Simon RushworthSusan Tedeschi — Just Won’t Burn: 25th Anniversary Edition (Fantasy)
The nominations for Best New Artist at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards read like a who’s who of rock and pop’s rising stars.
Christina Aguilera, the eventual winner, got the nod alongside Kid Rock, Macy Gray, Britney Spears and…Susan Tedeschi.
That Tedeschi has never attained the commercial success enjoyed by her fellow nominees says more about mass marketing and mainstream trends than any perceived talent.
Because there’s a solid case for arguing the Boston singer songwriter has gone on to eclipse all of the above when it comes to rolling out a conveyor belt of quality material.
It was Just Won’t Burn that earned Tedeschi that first Grammy nomination — five more have followed — and 25 years down the line a remarkably mature record still stands the test of time.
Bluesier, bolder and a little more brusque than the music she makes with Tedeschi Trucks Band, it’s a sterling statement of intent.
And, significantly, expansive originals stand toe to toe with classics from John Prine, Ruth Brown and Junior Wells.
Just Won’t Burn is a scorching example of heartfelt blues rooted in Tedeschi’s personal collection and childhood influences.
But the record that followed low key full band debut Better Days only hints at the phenomenal work to follow.
Tedeschi still Looking For Answers
Radio hit It Hurt So Bad might have catapulted an emerging Tedeschi into the hearts and minds of music fans far beyond her Massachusetts heartland.
But it’s a testament to the strength — and variety — of the material here that Just Won’t Burn’s most talked about single is by no means the biggest tune here.
The nuanced You Need To Be With Me, featuring a highlight turn on the organ from Tom West, is truly special.
But just as affecting is the searching Looking For Answers with its on-trend fiddle and compelling narrative.
And the bullish title track is a bristling example of Tedeschi’s authentic voice cutting through the inevitable cynicism that clings to a white woman singing the blues.
Both Looking For Answers and Just Won’t Burn are included as bonus tracks — Tedeschi Trucks Band adding subtle extra layers to both songs during a Beacon Theatre live set.
Other additions to the original release are album outtakes Voodoo Woman and Waste of Time.
And an alternate take on Looking For Answers brings up the welcome hat-trick where this iconic track’s concerned.
Just Won’t Burn might have shifted more than one million copies first time around but if you’ve worn out your original — or just preferred Kid Rock back then — there’s never been a better time to embrace some of Tedeschi’s finest work.
