Hope and Desire

• Artist: Susan Tedeschi
• Rating:
• Release Date: October 11, 2005
• Type: Lyrics are included with the album
• Genre: Blues

Review

On her first outing in three years and her freshman offering for Verve's Forecast label, Susan Tedeschi digs deep into the soul and R&B fakebook for inspiration and comes out a winner. With an all-star band that includes guitarist Doyle Bramhall II, pianist David Palmer, organist Jebin Bruni, bassist Paul Bryan, drummer Jay Bellerose, and guests including husband Derek Trucks and the Blind Boys of Alabama, Tedeschi goes down into her own heart's well for inspiration. Wonderfully produced by Joe Henry, Hope and Desire is truly a singer's showcase of passion and class; she has signature phrasing and is an excellent interpreter. Henry proves that Tedeschi is one hell of a singer. From the roots-country blues of the Jagger and Richards opener, "You Got the Silver," to the hardcore soul of Otis Redding's "Security" (her version is closer to the Etta James reading than Redding's but Tedeschi puts her own hard spin on it), the garbage-can blues guitar of Percy Mayfield's ripping "The Danger Zone," and the finger-poppin' R&B of "Tired of My Tears," Tedeschi proves she's second to none by wringing every ounce of truth from these classic tunes. In addition, her subtle, to-the-bone reading of Bob Dylan's "Lord Protect My Child" (with great Dobro work by Trucks), a definitive version of Iris DeMent's "Sweet Forgiveness," and Dorsey Brunette's "Magnificent Sanctuary Band" offer solid proof that Tedeschi can sing gospel as well. In fact, based on the evidence here, she can sing any damn thing she likes and move your heart, making you believe every word and wail in the grain of a song. That's as high a compliment as one can pay. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
You Got the Silver (Lyrics)	Mick Jagger, Keith Richards	Susan Tedeschi	(2:52)
Soul of a Man	Oliver Sain	Susan Tedeschi	(3:15)
Lord Protect My Child (Lyrics)	Bob Dylan	Susan Tedeschi	(4:45)
Tired of My Tears	James E. Holiday	Susan Tedeschi	(2:42)
Share Your Love with Me	Deadric Malone, Alfred Braggs	Susan Tedeschi	(3:49)
Evidence	George Jackson, Raymond Moore	Susan Tedeschi	(3:43)
Sweet Forgiveness	Iris DeMent	Susan Tedeschi	(4:47)
Security	Otis Redding	Susan Tedeschi	(2:56)
Loving You Is Sweeter Than Ever	Stevie Wonder	Susan Tedeschi	(3:57)
Magnificent Sanctuary Band	Dorsey Burnette	Susan Tedeschi	(3:01)
Follow	Jerry Merrick	Susan Tedeschi	(6:48)
The Danger Zone	Percy Mayfield	Susan Tedeschi	(2:42)

Credits

Paul Bryan (Bass), Ed Cherney (Mixing), Niki Haris (Vocals (Background)), Jean McClain (Vocals (Background)), Doug Sax (Mastering), Derek Trucks (Dobro), Derek Trucks (Guitar (Electric)), Jay Bellerose (Percussion), Jay Bellerose (Drums), Jebin Bruni (Organ (Hammond)), Doyle Bramhall II (Guitar (Acoustic)), Doyle Bramhall II (Guitar (Electric)), Hollis King (Art Direction), Susan Tedeschi (Vocals), Kwaku Alston (Photography), Robert Hadley (Mastering), John Newcott (Release Coordinator), Kelly Pratt (Release Coordinator), Joe Henry (Producer), Aaron Walk (Assistant Engineer), Jason Mott (Assistant Engineer), David Palmer (Piano), David Palmer (Organ (Hammond)), David Palmer (Piano (Electric))