The Lockport Labatt’s Blue Canal Concert Series opened up with a bang with Gov’t Mule opening up the 9 week concert series. The band is on tour in support of their latest offering “By A Thread,” their first studio album in 3 years. Gov’t Mule founded by Haynes, late bassist Allen Woody, and drummer Matt Abts in 1994 originally as a power-trio. The band built both an extensive & evolving body of work that has built up a devoted fan base with over 1300 concert performances under their belt. The 2012 band still has both Haynes and Abts, but now with bassist Jorgen Carlsson and guitarist/keyboardist/trumpeter Danny Louis in the fold.
Gov’t Mule is one of the most popular jam bands on the circuit and features Warren Haynes, who is also the lead guitarist for the Allman Brothers Band. Adding up the raw data, solo performances, participation in multiple bands, invitations to sit in with friends’ bands, and studio sessions, it’s fair to conclude that Warren Haynes is among the hardest working performers in music today.
Warren Haynes’s Herculean prowess as both a powerhouse singer and guitarist was felt from the opening cord of ”Blind Man in the Dark” and continued through the 3 song encore. Gov’t Mule came to Lockport and delivered what their fans expected; a powerful performance, leaving no one disappointed. What keeps Mule fans coming back for more is the driving sound of the band with Haynes smooth and distinctive voice. Matt Abts kept the backbeat going strong throughout the show laying the foundation for the rest of the band to build upon. Carlsson brought his distinctive musical personality to the table as he uncannily evokes some of (Allen) Woody’s spirit with his gnarly bass cords. Danny Louis, who is a talented musician in his own right, rounded out the sound of the Mule on the keyboards, trumpet, and guitar.
For those fans who are new to Gov’t Mule, this was a great introduction to a talented band and for seasoned Mule fans this was a solid performance from start to finish. As a result, Gov’t Mule already had people in the audience talking about the next show the following night in Rochester. Next up, The Mule will head over to Europe in early July for a 2 week stint before Haynes rejoins with the Allman Brothers for dates schedule through late August with the Allman Brothers Band.
Set List:
Blind Man in the Dark
Bad Lil Doggie
Streamline Woman
Mother Earth
Broke Down On The Brazos
Gameface (Mountain Jam Tease)
Fools Mule (Black Dog Tease)
Child of the Earth
Frozen Fear/D’Yer Mak’er/Frozen Fear (medley)
30 Days In The Hole (Humble Pie cover)
Soulshine (Allman Brothers cover)
Encore:
Forevermore
I’ll Be The One (Blue Sky Teases)/I’ll Take You There (The Staple Singers cover)/I’ll Be The One (medley)
We would like to thank LaBatt Concert Series Organizer Kathy Paradowksi for credentials to cover the 2012 season.
