On
this, the second of the deep end recordings, Gov’t
Mule decides to create a musical fusion of many different
genres and produce one of the must intriguing blues album
to date. This second album features bass players including
Les Claypool (Primus), Billy Cox (Jimi Hendrix), Phil Lesh
(Grateful Dead), Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, King Crimson),
Meshell N'degeocello, Jason Newsted (ex-Metallica), and
Chris Squire (Yes), among others. Each song is tailored
toward the playing style of each guest bassist, while still
holding the mellow/funk aspect that makes Gov’t Mule
such a standout. Blues rock just doesn’t get any better.
The
guitar overflows with comforting southern blues riffs, sliding
and twanging a musical scale of enormous territory. The
songs come to life and provide a good excuse to broaden
your musical tastes. Each song provides a new experience,
whether it be from the Primus influenced Greasy Granny,
or the gospel-esque “Hammer and Nails”, the
songs capture different elements and mold them together
into the most unique and incredible display of southern
blues rock I have ever heard. Even if you have no interest
whatsoever in blues/funk music, the quality and gathering
of musicians is enough to make you a fan. Allen Woody should
be very proud; his band/friends have created one of the
best tribute albums of all time in his memory.
Pick
up The Deep End Vol. 1 and 2 as well as the dvd, there’s
no reason not to own this piece of musical history.
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