Gov't Mule had an interesting challenge when bassist Allen Woody passed away
in August 2000. Comprised of guitarist Warren Haynes, drummer Matt Absts
and Woody, was more than just a band. They were best friends, a
brotherhood. So rather than audition a potential replacement, the surviving
members decided to call up some of their bass playing friends, influences,
and follow brothers of the road to help compile their new CD. It helps when
your bass playing friends include Jack Bruce (Cream), Roger Glover (Deep
Purple), John Entwistle of The Who, Bootsy Collins (Parliament-Funkadelic,
Bootsy's Rubber Band), Larry Graham (Sly & The Family Stone), Flea of The
Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stephan Lessard (Dave Matthews Band), Mike Gordon
(Phish), Mike Watt, Chris Wood (Medeski, Martin & Wood), Willie Weeks and
Oteil Burbridge and your brothers of the road include members of The Black
Crowes, Alice In Chains, and The Allman Brothers Band. 'The Deep End,
Volume 1', is both a moving tribute and a great example of what music should
be - from the heart, from the spirit and most importantly, from the soul.
The album goes back to the days when bands recorded live in the studio and
when there's no time limit placed on songs (with the exception of two songs,
the average song clocks in about six minutes). It's also a classic rock
fans wet dream: 'Fool's Moon' features Jack Bruce on vocals and bass, and
could've easily been on a Cream album. Roger Glover re-records his
basslines on the Deep Purple classic 'Maybe I'm A Leo'; John Entwistle and
Gregg Allman adds his classic growl on 'Worried Down With The Blues'. Some
of the new jacks contribute also: Jerry Cantrell adds his distinctive vocals
to the CCR nugget, 'Effigy'; Flea brings the funk to 'Down & Out In NYC' and
'Beautifully Broken', which features Stefan Lessard, would not sound out of
place on a Dave Matthews CD. The late Allen Woody rounds out with CD with a
cover of Grand Funk Railroad's 'Sin Is A Good Man's Brother', which was
recorded during the 'Life Before Insanity' sessions in 1999.
But even with all of the guest stars, 'The Deep End' is still anchored by
Warren Haynes, one of the more underrated guitarists, songwriters and
vocalists in rock today. The same can be said about drummer Matt Absts.
It's not easy for a drummer to adapt to so many different styles that each
bassist brought to the sessions, but he handles the task masterfully.
If you want a straight ahead, no BS CD, pick up 'The Deep End, Volume 1'.
I'm can't wait to hear 'Volume 2', which will have 11 more tracks featuring
members of The Grateful Dead, Santana, The Meters, King Crimson, Primus,
Band of Gypsies, Hot Tuna, and Me'Shell Ndegeocello. But until then,
'Volume 1' will be in the CD spinner for quite some time.
