Gov't Mule Sco-Mule

Of the many shows that Gov't Mule's faithful fans have clamored to have officially released, this is among the most deeply desired. These tapes on double disc were culled from a pair of December 1999 gigs in Georgia where the trio -- guitarist Warren Haynes, bassist Allen Woody, and drummer Matt Abts -- invited ace jazz guitarist John Scofield and keyboardist Dr. Dan Matrazzo to sit in. They were originally intended for release as a live album, but due to Woody's premature death a couple of months later, they were shelved. These shows mark the very first on-stage meetings between Scofield and Haynes, who've played together many times since. Scofield's "Hottentot" opens it all on a groove-laden tip. Abts lays down that taut snare and hi-hat with cracking breaks as the two guitarists state the theme in unison. It unfolds in relaxed fashion and the frontmen really talk to each other over and through the vamp. And though it gets things cooking, it doesn't prepare the listener for the first