Warren Haynes: Man In Motion
Allman alum is visiting his soul influences on Stax-brewed adventure
Gov’t Mule founder and former Allman Brother guitarist Warren Haynes isn’t entirely out of his domain on Man In Motion, his first outing for revived soul label Stax. He still loves his extended jams and he’s not laying off of the fuzzy guitar spells. But with a deluxe cast of power players including drummer Raymond Weber, organist Ian McLagan and Meters’ bassist George Porter, Jr., Haynes does pour a lot of gutsy soul into his Memphis tribute, as if he’s revisiting old times or doing what he’s been holding off for years.
The seven-minute title cut sets the pace with its Johnnie Taylor horns and his Bob Seger-meets-Michael McDonald vocals. As the vamp swings along, the song focuses heavily on meaty instrumental solos and horn blasts. That pattern seems to document the entire album. It becomes a bit predictable after a period of time, but the jams are so soulfully funky and unequivocally raw that it’s impossible to not bust a sweat to the grooves. Songs like “Sick Of My Shadow” and the Al Green/Hi-sounding “River’s Gonna Rise” all play with sweaty juke joint blues and Memphis R&B as if it’s a long-lost Booker T. & the M.G.’s record.
The mood never slumbers, although a cover of Booker T and William Bell’s “Every Day Will Be Like a Holiday” and a soul-searching hymn “Save Me” does surfaces. But Man In Motion is one of those records that spins like a good pre-funk soul vinyl record where only three cuts can only fit on one side.
J MATTHEW COBB
HIFI DETAILS
- Release Date: 10 May 2011
- Label: Stax
- Producers: Warren Haynes, Gordie Johnson
- Spin This: “Man In Motion,” “River’s Gonna Rise,” “Every Day Will Be Like A Holiday,” “Save Me”
Nice review and very enjoyable record from Mr. Haynes. He is a current member of the Allman Brothers. Minus three years or so, he’s been in the Allmans since 1989 and continuously again since early 2001. The Allman Brothers put on a great show at the Beacon Theatre last month in NYC!