Although younger than Willie by almost 30 years, Warren Haynes is maybe the last leaf on a different tree. With the recent passing of Dickey Betts, Haynes is now the elder statesman in a large group of southern rock and jam band musicians building on the legacy of The Allman Brothers Band. He just released a new solo album, his 5th or 6th depending on how you count them, called Million Voices Whisper. Despite being all newer compositions, the record also serves as a retrospective on the many styles Haynes has embraced during his decades of performing.
The album title comes from the chorus of Day of Reckoning, a co-write with Lukas Nelson. It features Nelson, along with Jamey Johnson, on vocals and is a soulful track that could have come out of Muscle Shoals in the heyday. Another co-write, sort of, is Real, Real Love. It’s a slower tempo ballad that Gregg Allman started writing before he died and Haynes was comfortable finishing in Allman’s style. Derek Trucks contributes not just writing but a a wistful guitar in the opener, These Changes. It’s about a relationship that’s worth so much that “I need you more than you know.” You can feel the joy in This Life As We Know It, with Haynes and background vocalist Saundra Williams testifying, “ain’t it good to be alive!”
A number of songs reflect Haynes early embrace of R&B and soul, a genre he started singing before he ever picked up a guitar. Lies, Lies, Lies > Monkey Dance > Lies, Lies, Lies is an 8-minute romp through a 70’s R&B catalog and my mind’s eye could just see Bootsy Collins strutting across the stage. You Ain’t Above Me also wades neck deep into Booker T-style keys in a stinging rebuke to a former lover putting on airs. The bluesiest cut is Till the Sun Comes Shining Through where “I know it’s raining in your heart…but I’m gonna hold you till the sun comes shining through.” Appropriately closing the CD is Hall of Future Saints. It’s a funky rock and roll tune with Haynes voicing his appreciation, and even amazement, for all the musical greats he’s had the opportunity to know and play alongside.
According to Wikipedia, Warren Haynes has appeared on about 90 records, from William Shatner to Buckwheat Zydeco. For many people, Haynes equals Gov’t Mule and there’s certainly nothing wrong with that. But to start to appreciate the breadth of his musical aptitude, you can’t do much better than spending some time with his latest, Million Voices Whisper.
About the author: I've actually driven from Tehatchapee to Tonopah. And I've seen Dallas from a DC-9 at night.