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Rating: In 1999, the Gov't Mule, one of the most renowned jam southern rock bands in the United States (see the group's biography on the blog), released one of the most beautiful and emotional live albums in the history of music.
An extraordinary double album that contains historical jam sessions, lengthy improvisations, and a melting pot of musical genres ranging from southern rock to jazz, passing through blues and jam rock.
A testament to the trio's great love for music and versatility, with the ability to effortlessly transition from one genre to another with simply fantastic results. Recorded on the evening of December 31, 1998 at the Roxy in Atlanta, the live album showcases the power and technical prowess of the group following the release of the acclaimed "Dose" (their best studio album in the writer's opinion). Two discs exuding emotions, sweat, and a strong, fervent desire to play. As the title suggests, the group is joined on stage by musicians with whom they share a profound love for music. The album opens with the Mules, in trio, gifting us an extraordinary "Thorazine Shuffle" (already wonderful on the album, but live, like all the group's pieces, it takes on a formidable energy and pathos). A great bass line, Warren crafting everything with thrilling guitar work, and Matt delivering exceptional drumming nuances with just a steady ostinato (listen to the final solo based entirely on the cowbell and Warren's introduction of the drummer). There couldn't have been a better start.
This first gem is followed by "Dolphineus" (one of the best tracks from the 1995 eponymous album), albeit in a reduced version. The song fades out as Warren begins the countdown to midnight, eventually wishing the audience a happy new year!! (I wish I had been at that concert). And what better way to start the year than by tuning up "War Pigs" by the seminal Black Sabbath. A magnificent version with Warren delivering an emotional performance and unleashing a truly splendid solo. Just like Allen, whose bass playing is truly a force of nature. Then comes the first guest on stage: Marc Ford. An extraordinary lead guitarist who at that time played with the 'Black Crowes' (and fortunately still does today!) jams incredibly well with the group on a beautiful Humble Pie track "30 Days in the Hole" featuring a killer riff.
Warren then decides to bring back a cover from the band's first album, "Mr. Big" by 'Free', and once again, it feels like an entirely different song compared to the studio version. Another song, another guest; this time it's Chuck Leavell, a pianist of superior class (formerly with the 'Allman Brothers Band' and a guest on the Black Crowes' debut album). With such a character, there could only be a strong bluesy performance. Warren delves into himself, and from the depths of his soul, his essence as a bluesman emerges. The song is "Look on Yonder Wall", an old Elmore James blues, fertile ground for the group's improvisations, supported by Chuck. Let me say that Warren is a true bluesman.
Two more esteemed guests take the stage; Dereck Trucks, a slide guitarist (now with the Allmans alongside the good Warren and the Derek Trucks Band) and the organist Bernie Worrell. The piano and Hammond meld in the introduction to Warren's signature song, "Soulshine", a track that cannot help but evoke tears upon each listen, given the intensity and pathos with which it is played. The first CD closes with the Mules' signature track, "Mule", once again featuring Bernie Worrell on organ. If the first CD also contained lengthy jams and improvisations, the second live disc can be considered a true musical trip. Southern rock, psychedelia, blues, and jazz blend to create a unique sound endowed with unmatched power and intensity.
Opening with "Sad Deep as You", a stunning song written by Dave Mason, the guitarist of 'Traffic', and here presented in a breathtaking version by our heroes. Playing entirely on dynamics (the track begins quietly before heightening in dynamics), the Mules manage to create a sort of musical trip for the listener, a quality that would become their trademark. Assisting our heroes on this occasion is Randal Bramblett on sax (offering breathtaking solos) and Chuck Leavell on the Hammond organ. The following song, "Devil Likes It Slow", Warren's signature song, is also stunning. It begins fiercely and fast before slowing down to a blues pace and then returning to a long ride. (Noteworthy is Jimmy Herring's guitar performance).
Then comes the moment of the evening's true gem. Warren initiates a guitar intro, and instantly the audience recognizes the song. It is one of the most beautiful and intense songs ever written by Neil Young: "Cortez the Killer" (contained within the artist's album Zuma, featuring explosive lyrics denouncing the Spanish conquistadors' atrocities against the Aztecs). The Mules make the song their own, rendering it even more beautiful than the original, both in the instrumental section and the pathos it produces. Stunning. Closing with another gem, "Afro Blue" by John Coltrane, for 29 minutes of pure and true jazz improvisation. With support from Yonrico Scott on percussion, Bernie Worrell on Hammond, Randal Bramblett on sax, and Dereck Trucks and Jimmy Herring on guitars, our heroes dive into the realms of jazz, reinterpreting them in their way and delivering a truly marvelously crafted performance.
In conclusion, a great concert, a great performance by the Mules for what I consider to be one of the greatest live albums in the history of music. A journey into every dark and secret corner of music, made with heart and passion by our heroes.
Essential in any respectable record collection !!!!!!!
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