Brother Mule

I remember a number of years ago when people would ask me who my favorite new guitar player was, and telling them, "that's easy - Warren Haynes." That was the early / mid 90's, when he was mostly known as "the other guitarist in the Allman Brothers Band", or as the frontman of the "up-and-coming" power trio called Gov't Mule. My, how times have changed.

As one might expect, a wide smile spread across my face when I read Guitar Player's May 2007 issue, and saw that Warren had garnered a lion's share of the hardware in ther annual Reader's Choice Awards survey. Indeed, a most deserving tribute to a fine guitarist, musician, and vocalist. I might also add that it's quite refreshing to see a player of Haynes' style /caliber achieving success the old-fashioned way - by letting his music do the talking. Certainly, it's not the norm amidst the image-conscious, mass-marketed, genre-based pablum the recording industry has been spoon-feeding us for the last twenty years or so (*thank heavens for XM!)

Although the "secret" might now just be fully surfacing, fans and players "in the know" have reveled in Haynes' creative genius for many years. From the searing slidework / solos that are a mainstay of the Allman Brothers' timeless sound, to the incendiary playing and vocal work in Gov't Mule, to the occasional sideman jaunts with The Dead, Phil Lesch & Friends, and the Derek Trucks Band (to name just a few), to writing / playing on a myriad of albums for high profile artists of all musical genres - Warren completely exemplifies the "workhorse" attitude of his band's own namesake. Incessant touring, an honest, blue-collar style; stop-you-in-your-tracks guitar tone; and a reputation as a generous and highly-capable collaborator have made him one of most widely respected and sought-after guitarists in today's music scene. Personally, I couldn't be happier, because as fans - we are truly the beneficiaries.

I've had the good fortune of seeing Warren perform many times, and can only say that his playing and singing have left the hairs on the back of my neck standing straight on end on more than one occasion. If you haven't seen Mr. Haynes live - well, brothers and sisters, now is the time. This is what kick-ass guitar playing / music is all about. - - J.