Gov’t Mule began as a side project off the reformed Allman Brothers Band in 1995, when guitarist Warren Haynes and bassist Allen Woody wanted a way to explore their love for the bluesy power rock of bands like Cream.
Gov’t Mule released their first album in 1995, and when the Allmans Brothers slowed their schedule in mid ’90s, Haynes focused on Gov’t Mule, producing their second studio album in 1998, Dose.
Tragedy stuck Gov’t Mule in 2000 when bassist Allen Woody was found dead in his hotel room. The band decided to proceed with their recording project in progress, drawing on a variety of guest bassists before choosing a replacement and adding a pianist to the group.
Despite their love of the blues, Gov’t Mule had never released a blues until last year. According to Haynes, “For me, personally, it’s kind of been on my list of things to do for years, I didn’t know if it was gonna be a solo album or a Gov’t Mule record. We play some traditional blues on stage from time to time and although it’s usually never more than a few songs per show, our approach to the blues is unique and based on our collective chemistry as a band.”
The new album features a mix of originals and covers of material from Howlin’ Wolf, Elmore James and others. Recorded live on vintage equipment to analog tape, the album feels more like a live record than a studio recording.
