Warren Haynes: Ashes & Dust

You may not recognise the name but chances are you’ve heard plenty of Warren Haynes’ work. His 35-year career includes 20 some years with the Allman Brothers Band, as an on occasional member of The Dead and playing as co-founder of blues rockers Gov’t Mule.
His own 2011 album, the soul/jazz infused Man In Motion was well-received but this project reveals yet another side to Haynes’ talents backed by buddies from New Jersey, Americana band Railroad Earth. Allmans bandmates ‘Spots of Time’ bassist Oteil Burbridge and percussionist Marc Quinones feature on ‘Spots Of Time’. From folky acoustic to slick slide and jazz influenced guitar, Haynes shows lesser players – and some better known – how it’s done.
New songs sit between some he’s stored away waiting to be placed appropriately. Grace Potter joins Haynes for a fine duet on Stevie Nicks’ ‘Gold Dust Woman’. Eloquent violin and mandolin chime in as added voices to accompany Haynes’ guitars. Shawn Colvin and Mickey Raphael (harmonica) feature on ‘Wanderlust’. Highlight’s include ‘Company Man’ and Billy Edd Wheeler’s folk tale ‘Coal Tattoo’ – formerly covered by The Kingston Trio. Stories told with bluegrassy banjo, ethereal guitar solos at just the right length and a warming country heart combine to deliver a timeless pleasure.
Out Now Via Provogue
Reviewed by Chris Lambie