For over four hours on a hot sweaty Upstate New York summer evening, The Wheels of Soul Tour wowed the SPAC crowd with uncanny energy and musicianship. Tedeschi Trucks Band headlined the bill that was rounded out by Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings and Doyle Bramhall II. Quick set changes kept the evening moving quickly and smoothly and all the focus was on the music. A minimal light show complimented all the players on stage and let the music do all of the talking.

Opening the show was Doyle Bramhall II with a four piece band that played a short but sweet set of blues. With little time to waste, he thanked the crowd for showing up early and began playing. A few of the songs seemed like it was right out of a 70’s album from Eric Clapton if you closed your eyes in both the tone of Doyle’s guitar and his voice. His set was a great way to start the evening off.

The middle act of the soul revue show was Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, who turned the clock back to the mid 60’s with their amazing display of Motown and Stax era songs and showmanship. The Dap-Kings came on first to get the crowd ready, followed by Starr and Saun to do a few songs from their album Look Closer. As soon as the song finished, Sharon Jones came out like a bullet and didn’t stop dancing or singing for the remainder of the set. Tearing through a funky “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”, the crowd was on their feet enjoying what the band was laying down. A lengthy “People Don’t Get What They Deserve” including various old dance moves from the 60’s was a clear highlight of the set. Sharon spoke about the cancer she had a few years ago before going into “Get Up and Get Out” that saw her give everything she had left on stage. The band got a much deserved standing ovation from the crowd as they departed the stage.

Blazing on stage with what felt like an army, the Tedeschi Trucks Band fired off “All That I Need” and “Made Up Mind” like there was no tomorrow. Derek Trucks is of course one of the most accomplished guitar players in music today and his non-stop attacking of his guitar last night proved why he is among the best. During the last song of the set, “The Storm”, he really let loose during a long jam that saw most of the band leave the stage. Jaw-dropping riffs were flying from his hands as only he can do. Susan Tedeschi is no slouch on the guitar either, and she tore into hers during “I Pity The Fool” and got some smiles from her husband as she did. Susan’s voice was strong throughout the set and the range she always shows is mind blowing.

In the middle of the set, Susan said she wanted to do one for fun, and the band went into the Joe Cocker version of “Let’s Go Get Stoned”. The rendition was spot on and those going to Lockn’ should be in for a great time when the band and special guests do their tribute to Mad Dogs and Englishmen. Diving into the past, the band launched into “Get What You Deserve” from the Derek Trucks Band days, and did an astounding version with Mike Mattison handling lead vocals for the tune. Even though there were 12 people on stage you could easily hear each member during every song. The patience that is shown by the band in every song is tremendous. There was never a moment that felt rushed throughout their set. Each member also had at least one solo to highlight the great work they were doing on stage. It might have Derek and Susan’s names on the band, but it truly is a complete unit.

The evening ended with everyone from all three bands coming on stage for a fantastic medley of Sly and The Family Stone songs. The smiles beaming from everyone on stage and in the crowd were infectious. With the show at SPAC being so close to the end of the tour, you could see that they were having a great time being together and making music with one another. I don’t think there is one music lover in the country, or the world, who wouldn’t mind seeing this show once a summer for many years to come.

Tedeschi Trucks Band Setlist:

All That I Need
Made Up Mind
Anyhow
Midnight in Harlem
I Want More (w/ Doyle Bramhall II)
Let’s Go Get Stoned (Joe Cocker)
Get What You Deserve (Derek Trucks Band)
I Pity The Fool
Idle Wind
The Storm

Encore:
Sly and the Family Stone Medley (W/ Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Doyle Bramhall II)

Words and photos by Bryan David Lasky. Full gallery below: