Tedeschi Trucks Band Conquers Boston's Iconic Venues

Tedeschi Trucks Band, the acclaimed blues-rock powerhouse, has taken Boston by storm, selling out the prestigious MGM Music Hall and Boch Center Wang Theatre in the same week. This remarkable feat comes on the heels of their headlining performance at the TD Garden, solidifying their status as one of the most sought-after acts in the music industry. As the band prepares to thrill thousands of fans in the city, we delve into the rich history and personal connections that Susan Tedeschi, the band's co-founder, shares with the Boston music scene.

Unlocking the Secrets of Boston's Musical Landscape

From Yacht Clubs to Berklee: The Formative Years

Susan Tedeschi's musical journey began at a young age, as she honed her skills playing in yacht clubs around the South Shore. "I literally played yacht clubs as a 13-year-old," Tedeschi recalls, "Trying to rent PAs, and get gigs, and play for any kind of people that would come out." During this time, Tedeschi's repertoire spanned a diverse range of genres, including rock, pop, country, soul, and gospel, before she discovered her true passion for the blues.Tedeschi's musical education continued at Berklee College of Music, where she immersed herself in the vibrant club scene, performing at venues like Toad, Harper's Ferry, and the Plough & Stars. This period marked a pivotal moment in her artistic development, as she delved deeper into the blues and began to establish her distinctive sound.

The House of Blues: A Homecoming Moment

The opening of the original House of Blues in Harvard Square held a special significance for Tedeschi. "The OG HOB opened in 1992 shortly after I graduated Berklee," she explains. It was during this time that Tedeschi's love for the blues truly blossomed, as she discovered classic LPs from the nearby Stereo Jack's record shop. Tedeschi's expertise in the genre proved invaluable, as she advised the club's booker on booking blues legends like Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown. In a remarkable moment, Tedeschi even had the opportunity to perform with the legendary James Cotton at the club's pre-opening bash, becoming the first female singer to grace the House of Blues stage.

The Iconic Tele: A Serendipitous Discovery

Tedeschi's signature guitar, a "Caribbean Mist" Telecaster, holds a unique story of its own. As she explored the Boston music scene, Tedeschi found that many of her collaborators were playing Stratocasters and Gibson ES-335s. Seeking a distinct tone to help her sound cut through, she stumbled upon the Telecaster at a local music shop, Cambridge Music, in Porter Square. "I found that one guitar at Cambridge Music in Porter Square one day, went home, thought about it, had a dream about it," she recalls. "I said, 'If it's still there, I'm getting it.' And it was still there." This guitar, now adorned with the signatures of Tedeschi's blues heroes, has become an integral part of her musical identity.

Conquering Boston's Iconic Venues

As Tedeschi Trucks Band prepares to take the stage at the MGM Music Hall and the Boch Center Wang Theatre, the band is poised to add two more iconic Boston venues to their impressive resume. Tedeschi, who grew up in and around the city, has a deep appreciation for the diverse musical experiences these venues offer. "The Wang is a place where you can make a really nice, diverse set... You can really hear the dynamic there," she explains. In contrast, the MGM Music Hall presents an opportunity to "rock it" and get the audience dancing, thanks to its general admission setup.With the TD Garden, MGM, and Wang gigs now etched in the band's history, Tedeschi has her sights set on conquering another Boston landmark: Fenway Park. "Fenway is the next place we will conquer," she declares with a laugh. "We've been talking about it for years, and it needs to happen next year or the year after."As Tedeschi Trucks Band continues to captivate audiences across the city, their deep-rooted connections to Boston's musical heritage and their unwavering commitment to delivering electrifying performances have solidified their status as one of the most dynamic and beloved acts in the industry.