CD Review

As the busiest man in rock and roll, it’s hard to imagine how Warren Haynes found the time to release a solo EP, even if it’s only five songs. Recorded at various times and places over the past six years, the Lone EP is a stripped down acoustic affair. One gets an exclusive listen to Haynes’ soulful, feverishly emotive vocal style, aside from his acclaimed fierce electric guitar leads.

The opening tune, "Patchwork Quilt," plays clear reference to Jerry Garica’s passing on the notorious day of August 9th, 1995. The tune is complete with symbolic references, from Haynes’ performance with the Allman Brothers Band at Jones Beach that night, to the un-expected "what do we do now" retorts of Deadheads now that their "North Star" has disappeared.

The fervent "I’ll Be The One," originally released off Haynes debut solo release from the early 90’s, Tales of Ordinary Madness, is a soulful proclamation to love and commitment, containing an undeniable chorus that might be an FM radio staple today. The solemn "Indian Sunset" crawls amongst an intense Native American story, with Haynes shrilling at its abrupt conclusiion. The Allman Brothers staple "End of the Line" and the Gov’t Mule rocker, "Fallen Down" are stripped to their bare bones, providing an intimate statement, in contrast to their detached electric counterparts. After twenty five minutes, The Lone EP, pleads for more music… perhaps soon we’ll get The Lone CD. Warren Haynes certainly has the catalog of music to make that CD a reality.