By Anita Stewart, Managing Editor
Venue: The Sound in Downtown Clearwater, Florida
Date of Show: October 12, 2025
What a night! It was perfect weather-wise, balmy with clear blue skies as the sun slowly sunk into the water not far behind the stage at Coachman Park’s most recently created venue–Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Baycare Sound. People were dressed up and down, the crowd was all ages, from die-hard boomer Allman Brothers fans all the way down to the dancing Gen Z’s along with many young local musicians that I could pick out of the crowd. The Tedeschi Trucks Band is a must see for all music lovers! For those that don’t know, Derek Trucks is the nephew of Butch Trucks, the original drummer for the Allman Brothers. He was touring with the band at the age of thirteen, a child prodigy on the slide guitar. It is said that his guitar work now rivals or surpasses Duane Allman. Be sure to see the band and judge for yourself!
Every time I see this band, they just get better and better. They are known for never performing the same set twice. With a huge amount of songs in their repertoire, both covers and their skillfully crafted originals, this band could play for days and they never cease to amaze their fans with their musicianship. Once people have heard them, they are forever followers of these incredibly driven musicians. Their songs pay homage to their Southern roots with music that is a melange of Southern Rock, Blues, Americana, Jazz, Soul, tinged with a bit of Gospel and everything in-between.
This set was close to legendary and included the performance of some of their best songs and fan favorites such as “Midnight in Harlem,” written by band member Mike Mattison, “Keep on Growing,” by Derek and the Dominoes, “Pasaquan” (named after a real place) made into a medley with the Allman Brothers‘ “Mountain Jam” (from their “Eat a Peach” album.) The recognizable melodic line from this song originally came from Scottish artist Donovan‘s “There is a Mountain,” first performed and recorded in 1967. Susan’s guitar work and vocals on her song “Just Won’t Burn” was transcendent! Elizabeth Lea’s trombone “call and response” with Derek on guitar was another stand out!
Warren Haynes stepped out onstage as the surprise guest for the evening to accompany Derek on guitar for the last two songs and to share vocals with Susan. Both Warren and Derek had toured as guitarists for the Allman Brothers for many years. The encore was “Space Captain,” full of hooks along with a superb crescendo of backing vocals and a powerful yet peaceful lyrical message.
The band’s last recording, their fifth studio album was released in 2022; “I Am The Moon,” a concept album with more jazz influenced material than their previous work. The songs were released in installments during four consecutive full moons making this entire body of work equivalent to a double album. The songwriting is beautiful, introspective and gives every musician in the band a chance to shine. During the show, Susan announced that the next album would be out in March 2026 but offered no other details.
Duane Betts and his band the Palmetto Hotel opened the show with a short set including a song by Dickey Betts–Duane’s father and guitarist for the Allman Brothers; “Blue Sky“, a fan favorite and “Saints to Sinners,” an original. Duane’s band members are: Johnny Stachela on guitar/vocals, Pedro Arevalo on bass/vocals, Vincent Fossett Jr. on drums, and Max Butler on the B-3 organ. Duane met fans at the merch table after his set to sign autographs and take pics. His latest album is “Wild & Precious Life” and available on all streaming platforms and where music is sold. One that I have on continuous play!
SET LIST for the Tedeschi Trucks Band:
Got My Mo-Jo Working (But It Just Won’t Work on You) (by Ann Cole with the Suburbans cover)
Crazy Cryin’
Who Am I
Fall In
Isaac/Kebbi Jam
Let Me Get By
Just Won’t Burn (Susan Tedeschi original)
Part of Me
I Feel So Bad (Chuck Willis cover)
1 Future Soul
Keep On Growing (Derek and the Dominoes’ cover)
Midnight in Harlem (written by band member Mike Mattison)
I Want More
Beck’s Bolero (Jeff Beck cover)
Pasaquan (with Warren Haynes)
Space Captain (Matthew Moore cover) (with Warren Haynes)
SOCIAL MEDIA
Please check out Rock At Night’s interview with Derek Trucks in Switzerland circa 2022
- Tedeschi Trucks Band and Duane Betts and Palmetto Hotel Rock Clearwater - October 14, 2025
- “Alligator Alcatraz,” A Song That Rallies Human Rights Activists - June 29, 2025
- Kristian Montgomery and the Winterkill Band’s New EP Review - February 14, 2025
