GOV'T MULE - DAY 2: REVIEW & PICS

Review by Evan Levy, Pics by James Orr & Doug Potoksky

And so another night of Gov't Mule lay ahead of us. It would be hard to top last night, with an amazing second set opener like Pink Floyd's "Fearless" you wondered what would be the song everyone would be talking about the next day. There was an air of suspense before the music began and the tension was mounting with whispered rumors or artists who might join in "Dave Matthews might show up..." said one festival goer as he passed me. Highly unlikely since he's playing in Saratoga tonight, but it was a fun thought. After a cover of Joni Mitchell's "Woodstock" and a down and dirty version of "Broke Down On The Brazos" from their newest album "By A Thread", it would be hard to choose. Guest Derek Trucks joined the guys for an elongated jam session. What could be in store in set 2? Scroll below to see...

Set 2 exploded with a trip to Jamaica for a reggae version of "The Joker" with special guest Matisyahu. Then the jam continued with the guys busting out a soulful island version of Led Zeppelin's "D'yer Mak'er". Next, Warren picked up the pace with Neal Young's "Rockin' In The Free World", which left some space for a few mind bending solos. The horn section from Lettuce sat in with a tasty jam for bit until I noticed that Jackie Greene was lurking around backstage and figured that he would joining Warren and the guys on stage. Sure enough he emerged - "It's a party from here on out" Warren exclaimed. The Rolling Stones "Ventilator Blues" was the perfect vehicle for Jackie to showcase his amazing harmonica skills. But the Stones tribute didn't end there as "Monkey Man" came screaming though. For the encore, Pearl Jam's "Black" got everyone dancing faster again and revved the crowd up a second time with Aerosmith's "Train Kept A Rollin". It was just another one of those amazing Mule performances that keeps you coming back every year. We'll be back with more coverage of Mountain Jam VI tomorrow!