For 12 years,
the Derek Trucks Band have been issuing records (live and studio) that are long on fire, improvisation, and inspiration.
Trucks' own skillful leadership has seamlessly melded rock, blues, jazz, and Eastern Indian modal music in a brew that is uniquely his own. Perhaps this is what makes
Already Free both an anomaly and a natural extension of
the DTB; if anything, it resembles
Delaney & Bonnie's records of the late '60s and early '70s --
Home,
To Bonnie from Delaney -- or the self-titled debuts of
Bobby Whitlock and
Eric Clapton. There is a homegrown organic looseness to these proceedings that sets the album apart from all of
Trucks' previous offerings. Perhaps that's because it was recorded at home -- literally in a home studio with
the DTB and/or their guests playing live from the floor much of the time.
Trucks is still accompanied by his longtime mates:
Kofi Burbridge,
Todd Smallie,
Yonrico Scott,
Count Mbutu, and vocalist
Mike Mattison. But there are some close friends and family as guests, including -- but not limited to --
Trucks' wife
Susan Tedeschi,
Doyle Bramhall II, and a horn section and various rhythm players.