Childhood prodigy turned adult jazz-rock guitarist Derek Trucks is bringing his band Saturday to the Blue Gator, 63 N. Court St.
Trucks bought his first acoustic guitar at a yard sale for $5 at age nine. Within a year, he played his first show. With his dad as road manager and chaperone, Trucks hooked up with a band and went on tour.
He said he is glad to be past those days and is happy making records he likes.
As time goes on
the novelty wears off of being a 9-year-old guitar player Trucks said. It is better to gain respect as a professional musician than be a childhood prodigy.
Growing up, Trucks' inspiration came from Elmore James, Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Back then, Trucks was not into many guitar players, but he enjoys them now.
I didn't want to be a cliché so I tried to draw from other musicians instead of being a Jimi Hendrix or Stevie Ray Vaughn clone
Trucks said.
Trucks and the band have been on the road for a week doing shows and promoting their new album, Soul Serenade. Trucks said getting time off to relax is rare. He did manage to find time on Thursday to catch the San Francisco vs. Milwaukee baseball game, however.
I was hoping to catch (Barry) Bonds hit his 700th home run today.
In less than two weeks, Trucks will hit the road with the Allman Brothers, a band he was asked to play slide guitar with in 1999.
Something about playing with them feels more like home to me
Trucks said.
The Derek Trucks Band is writing for its upcoming album while on the road, which gives them a chance to try new songs while on tour.
We try and keep it fresh with each show and base our set list off of what songs we are feeling that night and how the crowd feels
Trucks said.
Doors open at 10 p.m. Saturday. Admission is $20.
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Blake Gillespie
