Words and Photos: Screaming Digital Productions — DJ
A virtuosic guitarist, soulful vocalist, and masterful songwriter, Warren Haynes has been more than just a cornerstone of American rock music – he’s been its beating heart. His groundbreaking two-decade tenure with the Allman Brothers Band, leadership of Gov’t Mule, and collaborations with Dave Matthews Band and Phil Lesh & Friends have consistently pushed blues-rock boundaries while honoring its deepest roots. His extraordinary dexterity as both slide player and lead guitarist has rightfully earned him a spot on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists.”
Tonight’s setting, Mars Music Hall, immediately impresses with its arsenal of sound equipment – a technical feast that speaks volumes about what’s to come. The venue pulses with anticipation, packed wall-to-wall with fans awaiting a living legend. When Haynes emerges, he transforms the space into a sanctuary of sound.
His latest triumph, Million Voices Whisper – reigned at #1 on Billboard’s Blues Albums Chart (with impressive rankings at #3 Americana/Folk, #5 Current Rock) – explodes with new life in the live setting. “Fire in the Kitchen” and “Sick of my Shadow” showcase not just Haynes’ legendary fretwork but his remarkably preserved vocal prowess. For an artist of his tenure, his voice maintains an astounding power – these legacy performers truly seem carved from different stone.
A transcendent cover of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” holds the room in reverent silence, its delivery so mesmerizing it seems to stop time itself. The song choice resonates deeply with the themes of growth and evolution that pulse through Million Voices Whisper.
Set two unfolds as a masterclass in musicianship, featuring an ensemble that elevates every moment. Kevin Scott, the towering Gov’t Mule bassist, anchors the bottom end with menacing precision. Greg Osby, sharing Phil Lesh & Friends history with Haynes, brings elegant allure through his saxophone mastery. Veteran keyboardist Matt Slocum, whose resume spans the legends of jazz, funk, and rock, adds sophisticated layers, while New Orleans native Terrence Higgins delivers drumming that perfectly complements Haynes’ phenomenal guitar work.
The new album, self-produced at Power Station New England, features an impressive roster including Lukas Nelson, Jamey Johnson, and former Allman Brothers Band bandmate Derek Trucks. Most touching is “Real Real Love,” featuring lyrics started by the late Gregg Allman and completed by Haynes – a moving tribute to their enduring friendship.
This isn’t merely a backing band – it’s a gathering of masters who transform each moment into something extraordinary. Their interplay walks the perfect line between precise and spontaneous, maintaining that essential groove while leaving room for inspired improvisation. The combination of fresh material from Million Voices Whisper and Haynes’ vast catalog creates an evening that showcases both his evolution and his unwavering dedication to authentic, soulful music-making.
Million Voices Whisper Tour 2025
February 7 – Knoxville, TN @ Bijou Theatre
February 8 – Huntsville, AL @ Mars Music Hall
February 11 – Toledo, OH @ Stranahan Theater
February 13 – Northfield, OH @ MGM Northfield Park – Center Stage
February 14 – Carmel, IN @ The Palladium
February 15 – West Des Moines, IA @ Val Air Ballroom
February 20 – Burlington, VT @ The Flynn
February 21 – Concord, NH @ Chubb Theatre
February 22 – Buffalo, NY @ Town Ballroom
April 5 – Columbia, SC @ Township Auditorium (rescheduled from 9/28)
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