All too often concerts are judged simply by the set list rather than upon the quality of the musicianship, the passion of the band members, the uniqueness of the venue, and the buzz of the audience. Gov’t Mule’s latest trip to Washington, DC, featured all of the above and then some, as the band rolled effortlessly through two energetic sets at the historic Warner Theatre.

Something special was obviously in the air on Thursday night as evidenced by Warren Haynes’ smile when he posed for pictures with fans at a nearby restaurant prior to the show. Warren’s smile was just as big when he took the stage, and it continued to glow during and between songs throughout the evening. Maybe it was because the band wasn’t out promoting a new CD, or maybe it was because the Allman Brothers farewell tour is officially in the past, but the band looked relaxed throughout and they were clearly very loose and having fun.

Haynes brought his A-game and so did Matt Abts, as he does every show. Keyboardist Danny Louis again shined as the utility man sitting in on rhythm guitar as well as trombone. Adding saxophonist Ron Holloway to the fray on Thursday didn’t hurt matters either. Holloway continues to prove that he can take an already great performance to another level. The saxophonist was at his best Thursday, helping songs such as “Trouble Every Day,” “I Feel Like Breaking Up Somebody’s Home,” and “Going Out West” shine even brighter.Warren Haynes called out Holloway’s name in appreciation repeatedly throughout the evening.

As for an impressive set list the evening combined Gov’t Mule’s impressive catalog with covers of Frank Zappa (Trouble Every Day), Grateful Dead (Other One), and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers (Breakdown). Set list diversity, passion, outstanding musicianship, top to bottom, start to finish, Thursday was an outstanding and exceptional show.

Set List:

Set 1

–        I’m a Ram

–        Game Face (Mountain Jam Teaser)

–        Patchwork Quilt

–        Banks of the Deep End

–        Captured

–        Stratus

–        Trouble Every Day

–        I Feel Like Breaking Up Somebody’s Home

Set 2

–        Scared to Live

–        No Need to Suffer

–        Beautifully Broken

–        Breakdown

–        Beautifully Broken

–        Devil Likes it Slow

–        Fallen Down

–        Other One (Jam)

–        Broke Down on the Brazos

Encore:

–        Goin’ Out West