Susan Tedeschi first came on the scene two decades ago with her debut album, Better Days, released in 1995 to modest attention. Twenty years later, she is one of the reigning queens of roots rock, renowned for her deeply soulful pipes and fiery live presence. As coleader of the 11-piece blues-rock powerhouse Tedeschi Trucks Band, which she fronts with husband and former Allman Brothers bandmate Derek Trucks, she and the group have garnered worldwide acclaim for their epic shows and outstanding musicianship. The Tedeschi Trucks Band will return on Sunday, June 7, to Santa Barbara, where the band will be playing at the Santa Barbara Bowl with Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings and Doyle Bramhall II. We spoke with her about her musical journey, touring with family, revelatory experiences, and owls.
Where are you right now? I’m at home in Jacksonville. Where are you?
I’m in my office in Santa Barbara. You guys played here last October at the Arlington. Are you looking forward to coming back? We love Santa Barbara. We really do. It’s beautiful; the people are really nice; I like walking around, maybe finding a nice coffee place.