Gov't Mule

Gov't Mule

Gov't Mule is a New York-based American group that starts in 1994 as a side project connected to the Allman Brothers Band and develops into a long-running southern rock and jam band. The core founding lineup brings together Warren Haynes on lead guitar and vocals, Allen Woody on bass, and Matt Abts on drums. The group draws on a shared interest in 1960s power trios such as Cream, the Jimi Hendrix Experience and James Gang, and it forms during breaks in the Allman Brothers Band.

Early releases and lineup changes

The band issues its self-titled debut album in 1995, followed by Live from Roseland Ballroom. When it becomes clear that the Allman Brothers Band is not planning to record new material, Haynes and Woody leave to focus on Gov't Mule full time in 1997. The studio album Dose follows in early 1998. That same year the group releases Live ... With A Little Help From Our Friends, documenting a New Year's Eve concert featuring guests from the Allman Brothers Band, the Black Crowes and Parliament/Funkadelic.

Tributes, guest musicians and later records

Life Before Insanity appears in 2000 and receives critical praise. After Allen Woody dies in New York City that year, Haynes and Abts consider ending the band, but instead stage the benefit concert One for Woody to raise money for Woody's daughter's education. The following period includes Haynes' continued involvement with the Allman Brothers Band and other projects, while Gov't Mule records the two-part The Deep End sessions in tribute to Woody, using a range of guest bass players. Those recordings include contributions from Jack Bruce, John Entwistle, Mike Watt, Les Claypool, Flea and Chris Squire among others, and they lead to the documentary Rising Low.

Permanent members and touring act

On tour behind the Deep End material, the band uses a rotating cast of keyboardists and bassists, including Chuck Leavell, Rob Barraco, Page McConnell, Danny Louis, Dave Schools, Oteil Burbridge, Victor Wooten, George Porter Jr., Greg Rzab and Andy Hess. Danny Louis and Andy Hess then become permanent members. The group continues to tour heavily and becomes a regular feature at festivals such as Bonnaroo, Wakarusa, Vegoose and New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

Albums and collaborations

The Deepest End, Live in Concert documents the final show of the Deep End tours, recorded at New Orleans Jazzfest with 17 guest musicians in a six-hour performance. The first album with Louis and Hess, Deja Voodoo, is released in 2004, followed by the EP Mo' Voodoo in 2005. High and Mighty follows in 2006, and Mighty High arrives in 2007 with reggae and dub versions of Mule songs and guest appearances from Willi Williams, Michael Franti and Toots Hibbert.

Style

Gov't Mule is associated with blues rock, jam band, progressive rock and southern rock, and it is known for extended touring and a strong live following rather than radio play.