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Warren Haynes - Million Voices Whisper
With Warren Haynes first solo album in nearly a decade - Million Voices Whisper - the talented singer, guitarist, producer and frontman goes way back to his Allman Brothers Band roots to remind fans just why they fell in love with the captivating and charismatic performer in the first place.
Of course, ABB was a musical collective that had a rebirth in the 90's when Haynes joined Allman's co-founder Dickey Betts as the second guitar in that historic band. Later, the spirit of Duane Allman would be revived when the precoscious young gun Derek Trucks joined the fold - and it is his presence here on several tracks that really lights a fire to recall the halycon days of the final quarter century of work by the joy-inducing jam band from Jacksonville, Florida.
But times change and this dynamic duo haven't worked together much since the retirment of the Allman Brothers Band in 2014. The opening track "These Changes" - a co-write between Warren and Derek addresses this theme - and the glory of those past times really begins to heat up around two-thirds of the way in on the smoldering opener. When the former bandmates begin to trade emotional and explosive licks just as they had done for hours on end back in the day it's as if no time has gone by at all.
The spirit of Gregg Allman also makes an unexpected appearance on the record as Haynes and Trucks complete a song of his. Of "Real, Real Love" Haynes says - "This was a song that was started but never finished by Gregg Allman. He had showed it to me and we had talked about it, and I completed it after he died. I finished it in a way that's reflective of the way Gregg wrote and then invited Derek Trucks to be part of the recording process, which really took it to the desired next level. I wanted to write it as if Gregg were singing it. Even in the way we approach the song as a band, and in the way I approach it as a singer, I had his presence in mind the entire time."
The happy reunion on Million Voices Whisper ends as it begins with a long outro heard on "Hall Of Future Saints" - the 9 minute and 23 second epic that closes out the triumphant 11-track masterpiece.
In between Haynes works with contemporay comrades Lukas Nelson and Jamey Johnson on "Day Of Reckoning" which stands as a modern day call for unity. "This Life As We Know It" is another uplifting and life-affirming anthem in the style of the ABB that deals with navigating the never ending changes that living brings. Ample horns and a discernable homage to Van Morrison remind listeners that Haynes has world-class soulful vocal chops in addition to his much respected guitar skills.
With the release of Million Voices Whisper Warren Haynes might be hearing from many of the those millions of Allman Brothers Band fans demanding more of these type of musical stylings in the future. We wouldn't blame them either as this celebratory project is something to scream about for sure.
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Review by Rockin' Rich Lynch |
Warren Haynes
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