WARREN HAYNES – Man In Motion (2011)
Considering Warren Haynes hasn’t released a solo studio record since 1993, it is not surprising that, these days, he is best known for his efforts with The Allman Brothers Band and/or Gov’t Mule.
Tasteful guitarist, songwriter and vocalist, he has collaborated with everyone from Blues Traveler, The Grateful Dead, Eric Clapton to rockers Peter Frampton, James Hetfield of Metallica or contemporary progressive metal group Coheed and Cambria.
To say that his chops are accomplished and eclectic would be an understatement.
His new album “Man In Motion” is a snapshot of a creatively restless musician who is constantly in artistic motion himself.
“Musicians are students for life. We have to continually take new approaches,” affirms Haynes.
The album harks back to another theme of his young life: Haynes started out as a singer before he began playing guitar. “The vocal is more of a centerpiece on Man In Motion,” he says.
Haynes’ singing shines on the album, with a bold and emotive delivery that shimmers with his smoky vibrato.
Kicking off with Warren Haynes’ unmistakable and masterful guitar over a soaked piano, the title track “Man In Motion” functions as a mission statement for the legendary musician and his signature brand of classic rock, blues and soul. A driving powerful organ punctuate some of the most soulful guitar playing and singing that Haynes has ever recorded.
Warren wisely allows back-up singer Ruthie Foster to wail rather than indulge himself in any vocal histrionics, the kind of restraint that earmarks the reading of William Bell’s “Every Day Will Be Like a Holiday”. Here legend Ivan Neville’s presence on vocals and keyboards (oddly more prominent than George Porter Jr. on bass) are essential to a fairly authentic cover.
On “River’s Gonna Rise”, the lyrics move from the personal to the universal and back again, as drummer Raymond Webber hammers out a portentous rhythm.
“On a Real Lonely Night” adds substance with Ron Holloway’s saxophone moments, while “Your Wildest Dreams” slow down the tempo and the guitar takes a backseat, and Haynes really shine as a vocalist.
But the passion in this man’s singing on “Save Me”, the final cut, borders on desperation: arguably the most confessional vocal he’s ever done, this single performance alone worth this album.
“Man In Motion” demonstrates the relentless creative drive of Warran Haynes as musician, with honesty, great guitar playing, emotionally powerful vocals and lush, vivid writing.
Haynes keeps the vocals in direct proportion to his guitar playing throughout an album crafted as homage to classic rock, R&B and soul.
Backed by a stellar world-class players as bass legend George Porter Jr. of The Meters, keyboardist-singer Ivan Neville and drummer Raymond Webber, veteran Faces and Rolling Stones pianist Ian McLagan, new sensation Ruthie Foster and tenor sax Ron Holloway, all helped Haynes nail Man In Motion’s soaked grooves.
Foster and Neville are perfect vocal foils for Haynes’ own blend of sugar and gravel, and as a threesome they conjure beautiful harmonies.
“Man In Motion” is in whole a fairly mellow, emotional and soulful album. It has a polished contemporary feel that all music fans with a mature palette can find rewarding.
Very Good.
01 – Man In Motion
02 – River’s Gonna Rise
03 – Everyday Will Be Like A Holiday
04 – Sick Of My Shadow
05 – Your Wildest Dreams
06 – On A Real Lonely Night
07 – Hattiesburg Hustle
08 – A Friend To You
09 – Take A Bullet
10 – Save Me
Warren Haynes : guitars, vocals
Ivan Neville : background vocals and organ
Ian McLagan : Wurlitzer, piano
Ruthie Foster : back-up vocals
George Porter Jr. : bass
Raymond Webber : drums
Ron Holloway : sax
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