6/11/2019

Mule Tracks

Mrs. Howell and I had the pleasure of seeing Warren Haynes and his band Gov't Mule on May 2 at the House of Blues Orlando. 

The music had a magic sound that was like last week while at the same time it transported me right back to the 1970's. To say this band is versatile is an understatement. 

Here's a pretty weak description from Wikipedia When The Allman Brothers Band reformed in 1989, Warren Haynes was added as a permanent lead guitarist and vocalist, and Allen Woody was recruited as bass guitarist. The two shared a love for 1960s power trios like Cream, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, the James Gang, and MountainHaynes, Woody, and drummer Matt Abts, who played with Haynes in Dickey Betts' band, came together as Gov't Mule. They released their debut album Gov't Mule, in 1995.
When The Allman Brothers Band were not forthcoming with any new material, Haynes and Woody left to concentrate full-time on Gov't Mule in 1997. They were joined by members of the Allman Brothers, the Black CrowesParliament/Funkadelic and The Derek Trucks Band for their 1998 New Year's Eve concert. The performances exposed some of the bands' influences, covering Neil YoungFreeTrafficJimi HendrixLittle FeatHumble Pie and Black Sabbath.

I'd say blend The Allman Brothers Band with the Grateful Dead, throw in Pink Floyd, Yes, Muddy Waters, and John Coltrane and you might come close to the band's powerful sound. 

If you're looking for straight ahead rock and roll without all the bullshit theatrics, you must see Gov't Mule.