Gov’t Mule
First-Ever Blues Album Heavy Load Blues
Receives GRAMMY Nomination For Best Traditional Blues Album
November 15, 2022 – Renowned quartet Gov’t Mule has received their first GRAMMY® album nomination in the category of Best Traditional Blues Album for their critically acclaimed and chart-topping collection, Heavy Load Blues. Marking the band’s first-ever blues album, Heavy Load Blues, available via Fantasy Records, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues Albums chart upon its release and has since amassed over 5 million total global streams. The album was produced by Gov’t Mule’s front man, GRAMMY® Award-winning vocalist, songwriter, guitar legend, and producer Warren Haynes, alongside engineer and co-producer John Paterno (Elvis Costello, Michael Landau, Bonnie Raitt, Robbie Williams, Los Lobos). Worldwide, Heavy Load Blues has received praise and support from the likes of Consequence, Guitar World, NPR Weekend Edition, BrooklynVegan, No Depression, PopMatters, Downbeat, Classic Rock, Relix, Paste and many more. PRESS HERE to listen. This represents Gov’t Mule’s second GRAMMY nomination in their storied career following a nod for Best Rock Instrumental Performance for “Sco-Mule” in 2003.
Heavy Load Blues encompasses an even mix of Haynes’ originals, such as “Heavy Load,” and revered covers, including their rendition of the Tom Waits classic “Make It Rain,” a groovy arrangement of the Junior Wells standard “Snatch It Back and Hold It,” and more originally made famous by the likes of Howlin’ Wolf, Elmore James, Ann Peebles, Bobby “Blue” Bland, and The Animals. A deluxe edition is also available featuring 8 additional studio and live tracks, including the Haynes original “Hiding Place” and covers originally by Savoy Brown, Sonny Boy Williamson, Muddy Waters and Otis Rush. PRESS HERE to listen to the Deluxe edition. Though technically considered a studio album, Heavy Load Blues was recorded live in the studio at The Power Station New England on analog tape, utilizing vintage guitars, amps and other equipment to capture an authentic sound.
For over two decades, Gov’t Mule – Warren Haynes [vocals, guitar], Matt Abts [drums], Danny Louis [keyboards, guitar, and backing vocals], and Jorgen Carlsson [bass] – has galvanized a global fanbase with their honest, organic and daring music and improvisational virtuosity, leading them to be recognized as one of the most timeless, revered and active bands in the world whose spot amongst rock titans remains unshakable. Led by the visionary Haynes – a cornerstone of the American music landscape – the enduring, globally revered group has showcased its intelligence and breadth over the course of 20+ studio and live albums, thousands of memorable performances, and millions of album and track sales. Gov’t Mule has become a human encyclopedia of great American music while adding to that canon with their signature sound. The band’s flexible interplay in the studio and on stage makes them a true living, breathing ensemble and Haynes is lauded as one of the most formidable guitarists and vocalists of the modern era and a prolific songwriter and producer. Throughout his prolific career as part of three of the greatest live groups in rock history – Allman Brothers Band, Gov’t Mule and the Dead – and an acclaimed solo artist, Haynes has become one of music’s most treasured storytellers.
Gov’t Mule recently wrapped a fall headlining tour in support of Heavy Load Blues. Up next, the road warriors will perform at Warren Haynes’ Christmas Jam on December 10th in Asheville, NC and then close out the year with their annual New Year’s Run, which makes its triumphant return this year. The three-night stand kicks off December 29th at The Met in Philadelphia and then heads to The Beacon Theatre in New York City, the band’s unofficial home-court venue, for back-to-back shows on December 30th and 31st.
Media Praise for Heavy Load Blues
“Heavy jam legends Gov’t Mule lay bare their roots on Heavy Load Blues, resulting in one of the most satisfying albums of the year.” – PopMatters
“Heavy Load Blues is raw, heavy, and immediate.” – AllMusic
“A mesmerizing dynamic exists between the covers and other originals [on Heavy Load Blues].” – No Depression
“[‘Heavy Load’] sounds timeless in the way that real-deal blues often does.” – BrooklynVegan
“Haynes and the band deliver a world-class musical experience [on Heavy Load Blues].” – Goldmine
“Heavy Load Blues [is] a profound experience from start to finish.” – Rock & Blues Muse
“A sonic signature…Heavy Load Blues will whisk you to a place you’ve maybe never been, but will want to return to again and again.” – Twangville
“Heavy Load Blues is an impressive showcase of Gov’t Mule’s ability to effortlessly produce a blues album while still leaving you knowing you just listened to a Mule album when it’s over.”
– Discover Vinyl
Photo Credit: Jay Sansone
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Photographer and Editor/Founder of AllMusicMagazine.com. My love of live music has taken me to incredible experiences with the top bands of all time in stadium shows to the smallest venues with equally inspiring musicians. Using the medium of photography and my publication, these memories will last forever.
