Angel From Montgomery – Susan Tedeschi (John Prine)

Recorded live at the Austin City Limits on June 23rd, 2003 in Austin, Texas

John Prine is considered by many to be the ultimate singer/songwriter, and while I am inclined to agree, I really don’t know enough of his catalog. What little I do know is outstanding, and “Angel From Montgomery” is a top ten song for me. I love Prine’s studio version a ton, but since this is live music week, I decided to go with my favorite version.

If dreams were thunder
And lightnin’ was desire
This old house would’ve burned down
A long time ago

I was introduced to Susan Tedeschi through The Tedeschi Trucks Band via my dad, who are far and away the most talented group of musicians I have ever had the pleasure of seeing live. I’ll dive into them and her husband Derek Trucks in another post in the future.

I think that the most famous version of this song is the duet sung by John Prine and Bonnie Raitt, and I actually had started to write about that particular performance at a tribute to Steve Goodman, but the more I thought about it, I think I actually prefer Susan’s solo performance. That may be sacrilege to some, but it’s just a matter of personal taste for me. I love Susan’s voice, which I think most would agree is cut from the same cloth as Bonnie’s. I’ve actually mistaken the two for each other a couple of different times. It’s got a bluesy rawness to it that just can’t be taught.

Instrumentally, paired with the absolute clinic that Susan puts on vocally, I love the keys in this one and the extended fiddle solo. Susan is also a hell of a guitar player, but she keeps it reigned on this one, rightfully so I think.

Link to audio – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySDCYgSPyPs

Link to video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlcP3FOTM0U

Link to Bonnie and John Prine- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Bv4n_wjgFU