“Million Voices Whisper” is the first solo album in almost a decade from the revered Allman Brothers guitarist and founder of Gov’t Mule, talented WARREN HAYNES. Sounding as energetic and focused as ever, Haynes this time powers through a set of soulful blues-rock accompanied by members of his current all-star band.
They include organist and keyboard John Medeski on keyboards, longtime drummer Terence Higgins (of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band), and Gov’t Mule’s new bassist Kevin Scott. The album also features guest appearances from his Allman Brothers Band bandmate guitarist Derek Trucks.
This is an inspired set of songs, polished with time, no rush, 10 years in the making. And it shows. This is classic rock, blues, but modern, relevant. ‘These Changes’ (co-written with Trucks), and ‘Real, Real Love’ (co-written with Gregg Allman, his last work with Haynes before his untimely death in 2017) are absolute highlights.
Catchy, emotional thrillers brought to life by Warren’s husky, soul drenched emoting.
There are some artists whose music is timeless. There are other artists whose music defies categorization. Warren Haynes’ music is both of these things. If you think you hear blues, soul, jazz, southern rock, jam music, country, bluegrass, gospel, and Americana, you’d be right. Haynes terrific new album, ”Million Voices Whisper” incorporates all of that, but more than anything it features his wonderful songwriting and singing.
The album is dedicated to Haynes’ old Allman Brothers bandmate Dickey Betts, who passed away in April. This solo album includes a track “Real Real Love” that Gregg Allman started, but Haynes finished in Gregg’s style. The first single “This Life as We Know It” takes a philosophical, positive, and grateful attitude toward his current life.
“Lies, Lies, Lies > Monkey Dance > Lies, Lies, Lies” provides a welcome funky break mid-album. Scott shines on bass, sounding like Jaco Pastorius. It’s the wildest jam track on the album, right up there with “Terrified,” where it’s as Warren said – all over the place. And in the best kind of way. Medeski is magnificent on organ, and is a huge part of the Zeppelin energy that transpires.
The record features organ, blues guitar licks, horns, and tasteful drumming that echo the history of rock. Haynes’ first influences were the soul music being produced by Motown and STAX. He wanted to sing like The Temptations, Four Tops, Sam and Dave, Otis Redding, and B.B. King before he picked up a guitar.
When he did pick up a guitar, he became one of the most influential blues players and improvisors of his generation, creating a formidable body of live and recorded work that stand the test of time.
”Million Voices Whisper” might be a solo record, but it sure doesn’t feel like it. It’s a killer band having a blast, and they can’t wait for you to join the party. Voices is one of Warren’s most expressive, emotional albums. You feel it in the playing as much as you do in the lyrics. It’s the total package: passion and impressive musicianship.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Tracklist:
01. These Changes (ft. Derek Trucks)
02. Go Down Swinging
03. You Ain't Above Me
04. This Life As We Know It
05. Day of Reckoning (ft. Lukas Nelson and Jamey Johnson)
06. Real, Real Love (ft. Derek Trucks)
07. Lies, Lies, Lies > Monkey Dance > Lies, Lies, Lies
08. From Here On Out
09. Till The Sun Comes Shining Through
10. Terrified
11. Hall of Future Saints (ft. Derek Trucks)
Warren Haynes – Million Voices Whisper (2024)
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