Warren Haynes’ musical journey began even before he ever picked up a guitar. “I was singing in my bedroom, trying to emulate all my favorite soul singers,” he recalls. “Those early impressions and influences are very deep and tend to stay with you.”
That streak of soul runs strong through his new album, Million Voices Whisper.
It’s the first solo album in almost a decade from the revered Allman Brothers guitarist and founder of Gov’t Mule, and it’s a change from his last, more acoustic-oriented solo effort. 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 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 compatriot Derek Trucks, and from his Last Waltz Tour co-stars Lukas Nelson and Jamey Johnson.
Million Voices Whisper is a set of powerful, soulful tracks that combine the eloquent musicianship of a triple-threat blues-rocker with the glowing spirit of a vital creative artist at the peak of his powers. Haynes and the band, with the addition of saxophonist extraordinaire Greg Osby, will be touring the US (and beyond) this fall performing songs from the album, and more, at venues ranging from the Red Rocks Amphitheatre to the Ryman Audiotirum.