With their first album since the death of bassist Allen Woody, the two surviving Gov't Mule members, guitarist Warren Haynes and drummer Matt Abts pay a fitting and mighty tribute to their fallen comrade, with a host of the world's finest bass players sitting in the Woody seat, as well as an outstanding list of guest guitarists and other musicians. Things kick off with serious class and clout with "Fool's Moon," written by Haynes (who penned the
bulk of the tunes on the record) and featuring Jack Bruce (Cream) on bass and exchanging lead vocals with Warren. In fact, there are several cuts that feature guest vocalists sharing vocal duties with Haynes. One of the most outstanding of these is Larry Graham's (Sly & The Family Stone) funky bass and smooth vocals on "Life On the Outside." Mike Gordon (Phish), Mike Watt and Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers) all take turns laying down a Mule bottom end, and the results are more than a little impressive. John Entwistle (The Who) adds his classic rock bass line to Warren's "Same Price," and Chris Wood (Medeski,
Martin & Wood) joins jazz great John Scofield for "Sco Mule," originally written during frequent collaborations between Scofield and The Mule. Other bass players spotlighted on "The Deep End" are Stephan Lessard (Dave Matthews Band); Willie Weeks; and Bootsy Collins (P-Funk). Still more guest musicians include Gregg Allman, Oteil Burbridge and Derek Trucks from The Allman Brothers Band; Audley Freed (Black Crowes); Little Milton; Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains), who lends his unmistakable vocals to the Mule's cover of the Creedence Clearwater Revival tune "Effigy;" and Chuck Leavell. One song co-written by Woody is also one of the most outstanding cuts on the record. "Worried Down with the Blues," written by Woody, Haynes and John Jaworowicz, features Gregg and the other aforementioned Allman Brothers members in a powerhouse blues. In another real treat, there is a cover of Grand Funk Railroad's "Sin is a Good Man's Brother," with Woody on bass. The track was recorded during during the "Life Before Insanity" sessions, and thumps like a mule kick. The collection contains thirteen tracks, and each one is a real gem. What an outstanding tribute to the Wood man. And it ain't over. In the spring, the Mule will release Volume II, along with a Mike Gordon produced video documentary of the entire project, called "On the Banks." I'd say the memory of Allen Woody is alive and well. Just as it should be.
With their first album since the death of bassist Allen Woody, the two surviving Gov't Mule members, guitarist Warren Haynes and drummer Matt Abts pay a fitting and mighty tribute to their fallen comrade, with a host of the world's finest bass players sitting in the Woody seat, as well as an outstanding list of guest guitarists and other musicians. Things kick off with serious class and clout with "Fool's Moon," written by Haynes (who penned the
bulk of the tunes on the record) and featuring Jack Bruce (Cream) on bass and exchanging lead vocals with Warren. In fact, there are several cuts that feature guest vocalists sharing vocal duties with Haynes. One of the most outstanding of these is Larry Graham's (Sly & The Family Stone) funky bass and smooth vocals on "Life On the Outside." Mike Gordon (Phish), Mike Watt and Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers) all take turns laying down a Mule bottom end, and the results are more than a little impressive. John Entwistle (The Who) adds his classic rock bass line to Warren's "Same Price," and Chris Wood (Medeski,
Martin & Wood) joins jazz great John Scofield for "Sco Mule," originally written during frequent collaborations between Scofield and The Mule. Other bass players spotlighted on "The Deep End" are Stephan Lessard (Dave Matthews Band); Willie Weeks; and Bootsy Collins (P-Funk). Still more guest musicians include Gregg Allman, Oteil Burbridge and Derek Trucks from The Allman Brothers Band; Audley Freed (Black Crowes); Little Milton; Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains), who lends his unmistakable vocals to the Mule's cover of the Creedence Clearwater Revival tune "Effigy;" and Chuck Leavell. One song co-written by Woody is also one of the most outstanding cuts on the record. "Worried Down with the Blues," written by Woody, Haynes and John Jaworowicz, features Gregg and the other aforementioned Allman Brothers members in a powerhouse blues. In another real treat, there is a cover of Grand Funk Railroad's "Sin is a Good Man's Brother," with Woody on bass. The track was recorded during during the "Life Before Insanity" sessions, and thumps like a mule kick. The collection contains thirteen tracks, and each one is a real gem. What an outstanding tribute to the Wood man. And it ain't over. In the spring, the Mule will release Volume II, along with a Mike Gordon produced video documentary of the entire project, called "On the Banks." I'd say the memory of Allen Woody is alive and well. Just as it should be.