Frequent visitors to Western New York, Govt Mule has a strong following in the area. They took the outdoor stage with opener Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real under threatening skies last Tuesday as part of their 2018 Summer tour.
Lukas Nelson and his band The Promise of the Real played songs from their latest album and showed that talent runs in the Nelson family. Son of the legend Willie Nelson, Lukas has carved out a bluesy rocking sound that had many audience members responding to it with a crazy enthusiasm. Deserving of a headliner slot, Nelson surely will gather many more fans as his career grows.
Due to a rainstorm, Mule started their shortened set with the rocker “Bad Little Doggie.” The loyal crowd rose to their feet and greeted bandleader Warren Haynes with a loud ovation. He responded with a lengthy version of the song that showcased his vocals and guitar style. The audience had waited for an hour in the rain and Haynes promised a full night of music. Next up was “Lola Leave Your Light On” and the band was living up to his promise. Bassist Jorgen Carlsson and drummer Matt Abts laid down a backbeat and Haynes guitar was soaring through the damp night air. Songs were taking on a jam session and the crowd responded with honky tonk barroom style hoots and hollers along with some dancing in the aisles. Govt Mule shows are known for their spontaneity and this one was no different. Haynes was showing his Allman Brothers roots with “Slackjaw Jezebel” with lines from from the Allman’s “Les Brers in A Minor.” It was a homage perfectly played out. The creativity continued when the Led Zeppelin classic “When the Levee Breaks” appeared in the middle of “I Think You Know What I Mean.” It wasn’t just a few bars but an extended version done with Haynes guitar flair on full display. Opener Lukas Nelson (son of Willie) appeared onstage to play alongside Haynes in “Mountain Jam.” Nelson was a perfect fit and matched Haynes note for note so well that he was asked to stay for “Cortez the Killer’ to end the show. Although it was a night interrupted by rainy weather, not a soul was heading for the exits too early. Haynes promised Govt Mule will be back to the area soon.
Gov’t Mule setlist:
Bad Little Doggie
Lola Leave your Light On
Slackjaw Jezebel (w/snippet of Les Brers In A Minor by Allman Bros)
I Think You Know What I Mean Pt 1
When The Levee Breaks (Memphis Minnie and Kansas Joe McCoy cover – Led
Zepplin style)
I Think You Know What I Mean Pt 2
Game Face
Mountain Jam (Allman Bros cover w/ Lukas Nelson)
Cortez The Killer (Neil Young and Crazy Horse cover w/Lukas Nelson)
We would like to thank Dave Wedekindt from Artpark for the credentials to review the show.
