By Jim Rowland
In September 2015, Tedeschi Trucks Band, helmed by guitar virtuoso Derek Trucks and powerhouse vocalist Susan Tedeschi, revived and re-imagined Joe Cocker’s ‘Mad Dogs & Englishmen’ show for a special concert honouring the legendary vocalist, who had passed away the year before. The concert featured a star-studded cast, and whilst the show was documented in a 2021 film, this new release is the first time it has been released in audio format.
Joe Cocker’s original ‘Mad Dogs & Englishmen’ tour produced a 1970 double live album considered by many to be one of the truly great live recordings of all time, and many of the musicians that played on that tour joined TTB for this show, including bandleader Leon Russell (who sadly was to pass away the following year) and vocalist Rita Coolidge, both legends in their own right. On top of that the show featured guest appearances from the likes of Chris Robinson of The Black Crowes, Warren Haynes, Anders Osborne and Traffic legend Dave Mason.
Bringing together the eclectic mix of folk, rock and soul songs from the original set list, including tracks from Leonard Cohen , Traffic, Bob Dylan and The Beatles through to Ray Charles, Sam & Dave and Otis Redding, the fusion of soul, blues, and rock on offer here, infused with TTB’s own Southern stylings, oozes class and musicianship of the highest standard. Some outstanding guitar work and sweet brass arrangements are augmented by some stellar vocal performances with Leon Russell, Rita Coolidge, Susan Tedeschi and Chris Robinson all doing themselves proud.
A masterclass in soulful musicianship, ‘Mad Dogs & Englishmen Revisited (Live At Lockn’)’ will have great appeal to fans of the original Joe Cocker album, as well as fans of quality soulful rock and southern rock.
- ‘Mad Dogs & Englishmen Revisited (Live At Lockn’)’ is out now.