Cincinnati CityBeat : 08/16/2006 : Short Takes

Gov't Mule -- High & Mighty

When Gov't Mule began in the mid '90s, the band was little more than an adjunct to guitarist Warren Haynes' solo career and his longstanding position with the reformed Allman Brothers. Within two years, Gov't Mule became Haynes' main gig as the power trio (with Allmans bassist Allen Woody and Dickie Betts drummer Matt Abts) mixed their obvious Blues roots with a love of '70s Classic Rock and found huge success within the jam community. The Mule was on the verge of mainstream success in 2000 when Woody died of a heart attack, leaving the band to utilize a rotating cast of celebrity bassists. In 2004, the Mule settled on a quartet structure with bassist Andy Hess and keyboardist Danny Louis for Deja Voodoo, and that lineup returns for High & Mighty. Haynes remains one of the best conduits of the Blues/Rock genre, skillfully blending the guitar traditions of the former with the blistering power of the latter (the Hendrix-like "Brand New Angel," the Ry Cooder-on-steroids rumble of "Brighter Days"), while examining the subtler shades in quieter moments like "Child of the Earth" and "So Weak, So Strong " and the Funk/Reggae shuffle of "Unring the Bell." High & Mighty is a good indication of the greatness that this version of Gov't Mule is capable of achieving. (BB) Grade: B+

Shake It Records -- Click here to buy

Previously in Short Takes

Short Takes Heartless Bastards -- All This Time (Fat Possum) Edited By Mike Breen (August 9, 2006)
Short Takes Archie Bronson Outfit -- Derdang Derdang (Domino) Edited By Mike Breen (August 9, 2006)
Short Takes The Sadies -- In Concert Vol. 1 (Yep Roc) Edited By Mike Breen (August 9, 2006)
more...

Privacy Policy
Cincinnati CityBeat covers news, public issues, arts and entertainment of interest to readers in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. The views expressed in these pages do not necessarily represent those of the publishers. Entire contents are copyright 2006 Lightborne Publishing Inc. and may not be reprinted in whole or in part without prior written permission from the publishers. Unsolicited editorial or graphic material is welcome to be submitted but can only be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Unsolicited material accepted for publication is subject to CityBeat's right to edit and to our copyright provisions.