album would make a great stocking stuffer ;)
You are awesom, Any chance that you will be coming to Australia in the near future?
Thanks for adding me, I know you get this all the time so I don't blame you if you don't!! But if you have some free time and nothing better to do.. I'd love you to swing by my myspace page and take a look. All the best Blues Queen xxx
Hey, Susan... Greetings from a band of rock n' roll astronauts for peace. Thanks for letting us land our eco-spaceship on your beautiful planet of truly great music. You are always welcome at dreamland11, our Cosmogaian outpost of social justice, activism, and rock. Peace and friendship, RE-VO