GOV’T MULE (featuring JOHN SCOFIELD) – Sco-Mule
PROVOGUE/MASCOT LABEL GROUP PRD7449 (CD plus bonus disc)
Warren Haynes (guitar) Allen Woody (bass) Matt Abts (drums) featuring John Scofield (guitar) with Dr Dan Matrazzo (keyboards) and Jimmy Herring and Mike Barnes (additional guitars)
Recorded live in Atlanta & Athens, Georgia, September 1999.
Gov’t Mule is what is known as a jam band, essentially a heavy rock combo given to performing extended blues-rock workouts of cover versions of tunes usually taken from the repertoire of bands like Cream and Led Zeppelin etc and performed in concert for maximum effect. Formed by Warren Hayes and Allen Woody as an extra -curricular project when they were members of the Allman Brothers Band it has provided them with a setting in which to stretch their prodigious technique and demonstrate their mastery of the genre. Sadly, since this session was recorded, Woody has died and consequently the recording, which has been waiting 16 years for official release, will be eagerly sought after by the band’s followers as a final testimony of his powerful talent.
They share this particular stage with guitarist John Scofield who brings a jazz sensibility to the proceedings which, added to his blues propensities and avant-garde leanings, elevates what might have been a simple thrash into something approaching an artistic manifestation of overwhelming proportions. At times the power of the power of the music is simply monstrous: almost too much to bear. Instead of the usual rock anthems, on this occasion and recognition of Scofield’s antecedents, the band utilise some jazz and funk themes which include covers of James Brown , Wayne Shorter and John Coltrane along with a one or two originals that allude to the jazz heritage , although all are interpreted through a relentless and utterly visceral blurs /rock filter.
This was the first time Haynes and Scofield had performed together and though they approach the task in hand from slightly different perspectives they clearly empathise and operate hand in glove. Scofield’s sound is identifiable through his spacey harmonics and the use of pedal effects to enhance his boppish articulation whilst Haynes is pure Delta driven rock. If you’ll excuse a pun the combination is electrifying. Add to this the keyboard sounds of Dan Matrazzo, which range from Hammond earthiness to Theremin otherworldliness, powerful drumming allied to a cohesive bass line that takes on the characteristics of a living, malevolent being and you are exposing yourself to some very dangerous sounds.
In fact the recording should carry a Govt. Health warning such is its power and potency. If one disc wasn’t enough we are treated to a second `bonus` disc in which features a reprise of several earlier themes but concludes with a searing 23 minute workout on Afro-Blue in which the exchanges between the guitarists reach such climatic intensity as to leave this listener, at least, shredded, desiccated and reaching for his beta –blockers.
Reviewed by Euan Dixon
PROVOGUE/MASCOT LABEL GROUP PRD7449 (CD plus bonus disc)
Warren Haynes (guitar) Allen Woody (bass) Matt Abts (drums) featuring John Scofield (guitar) with Dr Dan Matrazzo (keyboards) and Jimmy Herring and Mike Barnes (additional guitars)
Recorded live in Atlanta & Athens, Georgia, September 1999.
Gov’t Mule is what is known as a jam band, essentially a heavy rock combo given to performing extended blues-rock workouts of cover versions of tunes usually taken from the repertoire of bands like Cream and Led Zeppelin etc and performed in concert for maximum effect. Formed by Warren Hayes and Allen Woody as an extra -curricular project when they were members of the Allman Brothers Band it has provided them with a setting in which to stretch their prodigious technique and demonstrate their mastery of the genre. Sadly, since this session was recorded, Woody has died and consequently the recording, which has been waiting 16 years for official release, will be eagerly sought after by the band’s followers as a final testimony of his powerful talent.
They share this particular stage with guitarist John Scofield who brings a jazz sensibility to the proceedings which, added to his blues propensities and avant-garde leanings, elevates what might have been a simple thrash into something approaching an artistic manifestation of overwhelming proportions. At times the power of the power of the music is simply monstrous: almost too much to bear. Instead of the usual rock anthems, on this occasion and recognition of Scofield’s antecedents, the band utilise some jazz and funk themes which include covers of James Brown , Wayne Shorter and John Coltrane along with a one or two originals that allude to the jazz heritage , although all are interpreted through a relentless and utterly visceral blurs /rock filter.
This was the first time Haynes and Scofield had performed together and though they approach the task in hand from slightly different perspectives they clearly empathise and operate hand in glove. Scofield’s sound is identifiable through his spacey harmonics and the use of pedal effects to enhance his boppish articulation whilst Haynes is pure Delta driven rock. If you’ll excuse a pun the combination is electrifying. Add to this the keyboard sounds of Dan Matrazzo, which range from Hammond earthiness to Theremin otherworldliness, powerful drumming allied to a cohesive bass line that takes on the characteristics of a living, malevolent being and you are exposing yourself to some very dangerous sounds.
In fact the recording should carry a Govt. Health warning such is its power and potency. If one disc wasn’t enough we are treated to a second `bonus` disc in which features a reprise of several earlier themes but concludes with a searing 23 minute workout on Afro-Blue in which the exchanges between the guitarists reach such climatic intensity as to leave this listener, at least, shredded, desiccated and reaching for his beta –blockers.
Reviewed by Euan Dixon
