Susan Tedeschi
That Susan Tedeschi's first album of cover versions coincided with the birth of her daughter is not chance. Tedeschi's own songs weren't ready and rather than rush them into the studio, she took the opportunity to pay homage to the artists that had influenced her. That the list of artists covered swings from the Rolling Stones to Ray Charles and Aretha Franklin only highlights the variety she's brought together for her blend of the blues.
New York based, Susan Tedeschi is probably still a lot better known of that side of the pond than this, though that situation is beginning to change. Those that have only got "Hope And Desires" may not realise just how good a guitarist Tedeschi is as for some reason she's also passed on doing a lot of the guitar work, This album is very much the exception. She can definitely hold her own as an axe player, just as she can hold her own as a writer. She does play guitar on the album, but shares the duties a lot more.
It's her first Cambridge and for many the first opportunity to hear her live. She's drawn comparisons with the likes of Sue Foley and a has a style that's a bit more subdued than some of the girls with guitars that have played in recent years. It ain't all about being cocky, it's about delivering on the day and Susan Tedeschi has a record she can be proud of.