By Photojournalist Jayne Drooger

Ruth Eckerd Hall hosted one of the best Blues bands there is on Tuesday night to a sold-out crowd! Susan Tedeschi and Derrick Trucks Band are back on tour and what a perfect venue for their energy and talent.

They began the concert with beloved original “Don’t Know What It Means” and Susan on The Box Tops’ “The Letter.” The 12-piece ensemble then followed “Do I Look Worried” and “Until You Remember” As much love and respect as I have for Derrick and Susan, I have to say they have some of the most incredible backup singers and band members I have ever heard. One of three singers is Mike Mattison who took the lead on “Life is Crazy” plus covers of Junior Wells’ “Little by Little” and Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right”. The Horn section comprised of trumpet, sax and trombone are mind blowing!

After an intermission the band played several more hits including, a personal favorite, “Midnight In Harlem” and “Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’ “ by The Allman Brothers Band. It was a surprise and thrill when Duane Betts walked out on stage with Bobby “Blue” Bland’s classic “I Pity The Fool”! He remained to play with Derrick on an Allman Brother’s instrumental written by Duane’s father, Dicky, “In Memory Of Elizabeth Reed”. He continued a “Leaving Trunk” cover and the band finished the night with a rockin, crowd standing, “Let’s Go Get Stoned”!