Signs features 11 new original songs, expanding on the group’s omnivorous musical appetites, while facing down troubled times with credence and conviction. The group’s world-class musicianship is on full display in the genre-defying collection that runs the gamut from uplifting soulful anthems to bittersweet ballads and driving rock and roll.
‘Signs’ was a true band effort, with each of the supremely talented twelve members playing a major role. As with its predecessors, the album was recorded in Tedeschi and Trucks’ backyard studio Swamp Raga, with additional contributions from trusted TTB brethren Warren Haynes, Oliver Wood, Doyle Bramhall II, and Marc Quiñones. Trucks shared production and engineering duties with Jim Scott (The Rolling Stones, Tom Petty) and Swamp Raga studio engineer Bobby Tis, and the band recorded live to two-inch analogue tape for the first time, using their original Neve console combined with a 70’s Studer tape machine.
A sense of loss and frustration colors portions of ‘Signs.’ A number of tragedies hit home during the writing and recording of the album, as the group said goodbye to family members and friends including Derek’s uncle and Allman Brothers alumnus Butch Trucks, founding Brother Gregg Allman, and mentors Leon Russell and Col. Bruce Hampton. Political polarization, intolerance, and threats to an environment they see as increasingly under siege are also dealt with openly and honestly on the album.
“This is the first record we’ve made where, when I listen to it, it puts me in a specific place,” explains Derek. “It puts me in a zone and hits some raw nerves.”
Still, ‘Signs’ also beckons with the optimism and hope that has become a signature part of TTB’s message in the studio and on stage. “We are very lucky to do what we do, and we take responsibility for creating something positive to counter all the negativity,” asserts Susan. “We all have to deal with tragic circumstances at times. As a musician, I feel it’s my job to go out there, kick ass the best I can and offer inspiration.”
The album was recorded at Derek and Susan’s home studio, Swamp Raga, on two-inch analog tape giving it a warmth and richness that recalls the ambience of the best vintage recordings. Vinyl mastering and lacquers were cut from the analog master tape and pressed on 180 gram black vinyl for highest sound quality. Vinyl mastering and lacquers cut from the analog master tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent.
Album includes a digital download.
