Gov’t Mule releases live album 'Live At The Cotton Club' on Evil Teen Records

Here is news on Gov't Mule's "Live At The Cotton Club" 1997 performance release courtesy of a media release that just landed in my inbox. Good news to be sure...Robert Kinsler

Gov’t Mule Releases Live Album Live At The Cotton Club / Atlanta / February 20, 1997 Third Release In Streaming-Only Series Via Evil Teen Records PRESS HERE to Listen PRESS HERE to Watch The Teaser Video Gov’t Mule has released a new live album, Live At The Cotton Club / Atlanta / February 20, 1997, the third release in their streaming-only series via Evil Teen Records– PRESS HERE to listen and PRESS HERE to watch the teaser video. The brand-new live release features Gov’t Mule’s original line-up and was recorded in Georgia where the band was formed by front man Warren Haynes and bassist Allen Woody, as a side project of The Allman Brothers Band when they were off tour, and drummer Matt Abts. The fun side project filled the void of experimental rock power acts and have since gone on to showcase their virtuosity, intelligence, and breadth over the course of their decades-long career as one of the most timeless and active bands in the world. Live At The Cotton Club features a mix of songs from Gov’t Mule’s 1997 self-titled debut album and 1998 sophomore album, Dose, as well as covers of songs originally by Sonny Boy Williamson, Memphis Slim, Tom Waits, and more.   “I seem to remember it being a hot sweaty night even though it was February, and you can feel it in the recordings. The band was definitely in experimental mode -- going down some new roads and taking a lot of chances,” shares Haynes. “It’s great hearing this show again after all this time -- especially re-mixed and re-mastered. The music sounds as fresh as it felt when we played it.”   Live At The Cotton Club marks the third of several digital-only live album releases – and the first featuring the original trio line-up of Haynes, Abts, and Woody – Gov’t Mule is sharing as they bring their jam-packed performances and master musicianship directly into fans’ homes. In recent months, Gov’t Mule delivered Live At The Angel Orensanz Center (PRESS HERE to listen/stream), which was recorded during the second of back-to-back shows as part of their New Year’s run in 2008 and features over two hours of remixed and re-mastered music from the show including an eclectic set of acoustic and electric favorites and rarities. Additionally, the band issued Live At The Beacon Theatre, recorded on New Year’s Eve 2017 when the band rang in the new year with special guest Jackie Greene as part of their annual New York City residency, performing a selection of the band’s classics as well as an array of covers. (PRESS HERE to listen/stream). Please visit www.mule.net for more information.   In other news, Gov’t Mule will return to the stage this spring for two sold out shows on April 30th and May 1st at Westville Music Bowl in New Haven, CT, marking the band’s first performances in the U.S. since their annual New Year’s Eve run in 2019 which featured two back-to-back nights at The Beacon Theatre in New York City.   Gov’t Mule Live At The Cotton Club / Atlanta / February 20, 1997 Track Listing:   (Set 1) 1. John The Revelator 2. Mule 3. Game Face 4. Temporary Saint 5. No Need To Suffer 6. Birth Of The Mule 7. Dolphineus 8. Painted Silver Light 9. Thelonius Beck 10. St. Stephen Jam (Grateful Dead cover) 11. I Shall Be Released (Bob Dylan cover) 12. Blind Man In The Dark 13. Drums 14. Blind Man In The Dark (Reprise) 15. Young Man Blues (Mose Allison cover) 16. Good Morning Little School Girl (Sonny Boy Williamson cover) 17. Young Man Blues (Reprise) (Mose Allison cover)   (Set 2) 18. Monkey Hill 19. I Want You (She’s So Heavy) Jam (Beatles cover) 20. Mr. Big (Free cover) 21. Left Coast Groovies 22. Mother Earth (Memphis Slim cover) 23. Goin’ Out West (Tom Waits cover) 24. Gonna Send You Back To Georgia (Hound Dog Taylor cover) 25. I Can’t Hold Out (Elmore James cover) 26. Gonna Send You Back To Georgia (Reprise) (Hound Dog Taylor cover)   (Encore) 27. Just Got Paid (ZZ Top cover) 28. I’ve Been Working (Van Morrison cover) 29. Just Got Paid (Reprise) (ZZ Top cover) ABOUT GOV’T MULE & WARREN HAYNES Gov’t Mule –Warren Haynes [vocals, guitar], Matt Abts [drums], Danny Louis [keyboards, guitar, and backing vocals], and Jorgen Carlsson [bass] – has galvanized a global fan base with their honest, organic and daring music and improvisational virtuosity, leading them to be recognized as one of the most timeless, revered and active bands in the world whose spot amongst rock titans remains unshakable. Led by visionary GRAMMY Award-winning artist and guitar legend Warren Haynes - a cornerstone of the American music landscape - the enduring, globally revered group has showcased its intelligence and breadth over the course of 20+ studio and live albums, thousands of memorable performances and millions of album and track sales. Gov’t Mule has become a human encyclopedia of great American music while adding to that canon with their signature sound. Their live album and full concert-length film, Bring On The Music – Live at The Capitol Theatre, is out now – PRESS HERE to listen to Pt. 1 and PRESS HERE to listen to Pt . 2. The band’s flexible interplay in the studio and on stage makes them a true living, breathing ensemble and Haynes is lauded as one of the most formidable guitarists and vocalists of the modern era and a prolific songwriter and producer. Throughout his prolific career as part of three of the greatest live groups in rock history – Allman Brothers Band, Gov’t Mule and the Dead – and an acclaimed solo artist, he has become one of music’s most treasured storytellers.

(Photo Credit: Dino Perrucci) FOLLOW GOV’T MULE: www.mule.net Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Sights and Sounds: Paul McCartney, Kennedy Center Honors, Gov't Mule, Jason Falkner

Wow! Lots of big news to share...

Paul McCartney has announced plans to compose his first-ever musical, an adaptation of "It's a Wonderful Life." 


McCartney has partnered with British theatre and film impresario Bill Kenwright who will produce the show. Get all the details about the upcoming musical on Sir Paul's website here.

I have seen McCartney a number of times over the years. You can read my most recent concert review here.

Earth, Wind & Fire performing at the Pacific Amphitheatre in
Costa Mesa, CA, on July 27, 2018.
Photo courtesy of the Orange County Fair.

Linda Ronstadt and Earth, Wind and Fire are among the recipients announced to be honored at the next Kennedy Center Honors. I am especially thrilled to see Earth, Wind & Fire perform. I am a huge fan of the group and have seen them a number of times, including in Costa Mesa a year ago (you can read my review of that show here). The 42nd annual Kennedy Center Honors Gala will be held on Dec. 7, 2019. Get all the details on Billboard:

Gov't Mule have released the video to the title track "Bring On The Music" ahead of tomorrow's release of their new live film and album Bring On The Music - Live at The Capitol Theatre (Provogue / Mascot Label Group), directed by renowned music photographer and director Danny Clinch (Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Phish). PRESS HERE to watch and check out the first look via Guitar Player. The video evolves from an intimateacoustic jam to an electrifying stage performance showcasing Gov't Mule in all their rock glory. 

"'Bring On The Music' is a song about loss and inevitable change, and also about the relationship between the band and our audience which we feel extremely lucky to have," shares Gov't Mule frontman and GRAMMY Award-winning vocalist, songwriter, producer, and revered guitarist Warren Haynes.

PRESS HERE to watch the trailer for the film, and check out previously released video cuts "Mr. Man," "The Man I Want To Be," and "Life Before Insanity."

Check out the band's website for more information.

Finally, last night I was at FivePoint Amphitheatre in Irvine to catch the "Night Running Tour." After catching Spoon's impressive set I ran into Jason Falkner, a long-time member of Beck's touring band and famed artist known for his work with Jellyfish, The Grays, Pugwash and more! A true honor to meet one of the most talented artists on the planet!

Jason Falkner, left, with Robert Kinsler.
Photo: Ron Bronsgeest

If the "Night Running Tour" is coming to your town, make sure to go. Spoon, Cage The Elephant and Beck were all terrific last night. Next stop for the tour is in Las Vegas on Friday night, July 19th...

Information: https://www.cagetheelephant.com/2019/02/11/co-headline-tour-with-beck/


Robert Kinsler

Celebration for Ray Manzarek brings together surviving members of the Doors and celebrated friends

My review was originally posted on The Orange County Register site on Feb. 13, 2016. 

Surviving Doors members drummer John Densmore
and Robby Krieger performing at "Celebration for
Ray Manzarek" event. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Celebration for Ray Manzarek
Who: Robby Krieger, John Densmore, John Doe, Exene Cervenka, Rami Jaffee, Robert DeLeo, Taylor Hawkins, more
Where: The Fonda Theatre
When: Friday, Feb. 12, 2016

One of the most tragic things in the years leading up to the death of Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek in May 2013 was that original drummer John Densmore didn't join forces with Manzarek and guitarist Robby Krieger in their "Doors of the 21st Century" or "Riders on the Storm" projects.

However, on Friday night Densmore and Krieger performed together live for the first time in more than 15 years for the aptly-titled "Celebration for Ray Manzarek" at the Fonda Theatre on Feb. 12, 2016 (which marked what would have been Manzarek's 76th birthday). Along with a number of established and up-and-coming musical pals, the special concert served to honor Manzarek while also raising money for Stand Up To Cancer.

Drummer John Densmore at "Celebration for Ray
Manzarek" event on Feb. 12, 2016.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

The three-hour event played out in two sections divided by a short intermission with musicians rotating on and off the stage with almost every song. Krieger performed on just about every offering, while Densmore (who suffers from a hearing disorder) performed on a handful of the Doors' best-known selections but left most of the drumming to Stephen Perkins (of Jane's Addiction fame) and others.

The first performance of the night was "When the Music's Over," with Gov't Mule singer-guitarist Warren Haynes' big baritone a good fit to deliver Morrison's ruminative lines. 

Foo Fighters' Taylor Hawkins, left, with John Densmore at the
"Celebration for Ray Manzarek" event on Feb. 12, 2016.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins, who grew up in Laguna Beach, was featured on lead vocals for the next two songs, a mostly-straight forward take on "Alabama Song (Whisky Bar)" highlighted by Krieger's inspired bluesy guitar solo, and a rocking "Love Me Two Times" with Rami Jaffee conjuring up the spirit of Manzarek for his convincing keyboard solo.

Taylor Hawkins at the "Celebration for Ray Manzarek"
event in Los Angeles on Feb. 12, 2016.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Another memorable performance that played out early featured Dead Sara vocalist Emily Armstrong firing up the troupe for "Back Door Man."

Guitarist Robby Krieger and his son, vocalist Waylon Krieger,
perform during a "Celebration for Ray Manzarek."
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

One of the most acclaimed keyboardists of the rock era, Manzarek also earned acclaim beginning in the early 1980s for his production of four albums for the Los Angeles-based band X. So it was fitting that several members of X were on hand to celebrate their work together; singer Exene Cervenka and bassist-singer John Doe recreated their reworked take on the Doors' "Soul Kitchen" (a highlight on the band's 1980 debut album "Los Angeles") and then introduced the X original "Nausea" by explaining that Manzarek had played keyboards on that song; guitarist Brian Ray (a long-time member of Paul McCartney's band) played some powerful lead guitar on the track, which featured the distinctive off-kilter duel vocals from Doe and Cervenka. 

The performances featuring members of X began a long run of strong performances, the best sounding was the one-two punch of "Five to One" and "Break On Through (To The Other Side)" with Krieger's son Waylon Krieger sounding remarkably like Morrison on both of those tracks and proving to be an effective frontman.  

Singer Andrew Wyatt of the Swedish indie band Miike Snow delivered one of the knockouts of the night with "L.A. Woman." Despite his vocals distorting early, his jumping into the crowd and powerful solos from Robby Krieger and Jaffee made it obvious this was among the sold-out crowd's favorites of the night.

The night's final selection, "Light My Fire," brought out the event's
entire cast to honor Ray Manzarek. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Several of the Doors' most beloved gems were saved for the end of the night, including a reflective "Riders On The Storm" (featuring Doe on lead vocals), explosive "Roadhouse Blues" and night-ending "Light My Fire," the latter enhanced by Jaffee's extended keyboards and the night's full cast crowding onto stage to sing and rightfully celebrate Manzarek – and ultimately the Doors' enduring legacy – in song.

Robert Kinsler

Breaking News: Beck, Wilco, The Avett Brothers, Gov't Mule and Umphrey's McGee to headline Mountain Jam in June 2016

2016 Mountain Jam Line Up Announced  Beck, Wilco, The Avett Brothers, Gov't Mule and Umphrey's McGee to Headline Diverse Lineup of Grammy Winners & Nominees, Festival Favs and Hot New Emerging Artists at Hunter Mountain, June 2-5, 2016  Early Bird Festival Tix On Sale Now

[HUNTER, NY] Mountain Jam returns to Hunter Mountain for its 12th turn as the leading rock and camping festival in the Northeast, with the announcement of the 2016 artist line up - including some of the best live performers, modern day songwriters and a slew of recent Grammy nominees and winners.  Headlining the increasingly musically diverse festival are Beck, Wilco, The Avett Brothers and Umphrey's McGee, who join perennial Mountain Jam co-headliner Gov't Mule.  This year's Festival also will feature a late night set by Thievery Corporation, as well as performances by Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, guitar slinger Gary Clark Jr., Mountain Jam favs Michael Franti & Spearhead (returning for their eleventh annual appearance), Chris Robinson Brotherhood, indie-rock sensation Courtney Barnett,Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Lettuce (performing an evening and a late night set), Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, The New Mastersounds (playing late night on the indoor stage), reggae legends Third World, and many red-hot emerging artists who are gracing the Mountain Jam stage before they become household names - something that has become a tradition with up-and-coming performers at the Festival.  "Our 2016 artists literally have been burning up the airwaves, concert halls and music critics' Top 10 lists" says Festival founder Gary Chetkof, noting there are four 2016 Grammy-nominated performers on the Festival bill (Wilco, Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell and Courtney Barnett), each of them representing the best songwriters in rock today. "These artists are in essence the Bob Dylan's of their generation, emitting powerfully crafted songs that have been resonating with audiences all over the world," Chetkof added. "Beck is a musical genius who's had an amazing twenty-plus year career and who's had a creative resurgence with both his last album, Morning Phase (the 2015 Grammy Award's Album Of The Year) and his highly anticipated thirteenth studio album which features the catchy, upbeat hit Dreams. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats exploded onto the music scene last year with the uniquely catchy hit, "S.O.B." that was on everyone's playlist last year. The Avett Brothers - part of the Mountain Jam family and returning to the Festival for their fourth year - are releasing their ninth studio album this year and Umphrey's McGee are at the peak of their career. This is truly one of the most musically diverse and creative Mountain Jam Festivals to date and we couldn't be more excited."  The Festival begins with a roar on Thursday, with Umphrey's McGee headlining the first night of the Festival with 2 sets, along with upstate favorites Donna The Buffaloand others, giving concertgoers another reason to reserve their four-day passes now and get a jump start on early admission to the camping areas. With its spectacular mountaintop views of the Catskill Mountains, modern indoor facilities and an enormous and varied assortment of food and beverage options, as well as all-ages activities and programming, Mountain Jam truly encompasses the best of the summer outdoor festival season. Tickets go on sale today at 10AM ET for Festival passes (both three- and four-day) featuring either general admission or VIP camping or non-camping passes, with early bird discount pricing only available for a limited time. For 2016, three levels of VIP packages are available, including VIP, Super VIP and Ultimate VIP; additionally, the VIP Village has been moved closer to the stage for easier access and, as always. superior viewing and convenience. Gourmet food, premium viewing, tent-covered hospitality lounge, free merchandise and more are included in all VIP packages. A full menu of camping options also are available, with a new guaranteed on-site tent pass that ensures enough space for all campers, regardless of when they arrive at the Festival throughout the weekend. Slated for June 2-5 at the Hunter Mountain ski resort, the four-day Festival's line up includes the following artists, with a few more exciting artist additions to follow soon: Beck Wilco The Avett Brothers Gov't Mule Umphrey's McGee Thievery Corporation Brandi Carlile Jason Isbell Gary Clark Jr. Michael Franti & Spearhead Chris Robinson Brotherhood Courtney Barnett Nathaniel Ratliff & The Night Sweats Lettuce Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds The New Mastersounds Third World Turkuaz Donna the Buffalo Son Little The London Souls Cabinet The Ballroom Thieves with Maine Youth Rock Orchestra And The Kids Love Cannon Marcus King Band Con Brio Jane Lee Hooker Copious Jones Madaila The Suitcase Junket The Paul Green Rock Academy

ABOUT MOUNTAIN JAM Originally conceived in 2005 as a single-day celebration of Radio Woodstock's 25th anniversary, Mountain Jam has blossomed into a four-day, multi-stage event, featuring onsite camping, and one of the Northeast's most pristine natural amphitheaters. The Festival is now produced by Chet-5 Festivals and Townsquare Live Events, in collaboration with Radio Woodstock and Warren Haynes. Over the years, Mountain Jam has hosted some of the top names in live music, including Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters, The Black Keys, The Allman Brothers Band, Phil Lesh & Friends, Bob Weir & Ratdog, Widespread Panic, Gov't Mule, My Morning Jacket, Dispatch, The Lumineers, Steve Winwood, The Avett Brothers, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Ray LaMontagne, Ben Folds Five, Primus, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Tedeschi Trucks Band, The Roots, Béla Fleck & The Flecktones, James Murphy (of LCD Soundsystem), Gary Clark, Jr., Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, Mavis Staples, Girl Talk, The Hold Steady, Coheed & Cambria, Drive-By Truckers Yonder Mountain String Band, Les Claypool, Matisyahu, Dave Mason, Medeski Martin & Wood, Mike Gordon, G. Love & Special Sauce, Richie Havens, Martin Sexton, Ozomatli, Galactic, Brett Dennen, Gomez, New Orleans Social Club, Jackie Greene, Ingrid Michaelson, and The Felice Brothers, among many others. In 2010, the festival presented Levon Helm's 70th Birthday Jubilee with very special guests Warren Haynes, Donald Fagen, Ray LaMontagne, Sam Bush, Steve Earle, and others. http://www.mountainjam.com Mountain Jam is produced by Mountain Jam, LLC, which is owned by Townsquare Media Group and by Gary Chetkof's Chet-5 Festivals, LLC, in association with Radio Woodstock and Warren Haynes. ABOUT RADIO WOODSTOCK Radio Woodstock is a global multi-media company that includes the award-winning radio station, Radio Woodstock 100.1, Woodstock's hometown radio station, as well as internet radio stations, Radio Woodstock 69, and Radio Woodstock LIVE. All three are available online at RadioWoodstock.com. http://www.radiowoodstock.com ABOUT WARREN HAYNES Warren Haynes has been ranked by Rolling Stone magazine as the 23rd Greatest Guitarist of All Time and most recently among the few top "Guitar Gods." Haynes is a Grammy winner for his work with Gov't Mule and The Allman Brothers Band. He's been called both an "American treasure" and a "legend in the making" by his peers. http://www.warrenhaynes.net http://www.mule.net ABOUT TOWNSQUARE MEDIA GROUP Townsquare Media, Inc. is an integrated and diversified media and entertainment and digital marketing services company that owns and operates market leading radio stations, digital and social properties and live events in small and mid-sized markets across the United States, delivering national scale and expertise to the communities it serves on a local level. The Company owns and operates 310 radio stations, over 325 search engine and mobile-optimized local websites and approximately 500 live events in 66 small and mid-sized U.S. markets, making Townsquare the third largest owner of radio stations in the United States by number of radio stations owned. The Company supplements its local offerings with the nationwide reach of our owned, operated and affiliated music and entertainment websites, which, on a combined basis, attracted the largest audience among music focused digital advertising networks as of June 2015 as well as certain large scale live events. http://www.townsquaremedia.com

Vintage Trouble, Doobie Brothers, Gov't Mule to play Doheny Blues Festival in May 2014

Gov't Mule

Omega Events has announced the headliners for this year's Doheny Blues Festival and the news is good!

The Doobie Brothers, Gov't Mule, Vintage Trouble and Ruthie Foster will all make their first-ever appearances at the event. Other strong names already in the mix include returning Doheny Blues Fest favorite Keb' Mo' and R&B singer Charles Bradley & the Extraordinaires, and Nikki Hill.

In addition to getting to see Vintage Trouble again (the Los Angeles-based rock 'n' soul quartet blew me away in an afternoon set at Coachellafest last year; click here to read that review), I'm especially excited to see Gov't Mule and Ruthie Foster, two artists I have not seen before. 

Vintage Trouble

Weekend passes are on sale now via the festival's Web site, and best to get them now before prices go up as the May 17-18, 2014 event grows closer. The Doheny Blues Festival will once again be held at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point.

Keep checking back here or at the Doheny Blues Festival site in the coming days and weeks as more artists are added to the bill! I have a great feeling it's going to be another killer weekend in Doheny!

Sights and Sounds: Vintage Trouble, Gov't Mule, John Oates

Not a bad day when I can help spread the news about Vintage Trouble, Gov't Mule, John Oates and more!

VINTAGE TROUBLE IS 2013 ESPY AWARDS' HOUSE BAND


OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR "PELVIS PUSHER" NOW ONLINE

BAND WRAPS UP EUROPEAN WHO TOUR WITH THE ROLLING STONES & GLASTONBURY

Vintage Trouble

Fresh off a massive worldwide tour with The Who and a buzz worthy performance at Glastonbury, Vintage Trouble is thrilled to be the 2013 ESPY Awards' house band. The 2013 ESPY awards, which recognize excellence in both individual and team sporting achievement, will air tomorrow night on ESPN - July 17 - at 9 p.m. ET.



Check out Vintage Trouble's explosive new video for "Pelvis Pusher," a song lauded and praised by critics and fans alike, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMCutWGTHSU

Watch the band perform the song live on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpklnkARw7s


Vintage Trouble opened for The Rolling Stones in London's Hyde Park last week and wowed audiences with a live performance that has many, including The Wall Street Journal raving "what separates VT from a copycat soul revue is its muscle ... Ty Taylor's exhortations and yowls [are] reminiscent of the kind Brown, Joe Tex and Wilson Pickett once unleashed."

The band will come back to the states in early August for a US headlining tour. Check out the band's Web site to see future tour dates.

Watch the band's performance at Rock Werchter Festival to get a sense of their electric live show:
http://www.skynet.be/nl/festivals/rock-werchter-2013/concert-videos/21529



Ty Taylor will join an all-star lineup of special guest vocalists on Gov't Mule's upcoming record, Shout!, to be released September 24. The album's bonus disc will feature Taylor along with Steve Winwood, Elvis Costello, Dr. John, Ben Harper, Toots Hibbert, Glenn Hughes, Jim James, Myles Kennedy, Dave Matthews and Grace Potter, all reinterpreting The Mule's new songs.


Stay tuned for more exciting news.

Visit www.vintagetrouble.com for tour dates, videos and more.

www.facebook.com/vintagetrouble

https://twitter.com/vintagetrouble

www.youtube.com/vintagetrouble



GOV'T MUSE REVEALS GUEST ARTISTS ON DOUBLE ALBUM 'SHOUT!'

Album to be released on September 24 on Blue Note Records

Vocal interpretations of Gov't Mule's new songs by:

Gov't Mule

Elvis Costello, DR. John, Ben Harper, Toots Hibbert, GLENN HUGHES, Jim James, Myles Kennedy, Dave Matthews, Grace Potter, Vintage Trouble’s TY TAYLOR AND Steve Winwood FEATURED ON BONUS DISC


Shout! – Gov’t Mule’s first studio album in four years – will feature 11 tracks recorded by the band in Los Angeles, CA and Stamford, CT plus a bonus disc featuring an all-star lineup of vocalists interpreting The Mule’s new songs. Special guests Elvis Costello, Dr. John, Ben Harper, Toots Hibbert, Glenn Hughes, Jim James, Myles Kennedy, Dave Matthews, Grace Potter, Ty Taylor and Steve Winwood appear on Disc 2 of Shout! The double album – which marks Gov’t Mule’s Blue Note Records debut – will be released on September 24. Shout! is available for pre-order now at mule.net and Amazon.



“No one’s done this before, which is exciting,” says singer-guitarist Warren Haynes, who co-founded Gov’t Mule with drummer Matt Abts. The band also features keyboardist-guitarist Danny Louis and bassist Jorgen Carlsson. “But it’s even more exciting actually listening to these artists sing our songs. Their performances bring new ideas, energy and sometimes even different meanings to every number.”


The concept for the two-disc collection emerged organically as the band members considered how to best approach the songs. Haynes wasn’t even certain “Funny Little Tragedy” belonged on a Gov’t Mule album. “Not only is it different from anything Gov’t Mule’s ever done, it kind of reminded me of The Attractions or The Clash.” With that in mind, he asked Elvis Costello for guidance on what kind of vocal mic he should use to get the late ‘70s-early ‘80s garage rock sound he was after.


“Elvis sent me a very elaborate response explaining how he recorded this vocal and how he recorded that vocal, going all the way back to My Aim is True,” recalls Warren. “I was really happy to get his response and I wound up using the Shure SM58, which is about a $100 microphone, and it turned out great. That was the first seed that was planted for Shout! because from that point forward I started thinking it would be cool to hear Elvis sing this tune.”

Haynes and Danny Louis had written “Scared To Live” as a Beatles-esque ballad, but Gordie Johnson, who co-produced four of the tracks with Haynes, suggested they approach it as a reggae song. They even added a new section towards the end of the track, which on playback seemed very reminiscent of Toots and the Maytals.


Warren considered asking Toots, who is a friend of his, to sing a part on the song, then was struck by the notion that tilted The Mule towards a two-disc set: What if he went through the new songs and made a list of artists he’d like to hear singing each song? After receiving a resounding “yes” from his band mates, he reached out to the singers, to see if they connected to the material and would consider participating. Haynes went into a New York studio with several of the vocalists and others contributed from afar.


“We’ve always taken a nontraditional approach to everything we’ve done, and it works for us,” says Haynes. “One of things we’re very proud of about this record is that all the songs stand up for themselves and have their own personality. Hopefully, hearing another singer interpret them helps shine even more of a light on the songs and somewhere in that picture people get a glimpse of what Gov’t Mule does.”

Gov’t Mule has released nine critically acclaimed studio albums and an assortment of DVDs and live albums. The band has sold more than three million song downloads through their site MuleTracks and is the consummate live act, with sold-out coast-to-coast tours. Their “Prepare To Shout Tour” will take them to numerous festivals this summer. (See below for itinerary.)
In addition, Haynes will be involved with two other tours. The Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration Featuring Warren Haynes is a groundbreaking orchestral adventure – curated by the Garcia family and Haynes – that will feature Warren performing the musical icon’s storied original compositions as well as classic interpretations of timeless standards that were hallmarks of Garcia and the Grateful Dead's shows. The outing will pair Haynes with some of the country’s most respected symphonies and a band assembled especially for the tour. In August and September, Haynes will be touring with the Allman Brothers Band, which he has been a member of since 1989.


SHOUT! Track Listing


Disc 1: All songs performed by Gov’t Mule


1. World Boss

2. No Reward

3. Whisper In Your Soul

4. Captured

5. Scared To Live

6. Stoop So Low

7. Forsaken Savior

8. Done Got Wise

9. When The World Gets Small

10. Funny Little Tragedy

11. Bring On The Music



Disc 2:

1. World Boss w/ Ben Harper

2. Funny Little Tragedy w/ Elvis Costello

3. Stoop So Low w/ Dr. John

4. Captured w/ Jim James

5. Whisper In Your Soul w/ Grace Potter

6. Scared To Live w/ Toots Hibbert

7. No Reward w/ Glenn Hughes

8. Bring On The Music w/ Ty Taylor

9. Forsaken Savior w/ Dave Matthews

10. Done Got Wise w/ Myles Kennedy

11. When The World Gets Small w/ Steve Winwood



Gov’t Mule Tour Dates


7/27 Bridgeport, CT Gathering of the Vibes

8/17 Scranton, PA Peach Festival

9/5 Arrington, VA Interlocken Festival (w/ Gov’t Mule AND The Warren Haynes Band in one day)

9/13 Fredericton, NB Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival

9/15 Burlington, VT Grand Point North


Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration Featuring Warren Haynes


7/30 Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre w/Colorado Symphony
Conductor: Scott O'Neill

8/01 San Francisco, CA Davies Symphony Hall w/San Francisco Symphony
Conductor: Sarah Hicks



8/02 San Francisco, CA Davies Symphony Hall w/San Francisco Symphony
Conductor: Sarah Hicks



8/04 Los Angeles, CA The Greek Theatre w/55-piece Orchestra
Conductor: Sean O'Laughlin

John Oates - Good Road To Follow project announced



Hi Folks-

It was great to meet so many of you out at Bonnaroo. What an awesome time. Hope you caught the Rock & Soul Superjam I hosted with Jim James. It was off the hook! We had a blast!

I wanted to reach out to you to let you know about my new project called Good Road To Follow (GRTF) which I just launched. I'll be releasing a single a month for a year, taking you on a multi-genre musical journey. You can sign-up to be a VIP (Very Important Passenger) to subscribe to the project and receive a limited edition t-shirt, new single each month, and all sorts of fun items from me. Who doesn't need a guitar shaped bottle opener?

Come check out the new Web site where we have videos about the project, you can hear the new song each month, and browse the store.


I want to thank all you music lovers who have taken the Good Road To Follow with me. Keep checking the web site and the Facebook page for new free downloads and all kinds of cool stuff that is coming...Don't forget the next single will be released on July 16. It's a song I wrote and recorded with Vince Gill called: "Don't Cross Me Wrong." Here is a video series about the project, for you: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhToiSQI0xTT3sJlrgPStHgHA73WtXxr-



Talk to you soon!

John Oates