Tedeschi Trucks Band & Leon Russell - Mad Dogs & Englishmen Revisited (LIVE AT LOCKN’)
- Josh Markarian
- Nov 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 25
A Soulful Revival That Belongs on Your Turntable
Some records feel like a time machine. Others feel like a family reunion. Mad Dogs & Englishmen Revisited (LIVE AT LOCKN’) is both. Captured live at the 2015 LOCKN’ Festival and now finally pressed to vinyl for the first time, as well as available on CD and streaming, this release from Tedeschi Trucks Band and Leon Russell is a full-bodied tribute to one of rock’s most communal and memorable moments.
Originally led by Joe Cocker and Leon Russell in 1970, the Mad Dogs & Englishmen tour was a raucous celebration of soul, blues, and rock. Forty-five years later, Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi brought that same spirit back to life, this time with Russell himself, original Mad Dogs members, and a rotating cast of guests that reads like a who’s who of American roots music.
A Tribute That Transcends Nostalgia
Listening to this album on vinyl is like stepping into the crowd at LOCKN’. The warmth of the mix, the grit of the live setting, and the sheer size of the ensemble make for an immersive listening experience. Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi lead their 12-piece powerhouse with the kind of seasoned grace that’s earned them a reputation as one of the best live acts in the game. But here, they’re not just performing, they’re channeling.
Joined by Leon Russell himself, original Mad Dogs members like Rita Coolidge and Claudia Lennear, and notable guests including Doyle Bramhall II, Chris Robinson, Dave Mason, Anders Osborne, Warren Haynes, and Pamela Polland, the stage swells with energy. This stacked lineup is arguably responsible for some of the most iconic tracks of the last 50+ years. Collectively, they’ve left fingerprints on the DNA of blues, jazz, and Southern rock, reshaping the trajectory of modern music. Each artist is worth their own detour into discography and history, and together they form a living, breathing testament to collaboration.
Tracks like “The Letter” shine, where Susan Tedeschi’s performance makes it seem like the song was written for her. Dave Mason’s lead on “Feelin’ Alright” is a full-circle moment, while Trucks’ guitar work throughout is pure fire, fluid, expressive, and deeply rooted in soul. It’s even more impressive when you realize that Trucks’ signature style is to play without a guitar pick, coaxing tonal control and nuance directly from the strings.
The horn section punches with purpose, the gospel-inspired backing vocals lift the arrangements skyward, and the rhythm section keeps everything grounded. It’s a masterclass in musical collaboration, and it never feels like a tribute for tribute’s sake. It’s alive.
Legacy and LOCKN’
It’s been ten years since the LOCKN’ performance, and the performance is now paired with the 2021 accompanying film Learning to Live Together: The Return of Mad Dogs & Englishmen, a 2021 documentary that blends archival footage with rehearsal and performance clips from the LOCKN’ set. It dives into the making of the tribute and the legacy of the original tour. If you’re a fan of music history, this pairing is essential.
The Artists Behind the Magic
Formed in 2010 by husband-and-wife duo Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, Tedeschi Trucks Band quickly earned a reputation for electrifying live shows and genre-defying musicianship. Trucks, a slide guitar prodigy who joined The Allman Brothers Band at age 20, brings a unique, expressive style rooted in blues, jazz, and Southern rock. Tedeschi, a Berklee-trained powerhouse vocalist and guitarist, cut her teeth in the Boston blues scene before earning Grammy nominations and touring with legends like B.B. King and Bob Dylan.
Together, they lead a 12-piece ensemble that includes horns, gospel-inspired backing vocals, and a rhythm section that grooves with purpose. Their catalog spans everything from the ambitious four-part I Am The Moon to the Grammy-winning Revelator, and their live shows are known for emotional depth, musical precision, and a soulful vibe that mirrors the spirit of this release.
Vinyl Details & Where to Buy
There’s a ritual to it. Pulling the record from its sleeve, placing it on the turntable, watching it spin, it’s a moment of connection. And this album rewards that. From the opening notes of “The Letter” to the communal crescendo of “With A Little Help From My Friends,” it’s a journey. One that feels personal, even if you weren’t there.
The pressing itself is a double LP housed in a gatefold jacket, featuring live photography and liner notes that add depth to the listening experience.
You can order the vinyl directly from Tedeschi Trucks Band’s official store, copies may be limited, so collectors should move quick.
Track Listing
The Letter – ft. Susan Tedeschi
Darling Be Home Soon – ft. Susan Tedeschi & Doyle Bramhall II
Dixie Lullaby – ft. Doyle Bramhall II
Sticks and Stones – ft. Chris Robinson
Girl From the North Country – ft. Claudia Lennear
Let’s Go Get Stoned – ft. Susan Tedeschi
Feelin’ Alright – ft. Dave Mason & Anders Osborne
She Came in Through the Bathroom Window – ft. Warren Haynes & Anders Osborne
Bird On The Wire – ft. Rita Coolidge & Doyle Bramhall II
The Weight – ft. Rita Coolidge, Pamela Polland, Susan Tedeschi, Claudia Lennear & Doyle Bramhall II
Delta Lady – ft. John Bell
Space Captain – ft. Susan Tedeschi & Chris Robinson
With A Little Help From My Friends – ft. Chris Robinson, Susan Tedeschi, Dave Mason & Doyle Bramhall II
The Ballad of Mad Dogs and Englishmen
This isn’t just a live album. It’s a celebration of legacy, a showcase of artistry, and a reminder that music is at its best when it’s shared. On vinyl, it becomes something even more special, a ritual, a moment, a memory you can hold in your hands.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering the magic of Tedeschi Trucks Band, Mad Dogs & Englishmen Revisited (LIVE AT LOCKN’) deserves a place in your collection. Drop the needle, turn it up, and let it take you there. Tedeschi Trucks Band is:
Susan Tedeschi (guitar, vocals)
Derek Trucks (guitar)
Gabe Dixon (keyboards, vocals)
Brandon Boone (bass)
Tyler “Falcon” Greenwell (drums)
Isaac Eady (drums)
Mike Mattison (vocals)
Mark Rivers (vocals)
Alecia Chakour (vocals)
Kebbi Williams (saxophone)
Ephraim Owens (trumpet)
Elizabeth Lea (trombone)
Catch Them Live
If you’ve never seen TTB live, this is your chance. Their shows are known for emotional depth, musical precision, and a communal vibe that mirrors the spirit of this release. Full tour dates and tickets are available at tedeschitrucksband.com/tour
Connect with Tedeschi Trucks Band
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