Photos By: Nate Payne - Jester Graphics and Photography
Strength, poise, and soul are just a few words that come to mind when recalling a weekend of soaring highs and devastating lows for the Tedeschi Trucks Band . February 15th, 2019 marks the day Tedeschi Trucks Band kicked off a two-day stand at The Warner Theatre in Washington D.C. in conjunction with the release of their 4th LP, Signs. In sharp contrast, the day also carries with it the loss of Kofi Burbrdge, one of the original founding members.
The keyboardist/flutist passed away earlier in the day, before his bandmates walked out onto the stage. Burbridge had recently taken time off from the band, citing a setback from his heart surgery in June of 2017.
To say that the Tedeschi Trucks Band family had a rough night on the 15th would be putting it mildly.
As a longtime fan of the band, it felt like the wind was knocked out of me when I learned what happened. So many layers of shock along with the realization of what they were going through right then, at the very same moment. The sheer amount of strength and poise required in a person’s soul to achieve the ability to press-on, and perform in honor of your friend and bandmate is of a caliber that one might associate with the divine.
I can still recall the first time I saw Kofi, he was with the Derek Trucks Band in 2006 during the release of their new album, Songlines. I went with my Dad to see them play at the 9:30 Club (both the first time I saw the band AND the first time at the 9:30 club, kick ass). Derek Trucks, Mike Mattison, Count M’Butu, Yonrico Scott, Todd Smallie, and of course, Kofi Burbridge, were holding down the stage, playing a style of music I had never heard before. Streaming waves of sustained slide guitar over congas, stacked on bass and jazz-rigged drums. World-wide musical influence had impacted The Derek Trucks Band band in a very special way. I always found Kofi’s flute solos to be incredibly uplifting and dynamic. He created a sound that was smooth like glass, not jarring or abrupt. His music was pure, uplifting, and shined bright for all.
The Tedeschi Trucks Band is a stellar example of music’s ability to unite people under a common anthem. They carry with them, an amazing group of followers that support the music community and this was very much the case when the band came back to the Warner’s stage on February 16th, one day after the passing of their friend.
Some new editions could be seen in the band. Gabe Dixon sat in on keyboard and Brandon Boone held down bass after Tim Lefebvre’s recent departure from the band. A large white bouquet of flowers had been placed in front of the keyboard to honor Kofi. Everyone squared up in their places and they exploded into “Loving You”.
Set List:
Tedeschi Trucks Band Set List: The Warner Theatre - February 16th, 2019
Set 1
Loving You
Walk Through This Life
Darlin’ Be Home
Let Me Get By
Right On Time
Down In The Flood
High & Mighty
Don’t Keep ME Wondering
Idle Wind
Set 2
Laugh About It
Sweet Inspiration
Keep On Growing
Do I Look Worried
When Will I Begin
Levin’ Trunk
Made Up My Mind
Sky Is Crying
I Want More
Encore: Let’s Go Get Stoned
They played on through the evening, celebrating the life of Kofi Burbridge. They ended their second set with an emotional 15-minute rendition of “I Want More”.
From a personal stand point, I’ve never seen Derek Trucks shred the way he did during the instrumental portion of the song. Every emotion was showcased in this arrangement. You could feel it in the music and hear it in their voices. A stunning tribute to behold.
Photos, Video, Write Up: Nate Payne - Jester Graphics and Photography
My deepest condolences to everyone effected by this sudden loss. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. I’ll end this article with a quote from Susan Tedeschi at the end of the night on Saturday...
“Well, I don’t know what to say. I’m just so glad we could all be here together.”
– Susan Tedeschi February 16, 2019 – The Warner Theatre, Washington D.C.
Check out the full photo album below
Please consider supporting the band at this difficult time. This album contains some of the last music ever arranged or performed by Kofi. It is beautiful.
Signs - Visit Shore Fire Media for more info!
Tedeschi Trucks Band - Signs
Recorded at Swamp Raga Studios, Jackson, FL
Produced, engineered and mixed by Derek Trucks, Jim Scott and Bobby Tis
Strings written and arranged by Kofi Burbridge
Horns written and arranged by Kebbi Williams, Elizabeth Lea and Ephraim Owens
Cover Art Alec Huxley
Dedicated to our dear friend and mentor Col. Bruce Hampton (Ret.)
Pit-Dweller Media does not receive monetary benefit from the links provided in this article.
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