GOVERNMENT MULE WITH DR. JOHN @ RALEIGH DOWNTOWN AMPHITHEATER

Allman Brothers Band first spin off southern jam rock band, Government Mule is set to perform this evening with Dr. John ( Malcolm John "Mac" Rebennack), one of the greatest,most prolific and authentic musicians from the mysterious, foggy mists of  Voodoo country: New Orleans, LA.

Warren Haynes ( aka the hardest working man in rock) serves as the center piece of Government Mule's t
 as the guitar shredder and soulful singer while the rest of the group follows suit with extended jams of their own, a few Allman Bros. tunes and usually a few covers by classic hippie bands like the Grateful Dead.   Haynes'  lyrics tend to be  somewhat ridiculous when he goes on  about souring on eagles wings and whatnot.  But, as a band, Government Mule puts on decent show and Warren Haynes completely destroys the guitar.



Doctor John carries himself as a true New Orleans spirit who could quite possibly sacrifice a chicken and roll the bones before each show for good luck.  But, who knows?   In his early days, John's live shows usually included a Voodoo ceremony of some sort between his sets of Jazz, Zydeco and  funky rock and roll.  Dr. John's piano work was highly influenced by his mentor; New Orleans icon Professor Longhair whose larger than life musical spirit remains omnipresent in the Crescent City.   He earned his moniker as "The Nite Tripper in the 1970's at which point he was ingesting large quantities of LSD  among other substances which may or may not had something to do with his foray into the dark world of Voodoo.  I believe he is a blinding symbol of all things New Orleans.  The music, the culture, the danger and even the food. and it's anagogic reputation.    One thing  for certain is  that the sound of his voice is like no other just as his piano playing and fascinating eccentric persona can never be replicated.



Catch both acts at The Raleigh Downtown Amphitheater Wed. June 16!