Gov’t Mule Blackberry Smoke “Smokin’ Mule Tour” October 1, 2016 Charlotte, NC
Talk about getting a lot of bang for your
buck! What a night of rock and freakin’ roll! A full set of Blackberry Smoke, followed by two sets from Gov’t Mule, ending with an all-star jam. In- credible.
After hanging a while, we made our way
back down front to our seats for some Mule magic. And boy howdy was it ever magical! From the opening of “Railroad Boy” into “I’m a Ram,” Warren Haynes and company dished up a mix of classic Mule tracks, jazz improve and jam band swagger. Old favorites like ”Game Face,” “Soul Shine,” and the lovely “Tastes Like Wine,” shared the evening with Zeppelin’s “D’yer Mak’er” and the jazzy “Birdland, “ which segued into “Moun- tain Jam” and “Norwegian Wood.” So special. During “Unring the Bell,” the familiar strains of The Dead’s “Shakedown Street” brought smiles to the mugs of more than a few of us old hippies. For an encore, the Mule brought out Charlie Starr and Brandon Still from Blackberry Smoke, along with guitarist (and close friend of Warren) Mike Barnes on guitar, and horn man Craig Sorrells, who is always a great addition to any jam. To- gether, the guys took it to a new level with their rendition of Neil Young’s “Cortez The Killer,” and closing with Littler Feat’s “Spanish Moon.” No one said a word about the show not
It was still full daylight when Charlie Starr
and the rest of Blackberry Smoke sauntered onto the stage to the roaring approval of the packed arena. They kicked off in fifth gear with “Six Ways to Sunday,” and literally their way through a driving set that included favorites like “Rock and Roll Again,” “Testify,” “Pretty Little Lie,” “I Feel a Good One Comin’ On,” “Sanctified” and much more, including fan favorites “I Ain’t Got The Blues Anymore” and my personal favorite, “One Horse Town.” They wrapped up their red-hot set with yet another favorite, “Ain’t Much Left of Me.”
During the intermission, my traveling
buddy Scott Greene and I went backstage, thanks to Charlie Starr, who had set it up for us ahead of time. It is always a joy to visit with these guys. Kind of reminds me of Gov’t Mule. Back in the late 1990’s, my wife and I were always made wel- come by Warren Woody and Matt, and they were always as laid back as Willie. Same for Charlie, Brandon, Britt, and Paul. It’s always relaxed, like hanging with friends. No ego. I love it.
being long enough, or not having enough of this or that. Everyone was smiling, grinning like someone who had been Smoked up and kicked in the head by a Mule. It was a show for the books. Just amazing.
Blackberry Smoke Six Ways to Sunday Testify Crimson Moon Rock and Roll Again
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