Live at Roseland Theater
Oct. 28, 2013 – Portland, OR
Show Review by: Walter McCorkle
This Saturday night the ever-popular and wildly talented Gov’t Mule made its way through Portland, OR as they are kicking off the second leg of the SHOUT! tour. This leg of the tour will encompass a sweeping pass through the entire west coast and wind down in Texas in mid-November. Mule’s new, two disc album SHOUT! was released on September 24th and features a number of special guests: Ben Harper, Dr. John, Grace Potter and Steve Winwood to name a few. Though the band is dubbed a “southern rock jam band,” their broad spectrum of influences is constantly exemplified in both their studio tracks and live performances.
On this past Saturday’s late fall evening, Gov’t Mule took to the stage at the Roseland Theater, located in downtown Portland. Though the shape of the inside of the theater appears as if the dance floor may have hosted a club/disco past, the crowd inside certainly portrayed the atmosphere of a jam rock fan base. Great brews flowed and crowd banter filled the air until the lights dimmed and Gov’t Mule, led by front man Warren Haynes, made their entrance to the stage. Immediately, the “southern rock” element that broadly describes the band was evidenced with a rockin’ “Any Open Window.” Next, the lyrical talent and powerful voice of Haynes filled the theater when the band segued into “Bad Man Walking” and finally this rocking introduction cooled down with a very blues-inspired “Mother Earth.” It became clear in these three songs to start the show that Mule has incredible depth and range that would soon be unveiled before us. A couple of songs from the new album were played during the first set. The new song that stuck me the most, however, was the hard-hitting “Funny Little Tragedy.” The upbeat and thumping bass rhythm combining with some improv jam teasing “Taking Care of Business” yet again portrayed the varied musical influence of the band.
The second set kicked up with another very southern rockin’ tune “No Reward” but soon the next level of influence entered the mix with a reggae feeling “Play With Fire”. From this point on, the excitement of the crowd was tangible, the band was on queue, the lights were flurrying, and the energy never ceased. A long “drums” was both well executed and a needed reprieve because the next hour of music was glorious! From a Steely Dan cover “Don’t Take Me Alive” into “Fallen” with teases of “Paint It Black” (Rolling Stones) and a “Play With Fire” reprise, followed by “ The Other One Jam” paying homage to the Grateful Dead with more Stones’ teases. And at last, tying back to the off-and-on reggae influence, “I’m A Ram” with a “Love Me Do” (the Beatles) sandwich squeezed between refrains wrapped up the second set. After plenty of hoots and hollers, the band returned for one last jam “Bring On The Music” that left the crowd fully satisfied. Another wonderful night in the beautiful Rose City.
Gov’t Mule at the Roseland Theater, Portland, OR 10/26/2013 Set 1 Any Open Window > Bad Man Walking > Mother Earth ; Rocking Horse ; Little Toy Brain ; No Need To Suffer ; When The World Gets Small ; Wandering Child ; Funny Little Tragedy (w/ Taking Care of Business Tease) Set 2 No Reward ; Play With Fire ; Brighter Days > Like Flies > Drums > Don’t Take Me Alive > Fallen (w/ Paint It Black Tease & Play With Fire Reprise) > The Other One Jam (w/ 3rd Stone From The Sun Tease & Gimme Shelter Lyrics) ; I’m A Ram (w/ Black Dog Tease) > Love Me Do > I’m A Ram Encore Bring On The Music