The Mule's still kickin'

Even with the passing of bassist Allen Woody, Gov't. Mule keeps groovin'. The band looks more like the middle-aged section of the crowd at a Harley convention than a group of accomplished musicians. The fact that none of the tracks are likely to ever hit the airwaves is probably taken as a compliment by bandleader Warren Haynes. All this and Gov't. Mule is still one of the best blues-rock jam. \n For those of you unfamiliar with the band, it's led by former Allman Bros. Band axe-slinger/vocalist Warren Haynes backed by Matt Abts on drums. With the Mule Haynes branches out from his Southern rock and blues by adding some psychedelic soul and funk. There's less twang and less slide than an Allman Bros. fan might expect and a little more wah too, but Haynes and company remain faithful to the Allman's blues-based roots.\nFrom the opener "Fool's Moon" to the classic "Soulshine" and on, The Deep End is packed with solid, foot-stompin' blues-rock. You don't get many of the distinctive Allman style jams, but there are plenty of guitar solos and enough distinctions in sound to keep it interesting, though a bit predictable. Haynes proves himself as a vocalist and a die-hard child of the '60s style songwriter.\nThe Deep End's list of bassists is practically an encyclopedia of rock legends: Jack Bruce (Cream), Flea, Stefan Lessard (Dave Matthews Band), Bootsy Collins (every funk band that didn't suck), John Entwistle (The Who) and on and on. Hotshot guitarists Derek Trucks and John Scofield make appearances and Gregg Allman and Bernie Worrell help out on keys. With this many icons listed in the credits you might think it were a Steely Dan album. Nonetheless, every player contributes tastefully by letting their personalities shine and keeping within the realm of the band's sound.\nIf you've never heard of the Mule, but dig the sounds of jam bands that blurred the lines between blues and rock like the Allman Bros. Band or Cream, then you'd probably like Gov't. Mule. Haynes' music should be appreciated if only because he's one of the few left who has worked with the jam band pioneers and continued the tradition with his own music.\nRating: 8