With permanent lineup finalized, Gov’t Mule will perform at the Newport tonight ready to prove the band works harder than its namesake.
Led by guitarist Warren Haynes, once referred to by Phish guru Trey Anastasio as “the sickest guitarist,” Gov’t Mule has returned to progressive ground after taking time for transition to deal with the death of original bassist Allen Woody.
“There was a lot of love for the original band and when life deals you a blow like that, the challenge is really to take the good stuff from the past and move on,” said keyboardist Danny Louis.
Louis was added 18 months ago while Gov’t Mule was searching for meaningful ways to continue without Woody.
“The three-piece thing was the legacy and when I stepped into the four-piece thing it was definitely a cool challenge. You can’t just plug something in and not change what you’re plugging it in to, there’s going to be an effect,” Louis said. “To me there was a lot of responsibility that came along with that.”
While adding Louis effectively changed the sound by introducing a new element, the hole left by Woody still needed tending. When the band decided to release new material in volumes entitled “The Deep End,” the goal became bringing together as many of Woody’s inspirations as possible to fill in the different tracks. The resulting albums formed a virtual “who’s who” of bassists. The recording process was also produced into the documentary film, “Rising Low,” by Phish bassist Mike Gordon.
While the band meshed well in the “deep end” with over 20 bassists, Andy Hess, formerly of the Black Crowes, stood out as a natural choice to replace Woody.
“Andy sort of kicked us into that band gear and more so, more consistently. There were times on stage when Andy was with us but he wasn’t our full- time bass player yet where I would listen and say to myself, ‘God that sounds really great, that sounds like a band’,” Louis said. “I guess Warren and Matt (Abts) were saying the same things to themselves at the same time because we would compare our notes afterwards, and he seemed to really bring that to the table with us.”
The fans seem to agree and the general feel is one of relief.
“I’m so happy they finally picked somebody to play and be a permanent member. Although (the transition) was interesting, and I think it worked out really good; I also like the fact of them getting into the grind and just focusing and feeling the momentum of the new train and just letting that roll on,” said Ohio State alumnus Christine Dobler.
The train metaphor is a fitting one for Haynes, solid and hardworking with diverse cargo, as he also pulls a solo career as well as stints in the Allman Brothers Band and Phil and Friends.
“He doesn’t play the same way with Phil and Friends that he plays with the Allman Brothers, and he doesn’t play quite the same with the Allman Brothers as he does with Gov’t Mule; but it’s all very much him, and I imagine it gives him a means to really explore his musicality in different settings,” Louis said.
It seems Haynes could be on any stage and be comfortable.
“Warren brings the moment to everything he does,” Dobler said. “Even if it’s a song about the days of old, there’s something new and fresh and raw about it that’s just so full of inspiration that it draws people like flies to his light. He’s a beacon. He has so much soul, and it just seeps out of every part of him. When he plays and sings, it is like he is home, in his element.”
With Gov’t Mule at a point where it is moving forward with set members, the hope is they won’t disappoint old fans.
“I hope that the people that have been there all along with the band when Allen was alive enjoy this process too and don’t feel that we’re taking something away from them but we’re giving something new,” Louis said. “Hopefully we’ll offer something to the people that have always loved the band that they can continue to enjoy, but they’ll give us a little bit of grace so that we can explore those areas and show them how we’re feeling.”
Gov’t Mule plays at 7 p.m. tonight, $18 in advance, $20 at the door.
