The set up for her band lasted 50 minutes. The crowd played nice for the first 30 minutes, but it became clear that if Susan Tedeschi didn’t come out they would go nuts. Belly Up Tavern seemed filled to the brim with people anxiously waiting for something to happen. The air was tense. And then she came out.

Wearing a sexy, yet conservative outfit, little secretary-esque lenses, with her hair perfectly styled –Susan Tedeschi has a glamorous appeal. She came out, picked up her guitar, and waited for her pianist, two other guitarists, drummer, and sax player to set up. The crowd seemed to be holding their breath, apprehensively waiting for that first note to ease their aching feet and transport them to that musical dimension only Tedeschi can create. And then she began to play.

Roaring guitar chords flooded out of the speakers, the loud bellowing saxophone poured over the crowd, and the drummer slammed the set so hard my ears felt like they would pop. Tedeschi’s voice was full and strong, singing her bluesy rock with a deep, velvety, alto tone. She had complete range, going from high to low, low to high, and everything in the middle without the slightest break. Her voice seemed to roll over the notes, and her fingers strummed and plucked the guitar with electric precision.

Susan Tedeschi was amazing. She’s a rock ‘n’ roll powerhouse. Her voice, her playing, and her band produce power ballads, sending the crowd into an extreme high. I felt invigorated by her music. I clapped along, swayed to the rhythm, and screamed my appreciation at every chance. Tedeschi reminded me of the feminine feminist, asserting her masculinity while proudly proclaiming her womanhood. She definitely has a commanding presence that demands respect.

I couldn’t really put a finger on Tedeschi’s style. Classic rock –yes; bluesy rock – definitely, and maybe a little jazz infused soul too. But some songs had undertones of seventies groove. Her music was charged with beat, tempo, and rhythm that flickered with disco funk. It was like a Bonne Raitt sound with a Prince jive, with a bit of Bob Segar rock. Tedeschi has it all.

Overall the performance was worth the wait. She sent me into to such a musical euphoria I forgot about the tense anxiety I had been feeling, forgot about the two drinks that had spilled on me, and forgot that the people I was dancing with were total strangers. I recommend Susan Tedeschi to anyone who enjoys great music and appreciate the few truly talented musicians the world has to offer.