Déjà Voodoo is an album by the southern rock jam band Gov't Mule. It was the first Gov't Mule album to feature Andy Hess and Danny Louis as permanent members, and it was also the first album that Gov't Mule did not play live before its release. The title is a reference to the fact that the band believes it rocks just like it used to before the death of former bassist Allen Woody. Beginning in late 2005, the album was released to include the Mo' Voodoo EP. DEJA VOODOO serves as a comeback for Gov't Mule, who lost founding member Allen Woody in August 2000. Bandmates Warren Haynes and Matt Abts carried on with a search to fill Woody's shoes, and this led to live recordings featuring guest bassists on each cut. This studio outing welcomes the arrival of former Black Crowes bass player Andy Hess and keyboardist Danny Louis, whose entry transforms the Mule into a quartet, upping the creative potential for all involved. Being the consummate musician that he is, Haynes guides this potent ensemble down a wide-ranging path. Wielding his ever-present slide, the in-demand guitarist pours plenty of soulful playing into the country-tinged mellowness of "Wine and Blood," switching gears to plug a wah-wah pedal in for the muscular strut "Perfect Shelter." Louis's organ provides a neat foil for Haynes, be it the New Orleans-like funk fills that pepper "Bad Man Walking" or the subtle support provided on the soaring "Little Toy Brain." Hess also gets his licks in, holding the bottom down admirably with Abts, particularly on the rumbling "Mr. Man" and the thumping blues-rock of "Slackjaw Jezebel." DEJA VOODOO proves Gov't Mule still has plenty of kick left. Track listing All songs by Warren Haynes, except where noted. 1. "Bad Man Walking" (Haynes, Danny Louis) -- 4:08 2. "About to Rage" -- 8:06 3. "Perfect Shelter" -- 4:51 4. "Little Toy Brain" -- 5:12 5. "Slackjaw Jezebel" -- 5:25 6. "Wine and Blood" -- 5:44 7. "Lola Leave Your Light On" (Haynes, Andy Hess, Jeff Anders) -- 6:20 8. "Silent Scream" (Haynes, Louis) -- 10:57 9. "No Celebration" -- 6:32 10. "Mr. Man" -- 4:18 11. "My Separate Reality" -- 6:58 12. "New World Blues" -- 6:58 Personnel • Warren Haynes -- vocals, guitar • Matt Abts -- drums • Danny Louis -- keyboards • Andy Hess -- bass Production • Michael Barbiero -- producer • Steve Bucino -- engineer • Ted Young -- engineer Audio Mixer: Michael Barbiero. Recording information: Water Music, Hoboken, NJ. Photographer: Danny Clinch.

• published: 27 Jun 2011
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