Warren Haynes – A Little Bit of Everything
Most know him as the longtime guitarist with the Allman Brothers Band, as well as the founding member of the jam band Gov’t Mule. But earlier in his career he was also the guitarist for David Allan Coe and The Dickey Betts Band. Either way, whatever band he performs with, he always adds something special to the mix. Furthermore, he’s one of the most celebrated and best-loved guitarists in blues-rock and beyond. Haynes has been a fixture of the live music scene for decades and it doesn’t look like he’s planning on stopping any time soon. Why would he? He’s doing something he loves to do and he’s damn good at it!
Despite all of the traveling and touring and performing, that Haynes has covered on his impressive musical journey. The crazy thing is, that after all these years, his beautiful voice is still going strong! Check out Warren performing “Soulshine” with the Allman Brothers Band (2002) and a few other guests. Such as, Trey Anastasio, Derek Trucks and Gov’t Mule, Matt Abts, Andy Hess and Danny Louis. Live at New York’s Roseland Ballroom in 2002 at The Jammys. It’s a song that Haynes wrote and is later recorded by Larry McCray on his 1993 album, “Delta Hurricane.” Who is another amazing artist to explore!
A Musician’s Musician
For example, he co-wrote a No. 1 single, Garth Brooks’ “Two of a Kind, Working on a Full House,” which remained on the charts for twenty weeks. He was the only guest musician at Dave Matthews Band’s high-profile Central Park Concert, September 24, 2003. He appeared on fellow singer/songwriter Everlast’s second post-House of Pain solo album, EAT AT WHITEY’S. And he compelled metal icon Jason Newsted and hip-hop country boy Kid Rock to join him on stage, at the same time. While it may sound weird to some, it just proves that Haynes is a genuine fan of a lot of different types of music.
For audiences, to see and hear Warren Haynes perform in any capacity is to witness his love for music firsthand. To catch him alone on stage, with only his voice and acoustic guitar, drives the point deeper still. The unadulterated emotion he pours into and gleans from music – any music, his own or another’s – takes on the prominence of a lead instrument, sharing in the delivery rather than just inspiring it.
Haynes also is known for his associations with the surviving members of the Grateful Dead, including touring with Phil Lesh and Friends and the Dead. In addition to starting and managing “Evil Teen Records” where he produces his own music, livestreams and other projects for Gov’t Mule and other artists. Check out Gov’t Mule’s take on “Since I’ve Been Loving You” – featuring Warren Haynes shredding picks while covering Led Zeppelin Circa 2010. Like I said before, No matter what song Haynes covers, he’s makin’ it his own. Haynes even wrote “Patchwork Quilt” for Jerry Garcia. So when he performed it live for upwards of 80,000 fans on June 15, 2003…Well, it was truly something inspiring to see!
Live At Bonnaroo – Warren Haynes
This guy has so much material, its amazing! When I saw him perform live at Bonnaroo, circa 2003? He bounced from one stage to another, bringing special guests up on stage, performing tributes to friends that had passed on. Honestly, I can’t even tell you how many sets he filled in for at Bonnaroo, they’re were running together at a certain point. But the Meters, DJ Logic, Widespread Panic, the Dead, etc. For the music geeks that were there witnessing all the performances, We can’t thank you enough!
Giving Back – Paying It Forward – Christmas Jam!
Curated and presented by Grammy Award-winning vocalist-songwriter and revered guitarist Warren Haynes, the Christmas Jam is a one-of-a-kind music marathon. Since its inception in 1988, the concert has provided an opportunity for the performing artists, audience and the local community to give back during the holiday season. Over the past 18 years, Haynes – an Asheville native – has worked closely with the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity.
The first show was dubbed, “The Christmas Jam: Musician’s X-Mas Reunion” and was held at 45 Cherry, a local club in Asheville, on December 22, 1988. This event has continued to grow every year and is now dubbed “Warren Haynes Presents: The Christmas Jam”. The show sells out in a matter of hours every year. Because of the fantastic growth, it is currently held at the U.S. Cellular Center (formerly known as the Asheville Civic Center), and continues to feature artists and friends Haynes has played with over the years including The Allman Brothers Band, The Avett Brothers, The Doobie Brothers, Sheryl Crow, Peter Frampton, John Paul Jones, Ray LaMontagne, Steve Miller Band, Tedeschi Trucks Band, and many more!
Video Credits: Relix /Soulshine, & mmajose – “Since I’ve Been Loving You” – Gov’t Mule featuring Warren Haynes, Paste Magazine – If Heartaches Were Nickels – 12/06/2021. Less Than Face Productions – Warren Haynes and Danny Louis perform Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were” on November 8, 2020 at South Farms in Morris, CT. Audio by Casey Coniff and Paul Gordon. – Brought to you by Less Than Face Productions.