Warren Haynes doesn't look like a soul man. A prime candidate for an extreme makeover, Haynes might be mistaken for a disheveled computer programmer or a disinterested clerk at a convenience store.
Yet he sounded a lot like Otis Redding when he sang Sunday at the Uptown Theater. And when he strummed a guitar, the classic Southern blues associated with Duane Allman spilled out. The unlikely combination kept an audience of approximately 600 spellbound during a performance that lasted almost three hours.
Famous for his guitar pyrotechnics in acts including the Allman Brothers Band, the Dead and Gov't Mule, Haynes is touring in support of Man In Motion, a traditional soul album on the Stax Records label. He's never hidden his proclivity for soul music but the current project is the first time he's fully immersed himself in the style. The evening's old-school soul review format was made clear from the outset. Each member of his five-piece band was dramatically introduced by spotlight even before the first song was played.
The quality of the band virtually assured an evening of first-rate sounds. Vocalist Ruthie Foster provided unfettered emotional counterpoint to Haynes' gritty singing. That the pair didn't sing a proper duet was one of the evening's sole disappointments. Saxophonist Ron Holloway traded fiery riffs with Haynes throughout the concert. A solidrhythm section adeptly responded to Haynes' improvisational whims.
Rightfully celebrated as one of the greatest living electric guitarists, most of Haynes' solos were impeccable. Even so, he still occasionally mistakes quantity for quality. His effort on "Invisible" seemed like it might never end. A cover of William Bell's 1967 single "Every Day Will Be Like a Holiday" threatened to improve on the original until an exploratory solo spoiled the song's meditative mood. The extended solos may have meandered, but they usually reverted back to well-contructed arrangements that concluded with a sparkling precision all too rare among jam bands.
A 30-minute solo acoustic segment offered respite from such indulgences. His version of the folk standard "Railroad Boy" was particularly moving. The material from his new album provided the evening highlights, but longtime favorites kept the set list fresh.
"It's just like a wedding," Haynes mused. "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue."
Based on the mutual commitment displayed on Sunday, the love affair between Haynes and his audience is going to last.
Famous for his guitar pyrotechnics in acts including the Allman Brothers Band, the Dead and Gov't Mule, Haynes is touring in support of Man In Motion, a traditional soul album on the Stax Records label. He's never hidden his proclivity for soul music but the current project is the first time he's fully immersed himself in the style. The evening's old-school soul review format was made clear from the outset. Each member of his five-piece band was dramatically introduced by spotlight even before the first song was played.
The quality of the band virtually assured an evening of first-rate sounds. Vocalist Ruthie Foster provided unfettered emotional counterpoint to Haynes' gritty singing. That the pair didn't sing a proper duet was one of the evening's sole disappointments. Saxophonist Ron Holloway traded fiery riffs with Haynes throughout the concert. A solidrhythm section adeptly responded to Haynes' improvisational whims.
Rightfully celebrated as one of the greatest living electric guitarists, most of Haynes' solos were impeccable. Even so, he still occasionally mistakes quantity for quality. His effort on "Invisible" seemed like it might never end. A cover of William Bell's 1967 single "Every Day Will Be Like a Holiday" threatened to improve on the original until an exploratory solo spoiled the song's meditative mood. The extended solos may have meandered, but they usually reverted back to well-contructed arrangements that concluded with a sparkling precision all too rare among jam bands.
A 30-minute solo acoustic segment offered respite from such indulgences. His version of the folk standard "Railroad Boy" was particularly moving. The material from his new album provided the evening highlights, but longtime favorites kept the set list fresh.
"It's just like a wedding," Haynes mused. "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue."
Based on the mutual commitment displayed on Sunday, the love affair between Haynes and his audience is going to last.
| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star
Do you have the set list to post?
Posted by: Mike Berlin | May 23, 2011 at 10:01 AM
I hated missing this show. Warren is truly one of the hardest workers in the business.
Posted by: Steve | May 23, 2011 at 10:35 AM
Was taping allowed?
Posted by: David | May 23, 2011 at 12:42 PM
Outstanding show, but why do I always get the feeling that Brownlee's reviews are a bit incomplete? For instance, I think more should have been said about the acoustic segment. Having seen the Mule several times, the midshow acoustic set was a unique treat for this fan and just further confirmed what I've been saying for a long time...that not only is Mr.Haynes one of the premier rock guitarists of his era, but a grossly underrated singer. He didn't only evoke Duane with his playing as Mr.Brownlee pointed out, but also brother Gregg with his soulful, bluesy vocals, especially during this segment of the show. How could anyone who was there not mention his excellent takes on the Eagles "Wasted Time" and the obscure Springsteen Lucky Town nugget, "Big Muddy"?
My only quibble with the performance was perhaps Ms.Foster not getting to do just a bit more vocally as the reviewer noted, but otherwise absolutely zero complaints with the near perfect (and lengthy) show. Kudos to Warren and band for bringing it strong last night.
Oh and for those who asked, the following link has last night's setlist which btw, isn't too hard to find on the internet...wink...Mr.Brownlee. :)
http://www.warrenhaynes.net/setlists/
Posted by: pellboy | May 23, 2011 at 01:07 PM
Newspapers have word counts for articles, and editors have delete keys. If a review seems incomplete, it may not always be the writer's fault.
Posted by: Darrell | May 23, 2011 at 01:36 PM
Thoroughly enjoyed the show. I've seen him attack several different genres of music but this was his most enjoyable. HIs voice, as noted, was outstanding and was a treat to hear without the bombast of Gov't Mule. While the solo's a bit stretched, they were more soulful than usual, so you could ride along.
My only complaint was that 1980's digital clock sitting on his cabinet. It stared at me all night and was a bit bothersome. If he needs the time that bad, which for him is a reach, he should put it facing him down stage. It reminded me of someone trying to prove to the audience they had a long show. Weird.
Posted by: wadkc | May 23, 2011 at 01:52 PM
Hey Wad, I think that is so they can track their set times. GM sets always clock in pretty damn close to 1:15. I'm guessing the clock is the reason why. I certainly wouldn't read any more into it than that.
Glad it was a good show. I look forward to seeing them Wednesday.
Posted by: NEW | May 23, 2011 at 02:39 PM
@wadkc...ha, my wife and I were discussing the same thing, the clock was a bit distracting for some reason and not sure of the purpose because as you said, timing doesn't normally seem to be an issue at a Haynes-led show as they generally push the 2 1/2 to 3 hour range.
And Haynes extended solos didn't bother me much either as I felt he only meandered a couple of times (as I am going to a Haynes show expecting some dynamic playing) and as you said, since more soulful and understated, it all seemed to gel nicely with the theme of the show. In fact, I was laying in wait for his throwdown at the end of Man In Motion to close the pre-encore portion of the show. And although I love the Mule, bombast is a great word in describing them (not a bad thing), so it was a welcome change seeing Warren step away from that approach and showing himself as the well-rounded artist he is. Once again, can't stress enough how beautiful that version of Wasted Time was.
Posted by: pellboy | May 23, 2011 at 02:42 PM
On point pell. Very rarely do you have a moment like that at a show. I think the last concert that I attended that had "that moment" was Lindsey Buckingham at the Uptown. Glad I was there.
Posted by: wadkc | May 23, 2011 at 03:54 PM
Alfreda Gerald was the female vocalist shining so brilliantly next to Mr. Haynes. The above mentioned Ms. Foster was not present at the Uptown last night. What a great show.
Posted by: spollock | May 23, 2011 at 04:23 PM
Alfreda Gerald was the female vocalist shining so brilliantly next to Mr. Haynes. The above mentioned Ms. Foster was not present at the Uptown last night. What a great show.
Posted by: spollock | May 23, 2011 at 04:27 PM
Thanks, spollock, she was very good, but I couldn't quite catch Warren's introduction of her, name did sounded different to me. Went back and watched some videos of the band and Ms.Foster is noticeably "smaller". I had never seen her live so the above review and reading that she was touring with him did throw me off. Any reason as to why she had to bail on the KC show? Might explain why Ms.Gerald may have been less a part of the show than Ruthie.
Posted by: pellboy | May 24, 2011 at 08:05 AM
It's been 18 years since Warren Haynes last entered the studio to record a solo album, but he's no slacker. Haynes has been busy. Very busy. If you've ever seen and heard Warren Haynes perform Otis Redding and Delbert McClinton covers, you know he has more than a passing interest in both soul and rhythm and blues.
Posted by: Tyre Balancers | May 28, 2011 at 03:05 AM
I personally don't know Warren Haynes. But now i do! So thanks for posting it. Good job!
Posted by: Plumbing | June 04, 2011 at 02:04 PM
Warren Haynes got a great voice. I love him singing.
Posted by: Party Bags | June 21, 2011 at 12:00 AM
Warren Haynes is really a great singer. He is one of my favorite and idol. Go Warren !
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