Gov't Mule
Live At Roseland Ballroom

Later, the monumental live shows full of guests like "Live With A Little Help From My Friends" and "The Deepest End" with a procession of guest bassists, etc., etc., would come. But the true essence of the Gov't Mule power trio live is all here, in "Live At Roseland Ballroom".                                                 

The chameleon-like drumming of Matt Abst, the whirling bass of one of the greatest yet unfortunately lesser-known bassists of all time: Mister Allen Woody (RIP), and Warren Haynes' guitar forcefully blast through our stereo speakers at the beginning of track number one, namely "Trane", a whirlwind of instruments chasing each other in an exciting race that leads to many improvisations and references like "Third Stone From The Sun". No frills, just exciting rock blues/psychedelic/southern/jazz/ and more.

It could end like this, but the album takes us with the next two tracks, "Temporary Saint" and "Painted Silver Light", to Haynes' intensely soulful voice, which besides being a wizard on the six-string is also a great singer, with that soulful charge that never disappoints, imbued with Southern flavors, whiskey, smoke, and a spirit devoted 1000% to music. And then, to remind us that the guitarist and bassist were part of that beautiful thing that was and still is the Allman Brothers Band, they give us another long instrumental taken from an album of the former band, "Kind of Bird", which already from the title evokes jazz atmospheres dear to both bands.

And to close from the first album, the always eternal "Mule" with its catchy and funky rhythm, and the guitar that indulges together with the rest of the group in an impeccable and thrilling instrumental part that references Bo Didley and his always beautiful "Who Do You Love".

A bass, a guitar, and drums. And lots and lots of imagination and heart. These were the early Gov't Mule, who would later go through the tragedy of Allen Woody and the subsequent lineup change and the addition of keyboards. But that is a story to be told at another time.

Recommended for those who love Rock with a capital R and want to hear three virtuosos who don't show off but through superb technique just want to make great, fun, and exhilarating music.

Long live the Government Mules.