Gov't Mule is the best band you've never heard of. But don't take my word for it. All you have to do is look at the musicians who jump at the chance to work with the band and mainly lead singer and guitarist Warren Haynes.
Mule's new album, The Deep End Vol. 1 was released last week. The CD features 12 guest bassists that are a virtual who's who of musical greats and talented contemporary artists.
Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Bootsy Collins (James Brown, P-Funk), John Entwistle (The Who) and Jack Bruce (Cream) are just a few who join the band to create an album packed with all-star jams.
The sessions are the first time Gov't Mule has recorded in the studio since the death of bassist and co-founder Allen Woody. Woody died of unknown causes in August 2000.
Woody and Haynes had met while playing with the revival of the Allman Brothers Band in 1989. Drummer Matt Abts joined the two guitarists to make the trio in 1994.
After the death of Woody, the band was left wondering whether to continue on.
"When Woody died, we were in the mode of preparing for our next studio record," Haynes said in a phone interview. "The last thing we wanted to do was audition a new bass player. We thought that was it. Gov't Mule was no more."
After a jam session with Phish bassist, Mike Gordon, Haynes and Abts started pondering the idea of bringing in some of Woody's icons and band favorites to sit in on studio work.
"We stumbled on to the concept of getting all of Woody's heroes and some of our favorites," Haynes said.
What Haynes didn't expect, however, was the magnitude of the responses the band would get from 25 renowned bass guitar players.
"I thought most would be either too busy or not interested," Haynes said. "There was so much response."
After the sessions concluded, there was so much music that it had to be put on two albums.
Haynes said the experience helped to start the healing process after the loss of his friend and musical soul mate.
"The way they played reminded me of Woody," Haynes said. "Everybody did an amazing job. All of these people are legends for a reason."
With all of the exceptional musicians on the album, Haynes soulful vocals and slide guitar are still the high point of the sessions.
Haynes' skills on the slide guitar are second to none. Maybe that's why the guitarist is sought after for album work by artists from all different genres.
Haynes is featured on new albums from Everlast, Incubus and Alanis Morissette.
"If someone calls me that is making music that I admire, I'm happy to work with them," Haynes said. "I don't have as much time these days to do that. This has been the busiest year of my life."
Not everyone wants Haynes for his guitar playing. He has built a reputation as a talented vocalist and songwriter as well.
Haynes said one of his fondest memories of Memphis is singing with the Memphis Horns. He was asked to join the group as a guest vocalist. Haynes joined legendary soul singers like Etta James, Robert Cray and Bobby Wommack on the album.
"I was very excited about working with some of my idols," Haynes said.
Other artists who influenced Haynes’ vocal stylings are Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett and Howling Wolf, to name a few.
"Most of my influences as a singer are in soul music," Haynes said. "They really made a deep, lasting impression."
It is evident in Haynes growling, bluesy voice that he has taken a lot of inspiration from blues and soul music.
Although the band has lost an invaluable member and friend in Allen Woody, Gov't Mule is still playing on.
They have just concluded a tour in which Les Claypool (Primus), Dave Schools (Widespread Panic) and Oteil Burbridge (Allman Brothers Band) have taken turns on bass guitar throughout the tour.
"We kind of felt like doing this project would buy us some time," Haynes said. "We're very happy with the three people that are playing with us. The possibility is always there of continuing on with our friends."
For our sake, let's hope they do. Gov't Mule stands as the most underrated band in the industry.
But don't take my word for it — just asks the experts: Larry Graham (Sly & the Family Stone), Stefan Lessard (Dave Matthews Band), Little Milton, Chuck Leavall (Rolling Stones), Eric Clapton)...
