Various Artists - Warren Haynes Presents: The Benefit Concert Vol. 2

Genre rock Publisher Evil Teen Records External Links Official Warren Haynes Website Official Evil Teen Records Website

Maybe it's a Southern thing, but rockers from that U.S. region simply love to organize all-star jams. Charlie Daniels, Willie Nelson and Alabama all have been known to throw large musical parties, to name just a few. Gov't. Mule's Warren Haynes presents one of these shindigs every Christmas, and this two-CD set is his 12th event to date. If you love Southern fried rock, this release is good for what ails ya.

Disc one contains this show's more alternative jams, for lack of a better term, whereas the second CD is mostly dedicated to a few of this genre's godfathers. For instance, The Bottle Rockets are more of an alt-country act. They contribute "Stuck In A Rut," wherein they complain: "I've been doin' the same thing for way too long." They're also represented by "Nancy Sinatra," which is probably a famous name rarely - if ever - dropped by jam band musicians and/or aficionados. Col. Bruce Hampton and The Aquarium Rescue Unit often travel the jam circuit, although their disjointed guitar rock, which shows a soulful side during "Elevator To The Moon" with its George Benson-y guitar/vocal section, is clearly thinking man's music. This first disc is also the one with the most Haynes music. Our host shines brightest during the acoustic "I'll Be The One."

Greg Allman and The Allman Brothers Band take up half of CD two. Their representations include the familiar "Statesboro Blues" and "Born Under A Bad Sign." This second half also includes a cover of Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released," with Haynes, Kevin Kinney, Edwin McCain, and John Popper joining in on the social justice anthem.

Strangely, there isn't one Christmas song on these Christmas concert discs. That's a small complaint, however, because this is mighty fine year-round music.