The kind of good old rock and roll many feel has been lost proved to be alive and well Wednesday night at the CFA, as Gov't Mule and New Earth Mud performed for just under four hours to an enthusiastic and receptive crowd.
The Mainstage was a unique venue for the southern rock combo, as the auditorium appeared much more suited for an orchestra than a rock show. By the third song, half of the crowd was on its feet, dancing. Eventually, a small general admission-type section at the front of the aisles formed.
New Earth Mud opened the show and set the tone of hard-edged bluesy rock. Former Black Crowes member Chris Robinson fronts the band. One of the highlights of their set was their cover of Bob Dylan's "Tonight I'll be Staying Here With You."
The fans of the music of these two bands span generations, and this was clear at Wednesday night's show. From current college students to those who attended college in the 1970s, this music was enjoyed without the boundaries of age.
"I've always liked this type of music," said Jacob Gillen, a junior history major. "I'm a big fan of the Allman Brothers and Warren Haynes."
The guitar work of Gov't Mule's Warren Haynes is truly something that can be shared between baby-boomers and their sons and daughters. Haynes has been playing with the legendary Allman Brothers Band ever since they regrouped in the late 1980s.
Presently, Haynes spends his time playing with both bands. Showing the similar musical styles of his two bands, Haynes and Gov't Mule ended the first set of the show with a cover of the Allman Brothers song, "Dreams," during which Chris Robinson and New Earth Mud guitarist Paul Stacey made guest appearances.
Gov't Mule's second set showed the versatility of the band. The set included an instrumental jazz and blues song as well as an extended drum solo during which the other members of the band left the stage.
There is no doubt that the majority of the focus of fans was on Haynes. The audience appeared entirely captivated by each and every one of his guitar solos.
"I've seen plenty of talented guitarists and few perform with the soul and intensity of Warren Haynes," said Ryan Schiff, a senior anthropology major.
This show was no exception to such intensity. At several points, the crowd exploded with ovations, screams and whistles even before a song was completed.
As an encore, Gov't Mule returned to the stage to play the song "I Shall Return." The powerful and sad lyrics of the song were brightened by a tease of Dobie Gray's "Drift Away." Haynes sang the familiar chorus twice throughout "I Shall Return."
If anything negative could be mentioned about the show, it is that at points, Gov't Mule sound seemed to become slightly repetitive. This did not seem to affect the overall appreciation that the crowd had for the music, though.
"When it comes to blues and rock and roll, it doesn't get much better than these guys," Schiff said.
Showing the characteristics of a fan at a boy band concert, two girls ran up on stage at the end of the encore. Two girls hugged Haynes, showing their appreciation for the show and Gov't Mule's music.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
