(Fantasy Records, CD, digital, vinyl)
Warren Haynes’ services are sought after. It’s been that way since the late ’80s, when the guitarist joined the Dickey Betts Band and shortly thereafter became an official member of the Allman Brothers Band. The leader of Gov’t Mule, an outfit he started in 1994, Haynes might also be involved at any given moment in several all-star projects, which rarely leaves much free time in his schedule. In fact, it had been nearly a decade since his last solo recording.
But with the November release of his walloping fourth studio album, Million Voices Whisper, the 64-year-old Asheville, N.C., native asserts his command as a blues and slide guitarist, showcases a soulful voice, and exhibits fortitude as a songwriter. An emotionally expressive Haynes shapes deep reflection and grit into an 11-track escapade that effuses not only blues but also soul, gospel, funk and country — styles that continue to influence this wildly accomplished musician.
He’s accompanied by some longtime friends and, of course, armed with his arsenal of Gibson guitars — the company has sold various limited-edition Warren Haynes signature models. He uses the new album to pay heartfelt tribute to a couple of his beloved mentors who’ve died since he last carved out time for his own material.
Namely, he finishes off a tune begun by Gregg Allman, who died in 2017 just months after original Allman Brothers Band drummer Butch Trucks. Though Haynes doesn’t call out guitarist Dickey Betts specifically, Million Voices Whisper most certainly channels his spirit. Betts, who died last spring, recruited Haynes to join his group and, later, a reunited Allman Brothers Band.
Guitarist Derek Trucks, nephew of Butch Trucks and Haynes’ bandmate during his second stint with the Allman Brothers, joins him on album opener “These Changes.” It’s a convincing appeal for preservation, and after beginning as a slow-rolling ballad, it climbs to a jam with familiar Allman Brothers gusto as these two Grammy winners trade licks.
Haynes finds plenty of opportunity to shine on his own. His instrumental and vocal tones correspond to themes in his writing, like in the never-say-die big-band anthem “Go Down Swinging” and the ungovernable “You Ain’t Above Me.” On “This Life as We Know It,” his sound is bright and crisp as he buzzes with gratitude.
Million Voices Whisper was recorded in Waterford, Conn., at Power Station New England and produced by Haynes himself. It hears him collaborate with Lukas Nelson and Jamey Johnson for “Day of Reckoning,” a forthright assessment with striking lyrics that contain the album’s title.
Later, Trucks reappears for “Real, Real Love,” a tender, longing Southern-rock piece with lyrics partially written by Allman but finished by Haynes. Gloriously bought to life by Allman’s two former bandmates, now masters of their craft, it’s one of the record’s stunning achievements.
Just this month, Haynes was announced as a returning member of the Brothers, an Allman Brothers Band supergroup/reunion project with April dates at Madison Square Garden. But with Million Voices Whisper, Haynes has already honored his former Allman Brothers mates. He’s also cemented his stature as an articulate and gifted rock visionary.
Haynes performs on Thursday, February 20, at the Flynn in Burlington. Million Voices Whisper is available on all streaming platforms and can be purchased on vinyl and CD at warrenhaynes.net.
This article appears in Feb 19-25, 2025.
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