Warren Haynes traveled to Paste Studios in New York on Monday for a solo performance. The four-song set saw the Gov’t Mule founder explore the band’s new blues album, Heavy Load Blues.
Standing before the mic alone, as he has done many times, Haynes began the session with “Ain’t No Love in the Heart of the City”. Originally written by Bobby “Blue” Bland, the celebrated guitarist’s voice becomes his primary instrument. Haynes fires off some subtle guitar licks, though overall the performance sees him toe the line between bluesman and songsmith.
After discussing some of the specifics of the recording process behind Heavy Load Blues, it was back to the music. Haynes next dug up his original “If Heartaches Were Nickels”. The song’s history stretches back to 1994 when Kenny Neal put out the first recorded version and has also been covered by Joe Bonamassa, though Haynes had never released an official version of his own until the new Mule album.
Following some quick product placement for Haynes’ signature Gibson Les Paul, it was time for another cover with Ellmore James‘ “Blues Before Sunrise”. The track fittingly opens Heavy Load Blues, blending the song’s inherent classic blues tone with Mule’s own contemporary style. Finally, Warren Haynes’ Paste session came to a close with “Old Friend”, a song the guitarist originally wrote as a member of The Allman Brothers Band.
Watch Warren Haynes’ full Paste session below and stream Heavy Load Blues on the platform of your choice here.
Warren Haynes of Gov’t Mule live at Paste Studio on the Road: NYC