On the Record 4: Tedeschi Trucks Band - I Am The Moon: I. Crescent
Another strong show of musicianship from one of the best blues+rock bands around.
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Rating: 8/10
Genre: Blues Rock
Length: 35m07s
Release Date: June 3, 2022
Label: Fantasy
Streaming quality: 192kHz/24-bit
First Impressions
As some background, this is the first of four releases by the Tedeschi Trucks Band in 2022. Each is roughly 30 minutes, comprising a 2-hour superalbum that has an accompanying visualizer video. The idea was that the record would be released in parts so friends and families could gather around and enjoy it together. The source material for this record series is the epic Layla and Manjun. The poem is a 12th century forbidden love story written by Persian poet Nezami Ganjawi. The story is of Qays (called Manjun, "mad" or "possessed"), who is in mutual love with Layla before Layla becomes wed to another man. Following this devastating loss, Qays lives by himself in isolation. See here for a synopsis.
Band member Mike Mattison read the poem and re-envisioned it, saying in an interview,
"I realized there are many things going on from different perspectives" and proposed ... "revisiting this material as a band, as writers."
They chose to realize the record from Layla's perspective. Despite being recently released, there is already quite a bit of lore about the writing and recording process.
On The Record
Drawing on personal influences and historical literature, this first installation (of four) from the Tedeschi Trucks band borrows from numerous styles and forbears to produce music that is easy to indulge in. Rich with imagery and musical temperance, these five songs provide ample opportunity for both imagination and contemplation. Bordering on organic, the music from this immense group breathes and changes in a way that exemplifies the best of modern music.
Sound Impressions
Hear My Dear
Opening with a lone guitar, I find "Hear My Dear" evokes feeling of closure or finality (much like a frame story), wherein we are privy to the end of a grand tale before suddenly being thrust into the thoughts and conversation of the narrator. The music swells like a wave set with overlapping entrances: guitar, slide guitar, acoustic guitar, organ, drums, and finally horns and vocals. It takes 15 seconds for the band to fully build and it feels like no part of that is wasted time. Considering this project spans an ambitious four full-length albums, I find this song beautifully encapsulates the vision, aural aesthetic, and spirit of the project.
Fall In
The second tune, "Fall In," feels like it would be squarely at home on a flight back from a vacation in New Orleans. One on hand, this song is musically playful and often lighthearted. It showcases the diverse stylistic influences in the band and their ability to play cohesively. On the other hand, I think it's a bit of an awkward inclusion paired to the other four songs on the record.
I Am The Moon
The journey in "I Am The Moon" plays interestingly against the lyrical imagery. To me, it starts somewhat sullenly and carries a longing tone through most of the song. Toward the last third, the mood shifts confidently. The protagonist abandons the inadequacy of comparing their moon-ness to their lover's sun-ness to shine brightly and triumphantly.
Circles 'Round The Sun
This song showcases Susan Tedeschi's soulful voice as the band funkily cuts loose. Derek Trucks's guitar has more grit than the previous excursions on the record. This track unfurls into a psychedelic jam with spaced-out effects and rhythmic chanting. Trucks sounds at home throughout the instrumental second half, subtlety trading melodic licks and motifs with several other musicians. This track is a good prelude to the impending 12-minutes of adventure that follow.
Pasaquan
To close the album, we have 12-minutes of (live-on-the-studio-floor) top-notch musicianship. "Pasaquan" starts off heady, hinting that it may be a cerebral blend of stylistic fusion. Instead, it quickly blooms into a jaunty trot with Trucks's guitar setting the scene. The drums arrive just in time to break into a full gallop, sparsifying Trucks's playing while keys add into the backing mix. The guitar solo continues unfettered for minutes before ceding the spotlight to the organ. Considering the size of the band, I'm floored by their ability to drop dynamics and make space before building back together. The Tedeschi Trucks Band also has two drummers, both on full kits, and it's an unusual treat to have an extended drum solo on a modern record.
Final Thoughts
I opted to score this 8/10 because I am floored by the storytelling and musicianship on display. However, I think the second track would fit better if it were re-positioned as the third song, or on a different installation of this record series.
I would listen to this record at the start of a road trip, as a complement to the anticipation of a long journey. There's something about the storytelling and movement of the music that feels suited to traveling. It's engaging and easy to enjoy with enough instrumental passages that there's little risk of missing the poetry in the lyrics.