A Captivating Blend of Emotion and Harmony: Tedeschi Trucks Band’s “Angel From Montgomery and Sugaree”
Tedeschi Trucks Band – Angel From Montgomery and Sugaree – Live at Sunshine Blues Festival in Boca Raton, FL.
In the world of music, there are rare moments when two iconic songs come together in perfect harmony, creating an experience that’s nothing short of magical. The Tedeschi Trucks Band’s rendition of “Angel From Montgomery/Sugaree” is one such remarkable collaboration. In this review, we delve into the captivating journey that this medley takes us on, exploring the emotions it evokes and the harmonious marriage of two timeless classics.
From the very first note, “Angel From Montgomery/Sugaree” sweeps listeners off their feet and transports them into a world of raw emotion. The band’s lead vocalist, Susan Tedeschi, pours her heart into every word, infusing the songs with a tangible sense of longing and reflection. As the medley seamlessly transitions between John Prine’s poignant “Angel From Montgomery” and the Grateful Dead’s nostalgic “Sugaree,” the emotional range covered is both vast and deep. Tedeschi’s vocal prowess shines as she captures the essence of both songs, making them her own while paying homage to their original creators.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this rendition is the masterful fusion of “Angel From Montgomery” and “Sugaree.” The transition between the two tracks is flawless, almost as if the songs were meant to be intertwined. The band’s instrumental prowess is on full display, with Derek Trucks’ soulful guitar playing adding an extra layer of richness to the arrangement. The harmonies between Susan Tedeschi and the rest of the band create a sense of unity, further enhancing the feeling of togetherness that music brings.
Both “Angel From Montgomery” and “Sugaree” are songs that carry a sense of nostalgia, reminding us of moments in the past that have shaped our lives. The Tedeschi Trucks Band takes these sentiments and infuses them with a sense of renewal and freshness. The medley becomes a bridge between the old and the new, reminding us that even as we reflect on the past, there’s always room for reinterpretation and growth.
Tedeschi Trucks Band’s rendition of “Angel From Montgomery/Sugaree” is a harmonious masterpiece that captures the essence of two iconic songs while carving out a unique space for itself. Through Susan Tedeschi’s soulful vocals, the band’s instrumental prowess, and the seamless blending of emotion and harmony, this medley is a testament to the power of music to evoke deep feelings and connect us to both our memories and our aspirations. It’s a musical journey that leaves a lasting impression, reminding us of the beauty that can be found in the convergence of the past and the present.
Susan Tedeschi – guitar/vocals
Derek Trucks – guitar
Kofi Burbridge – keys/flute
Tyler Greenwell – drums
George Reiff – bass
Mike Mattison – harmony vocals
Mark Rivers – harmony vocals
Lyrics:
“Angel From Montgomery”
I am an old woman
Named after my mother
My old man is another
Child who’s grown old
If dreams were lightning
And thunder were desire
This old house would’ve burned down
A long time ago
Make me an angel
That flies from Montgomery
Make me a poster
Of an old rodeo
Just give me one thing
That I can hold on to
To believe in this livin’
Is just a hard way to go
When I was a young girl
Well, I had me a cowboy
He weren’t much to look at
Just a free ramblin’ man
But that was a long time
And no matter how I tried
The years just flowed by
Like a broken down dam
Make me an angel
That flies from Montgomery
Make me a poster
Of an old rodeo
Just give me one thing
That I can hold on to
To believe in this livin’
Is just a hard way to go
There’s flies in the kitchen
I can hear ’em there buzzin’
And I ain’t done nothing
Since I woke up today
How the hell can a person
Go to work in the morning
Then come home in the evening
And have nothing to say?
Make me an angel
That flies from Montgomery
Make me a poster
Of an old rodeo
Just give me one thing
That I can hold on to
To believe in this livin’
Is just a hard way to go
To believe in this livin’
Is just a hard way to go
Songwriters: Prine John E
Angel From Montgomery lyrics © Walden Music Inc., Sour Grapes Music Inc., Walden Music, Inc., Sour Grapes Music, Inc.
“Sugaree”
When they come to take you down
When they bring that wagon around
When they come to call on you
And drag your poor body down
Just one thing I ask of you
Just one thing for me
Please forget you knew my name
My darlin’ Sugaree
Shake it, shake it Sugaree
Just don’t tell them that you know me
Shake it, shake it Sugaree
Just don’t tell them that you know me
You thought you was the cool fool
And never could do no wrong
Had everything sown up tight
How come you lay awake all night long?
Just one thing I ask of you
Just one thing for me
Please forget you knew my name
My darlin’ Sugaree
Shake it, shake it Sugaree
Just don’t tell them that you know me
Shake it, shake it Sugaree
Just don’t tell them that you know me
You know, in spite of all you gained
You still had to stand out in the pouring rain
One last voice is calling you
And I guess it’s time you go
Just one thing I ask of you
Just one thing for me
Please forget you knew my name
My darlin’ Sugaree
Shake it, shake it Sugaree
Just don’t tell them that you know me
Shake it, shake it Sugaree
Just don’t tell them that you know me
Shake it up now Sugaree
I’ll meet you at the jubilee
And if that jubilee don’t come
Baby I’ll meet you on the run
Just one thing I ask of you
Just one thing for me
Please forget you know my name
My darlin’ Sugaree
Shake it, shake it Sugaree
Just don’t tell them that you know me
Shake it, shake it Sugaree
Just don’t tell them that you know me
Shake it, shake it Sugaree
Just don’t tell them that you know me
Shake it, shake it Sugaree
Just don’t tell them that you know me
Songwriters: Robert Hunter / Jerome Garcia
Sugaree lyrics © Ice Nine Publishing Co. Inc., Ice Nine Publishing Co Inc.
Featured Photo by David Gray; from 7/6/21 at Westville Music Bowl.
