In the recent demise of Southern Rock stalwarts The Allman Brothers Band – there are only a few people left carrying the banner that incorporates the flags of blues, country, and rock n’ roll. Names like Drive-by Truckers, Shooter Jennings, and the shattered pieced back together façade that is Lynyrd Skynyrd carry-on…and then there’s Gov’t Mule.
The guys have been jamming for over two decades now. The band began as a side project for Warren Haynes and Allen Woody, former guitarist and bassist, respectively, for The Allman Brothers Band; merely something to do in the off-time from their day job. But soon Gov’t Mule went from side project to their primary focus. Together they have played pretty much every city and festival you can imagine, until sadly Allen Woody died in 2000. Bass duties have now fallen to Jorgen Carlsson, but no one will ever be able to fill the shoes of Woody. But the band soldiers on, marching orders in hand, constantly touring the country – enriching the southern rock legacy with each and every show they play.
Their extensive discography is a constant reminder in a world of One Direction and Justin Bieber and over produced garbage – that sometimes nothing is more powerful than real people, conveying real emotions, with real instruments. Their studio albums showcase the artistry of crafting songs, while their concerts showcase the nuance of playing live – both held in equal measure with Gov’t Mule – which is probably why they have as many live albums as they do studio ones. Their albums often highlight the importance of collaboration with other artists, considering on their last album alone, entitled Shout!, they collaborated with everyone from the likes of Steve Winwood, Ben Harper, Elvis Costello, Dave Matthews, to even Jim James.
Gov’t Mule will be performing this Saturday, April 12th at The Brown Theater. Tickets are available from $27-$37.50 and the show starts at 8:00 PM.