Warren Haynes Million Voices Whisper
Back in June I had the good fortune of talking with Warren Haynes about his prolific symphony tour. He was about to go on the road with Slash, too, so he had a lot of cool things going on. But what he was most excited about was the Nov. 1 release of his first solo album in 9 years, Million Voices Whisper on Fantasy Records.
Warren told me this summer Millions Voices Whisper started with a Muscle Shoals sort of vibe but “it kind of goes all over the place,” which isn’t unusual for Warren, a guitar legend synonymous with iconic bands such as The Allman Brothers and the Grateful Dead, and the co-founder of jam masters Gov’t Mule.
“All over the place” sums up this album quite well, actually. Voices defies any kind of labeling. It’s got some long jams but isn’t a jam record. It’s not a blues record, or a soul album, but it gives you all of this and more. If anything, it’s a modern gospel album. Warren and his new band (John Medeski on keys, Greg Osby on saxophone, Terrence Higgins on drums and his Gov’t Mule bandmate Kevin Scott on bass) take you to church over and over again.
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, starting with “These Changes,” an Allman Brothers style jammer co-written by Derek Trucks (Yeah, that’s him on slide, bringing some Soul Serenade with him). Everyone is locked in, and are celebrating life together. It’s joyous, raw-yet-polished, and real.
The Muscle Shoals vibe really comes to life on “Go Down Swinging.” It’s an irresistible combination of blues and soul, and one of the happiest songs I’ve heard about resilience. “You Ain’t Above Me” has some signature B.B. King guitar licks throughout on top of a bluesy gospel arrangement really brought home by Medeski and Scott. The band couldn’t compliment each other – or the song – any better (love Scott’s sliding line at the end). The song was co-written by Jamey Johnson, who you’ll hear more about later.
“This Life As We Know It” is the kind of anthem we can all use right now. It’s hopeful and all about embracing change, plus it’s catchy as hell. Warren’s vocal take is amazing here. On every track there’s a moment where I think, “I see why he’s so excited to share this album with us.” Every song is inspired, because Warren feels blessed. When shit shut down in 2020, as we navigated the pandemic, it was hard for Warren and his giant family of musicians. He’s grateful for every gig, and every minute in the studio. He knows how lucky he is and he shows it with every word and every note. As Santana once said, each song “is an offering.” It really feels that way. I encourage you to let this song (and album) fill you with gratitude. Put it on as you start the day and see if it changes your mood.
Still, it can be hard to be grateful when the nation is a mess. “Day of Reckoning” is a call for action with special guests Jamey Johnson and Lukas Nelson (who co-wrote it). The tune is a timely nod to Vietnam-era protests (and has a tasteful Buffalo Springfield feel). It’s a call to arms, a rallying cry. It’s also where the album gets its name: “Million voices whisper, getting louder when they sing / Million spirits waiting on a day of reckoning.” The song builds into a fiery gospel track (I was half-expecting Mavis Staples to show up). It’s cool to hear these guys together, and they thought so, too, after collaborating on a “Last Waltz” tribute a few years back.
“Real, real love” was co-written by the late Greg Allman, and fittingly reminds me of Gregg’s solo album, Laid Back. It’s a nice change of pace here, a slow dance – and Derek plays his best slide.
Let’s get funky now. The band gets right back to jamming with “Lies, Lies, Lies >Monkey Dance>Lies, Lies, Lies.” 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.
Voices 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.
Million Voices Whisper was produced by Warren Haynes (with a few tracks co-produced by Trucks, who also co-wrote “Hall of Future Saints,” a fun track that pays tribute to a wide variety of icons, especially Ray Charles). It was recorded by Evan Bakke at Power Station New England. Trevor Okonuk was an assistant engineer. It was mixed by John Paterno and mastered by Greg Calbi and Steve Fallone at Sterling Sound. The album is dedicated to Allman Brothers co-founder Dickey Betts, who left us on April 18.
To purchase the LP, and to see where Warren is playing next, go to https://warrenhaynes.net/
Highlights: “These Changes,” “This Life As We Know It,” “Real, Real Love,” “From Here On Out (another gospel-fueled jammer, and one with my favorite Warren solo)”
Check out the interview here: INTERVIEW: Warren Haynes Incorporates Improv into a Symphonic Situation
