A descending list from 100 to one places them neatly into their numbered slots. It’s sensible, yes, to make lists. It’s safe and somewhat effortless to construct a list, let alone scan through one-especially when those repeated lines consist of nothing but your various produce items, milk and toilet paper. But when it comes to dishing out a number from the list of the Greatest Guitarists of all time to merely save the spot in line for a man made of raw talent and whose fingers can shred the strings of his custom Gibson Les Paul like he’s cutting butter with a warm blade is just plain stupid.
Warren Haynes is too damn good to have a number taped on his back. The dude can flat out jam.
While Haynes has had his hand in every musical cookie jar for the past decades, his never-ending quest to achieve greatness in every musical endeavor is relentless and humbling. Haynes is a man who fearlessly immerses himself not only in every band and side project that he plays with, but every note that he generates.
Now that his namesake band, The Warren Haynes band, has finished their spring tour, his attention is now shifting to yet another band of his-Gov’t Mule. And while Gov’t Mule is just as jammy and lovable as expected, homage must be paid to The Warren Haynes Band and all the faces and clothes that were melted off not too long ago.
Recently, the deliciously fun and talented band stopped by Buster’s Billiards and Backroom in Lexington, KY to impress and testify the great word of sexy, non-apologetic blues.
And boy did they preach.
Haynes and the rest of the band walked out on the stage and thrilled the crowd with a Ray Charles’-deep-south-styled flair, song after song. The music was upbeat and the energy was insatiable. The band’s gliding sound was comparable to the dangerous allure pulsating inside Medusa’s long locks of serpents that once tangled and eternally trapped innocent men. However, the tragedy of turning stone from those gnarly snakes is the only difference of succumbing to the seductive vibe that Medusa and Haynes, both seemingly mythical creatures possess. While Medusa’s tantalizing charm was wickedly poisonous, the temptation of the Warren Haynes Band cast out only lively rhythm that bravely tiptoed along the line of those dangerous blues that are equally seductive as they are soulful.
The funk beat from the bass guitar blatantly ripped apart each song, making the audience yearn for more. Then, out of nowhere, the supple saxophone ignited each song with this savory juiciness, generating a glow of psychedelic jazz that was almost unbearable-in the best way possible. Haynes diligently conducted the band, creating soul so smooth that with just a delicate listen, clothes could’ve melted off.
The Warren Haynes Band captures all things good in the world of soul. Enjoy the pictures and try and stay cool.
