Gov't Mule

The Jazz Bus: My Aching Back/Gov’t Mule
Just shy of sixty and sometimes I dread going out. Not me going out socially but my back going out physically. Music is my hobby, my thrill. I attempt to get out as much as I can for the sake of expanding my musical horizons. During my youth I visited local places like Hullabaloo in Lindenhurst, Ubie’s OTJ in West Islip, and the Action House in Island Park. These Long Island clubs were quite different from my usual New York City haunts like Ungano’s, The Village Gate, The Garrick, Wollman Skating Rink in Central Park and the Fillmore East. The difference was the Long Island spots were basically asking you to stand up to watch the performers, while NYC was a more comfortable seated venue. I preface this because in 2010 I find it very difficult to stand in a crowded facility for four hours at a pop. It is never the crowd but rather my back being the problem.
Lately, I have to turn down a few invitations from my collection of friends who are music enthusiasts because I am at the beck and call of my back. First question I ask, “Is it reserved seating?” followed by, “How much?” If the first is a “yes” I am usually in. Sometimes, if it is “standing “ I am reluctant but I’ll take a chance. A few times I regretted the decision. Now, I am overly cautious. Sitting down with a few “diet cokes” is so much easier than standing and listening. Being shorter than most doesn’t help either.
Warren Haynes with his band Gov’t Mule, and I crossed paths the other night. Mule was playing in a club not too far from where I was, and for only 25 bucks. I thought at this price it would be well worth the price of admission. So off I went with my bride by my side, a standing room only club. On the tail of the band’s eighth album Mule, now a quartet, can rock with the best. Playing his 58 Reissue Les Paul and a Gibson Firebird, Warren switched back and forth playing standard tune electric and one of the meanest slide guitars on the planet. Rated #23 Best Guitarists by Rolling Stone magazine, he led his band through most of the new collection BY A THREAD with a few unique covers thrown in.
My buddy Pat states Warren Haynes is THE HARDEST WORKING MAN IN MUSIC. His credentials for that world class title include constant touring and recording with Gov’t Mule, being a featured guitarist with The Allman Brothers Band (since 1989), touring with The Dead as replacement (if that is possible) for Jerry Garcia, joining up with Phil Lesh and Friends, as well as his many solo acoustic performances with guest spots here and there. Armed with a soaring guitar and with a voice full of emotion, deep, soulful, and melodic, one can only think of an Otis Redding or Wilson Pickett towering over a Gibson guitar. After the two set, four hour show, I walked to my car satisfied, standing tall and proud. No back ache. Anyone “up” for a show? Terry Reid @ Mirabelle’s in Westbury?
Jazzbus@gmail.com