GOV'T MULE: The Deep End (ROCK,Blues): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

August 26, 2000: Allen Woody's lifeless body was discovered in his hotel room, victim of an overdose. Under the shock of this drama, Warren Haynes and Matt Abts ask themselves whether or not to continue the Gov't Mule adventure. In the meantime, the two friends decide to pay tribute to their missing comrade and contact many bass players that Woody admired. This is how "The Deep End" was published in 2001, soon followed by a second volume in 2002. The principle of these albums is to interpret about thirty titles with different bass players as well as other guests belonging to the musical sphere of the band. Given the open-mindedness of the ex-trio, which has momentarily become a duo, it is not surprising to note the artistic scope of this sphere, but we will come back to this point later. It is the box set published in 2002 and gathering the two volumes of "The Deep End" to which was added a third disc filled with bonuses essentially live, that we are going to present to you.

Of course, with 34 tracks in total, 25 different bass players and a lot of guests, we won't be able to name each piece of this impressive and rich pavement. However, it would be a shame to pass over in silence some unavoidable monuments benefiting from the interventions of leading figures who most of the time live up to their reputation. It all starts with a 'Fool's Moon' with power and energy reminiscent of Cream's influence. Jack Bruce invests himself as well in the vocals as in the bass lines for a big slap from which it will be difficult to get up. Same thing after 'Same Price' with John Entwistle (The Who) on which Matt Abts makes himself tentacular like a Keith Moon. 'Worried Down With The Blues' sees the family of the Allman Brothers Band come together to honor their departed friend for a piece full of feeling with Oteil Burbridge (bass), Gregg Allman (vocals and keyboards) and Derek Trucks (slide guitar).

More surprising is the urban and soul cover of James Brown's 'Down And Out In New York City' with Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers). On his side, 'Trying Not To Fall' trembles under the blows of a Jason Newsted (ex Metallica) at the height of his legend. Divided in two parts, 'Greasy Granny's Gopher Gravy' is totally crazy, which is not surprising with Les Claypool (Primus) on bass, vocals and composition. There were also some successful progressive experiments on 'World Of Confusion' with Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel, Liquid Tension Experiment) and Gary Lucas (Captain's Beefheart), or on the instrumental 'Sun Dance' with Chris Squire (Yes). Finally, it would be a pity to neglect the little jazzy jewels that are the instrumentals 'Sco-Mule' with Chris Wood (Medeski Martin & Wood) and an impressive Matt Abts, and 'Babylon Turnpike' with Alphonso Johnson (Santana, Phil Collins...).

It's an injustice to mention only these titles since many others deserve your attention. Beyond the quality of this homage, "The Deep End" will allow Gov't Mule to continue the adventure with, among others, the keyboardist Danny Louis already present on several tracks and whose complicity with Warren Haynes seems already obvious. Here is therefore a monumental work in all senses of the word, which all the amateurs of the genre and of this extraordinary formation in particular, will not have to pass by. - Official website

GOV'T MULE

THE DEEP END

ATO

ROCK