GOV'T MULE WITH JOHN PAUL JONES & FRIENDS / CHRISTMAS JAM 2008 (1CDR)

Warren Haynes – guitar, vocals
Danny Louis – keyboards, guitar, trumpet, vocals
Andy Hess – bass
Matt Abts – drums, percussion, vocals

John Paul Jones - keyboards (Tracks 5, 6), bass (Tracks 4, 7, 8)
Robben Ford - guitar (Tracks 2, 9)
Karl Denson - saxophone (Track 2)
Audley Freed - guitar (Track 6)
Tal Wilkenfeld - bass (Track 9)
Patterson Hood - vocals (Track 1)
Travis Tritt - vocals (Track 3)
Mike Barnes - vocals (Tracks 3, 7)
Ben Harper - vocals (Tracks 7, 8)

1. SOUTHERN MAN
2. LIVELY UP YOURSELF
3. SIMPLE MAN
4. LIVIN' LOVIN' MAID
5. SINCE I'VE BEEN LOVING YOU
6. NO QUARTER
7. THE OCEAN
Encore
8. WHEN THE LEVEE BREAKS
Bonus Track (December 12, 2008)
9. SCO-MULE

The "Necromancer Series" reissues rare titles—originally released on handmade labels created by collectors for collectors—using official master recordings. Now, the "Locked Room" label debuts, specializing in rock and pop music.
This is a soundboard live recording of Gov't Mule, the band led by Warren Haynes—who famously anchored the Allman Brothers Band in its later years alongside Derek Trucks in a dual-guitar lineup. They are a jam band that combines a hard-rocking, spirited guitar style with the musical prowess to sustain lengthy improvisational performances. This title captures a "Christmas Jam" session where Gov't Mule took center stage and welcomed a host of star-studded guests. The standout guest is, of course, John Paul Jones! He not only participates in more than half the songs but also makes a massive impact by featuring on "Since I've Been Loving You" and "No Quarter." As a band adept at covers—exemplified by Patterson Hood of the Southern rock group Drive-By Truckers singing Neil Young’s "Southern Man"—Gov't Mule delivers an album packed with highlights. There is even a somewhat surprising guest appearance by Ben Harper on two tracks. With an additional bonus track included, this is a must-have release. Although it is likely an audience recording, the sound quality is so superb—rivaling that of a soundboard recording—that the word "likely" feels almost necessary to qualify the statement.