Jeff Young

Warren Haynes has posted a series of reflections, memorializing a cross-section of friends and heroes who have recently passed away.

Three days ago, he remembered jazz pioneer Wayne Shorter, reflecting:

RIP Wayne Shorter- Wayne Shorter was one of my all time favorite musicians and composers. Like many of us I first discovered his music through Weather Report who I was lucky enough to see live in 1976 when I was 16 years old. Then finding out what all he had done earlier in his career led me to his work with Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers, his solo work, and his work with the Miles Davis Quintet. I bought every record by that period of the Jazz Messengers not just because of how great the band was but also because they performed so many of Wayne’s compositions. There’s something about his songs on those records and on his solo records that had a unique quality that distinguished his works from every other composer. But, as I’ve mentioned many times in interviews, the Miles Davis Quintet with Wayne, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams is probably my all-time favorite band- odd for a guitar player to say I know. The way that unit played together combined with the songs (largely Wayne’s) seemed to defy what had come before- even to defy jazz itself. They epitomized the concept of flowing, free-form, conversational improvisation to the extent that you could sense that none of the musicians knew what they were gonna play until they heard what someone else played in the prior moments. I strived and continue to strive to bring that into my own world and I must say that that realization changed the way look at music and the way I approach music. Wayne Shorter was a true genius and the Universe will miss him.- WH

Then, two days ago, his thoughts turned to David Lindley. Of the noted sideman, he said:

RIP David Lindley- Another big loss right on the heels of losing Wayne Shorter. David Lindley was a true stylist and a unique voice on whatever instrument he picked up. His lap steel playing in particular was a big influence on me. I’ve always put David on a short list of major influences on my slide playing- especially on the melodic side. Often times when I’m approaching a song or solo in a major key Lindley’s influence will appear automatically. His style was so vocalesque and his sense of melody was a deep well. I think of some of those Jackson Browne songs with David that we all heard on the radio in the seventies where his solos became part of the song to the point where even non-musicians could hum along. David leaves behind a beautiful trove of music for music lovers to enjoy for centuries to come.- WH

The Allman Brothers Band guitarist and Gov’t Mule founder also lost a few close associates from his earlier days. First, he paid tribute to Michael Rhodes, a bassist and friend from his Nashville days:

RIP Michael Rhodes- This is getting ridiculous…..When I first moved to Nashville in 1983 I heard Michael Rhodes for the first time. He was playing with a band called the Nerve which was a really cool band but I found myself totally tuned in to Michael’s bass playing. It totally drove the music- the way James Jamerson drove Motown, the way Jaco drove Weather Report, the way John Bonham drove Led Zeppelin. You could see it in his body language. He felt every pulse of the music and was totally immersed in the groove. A few years later as we became friends and I signed my first publishing deal I began the process of recording demoes of my songs. I would always reach out to Michael to play bass and even though he was the busiest guy in town he always made time for those sessions. When i signed my first record deal and recorded my first solo album TALES OF ORDINARY MADNESS he was my go-to guy as well. He was not only a driving force in the studio he was a calming force as well. His demeanor combined with his experience and expertise demanded trust in a way that made everyone who was part of the recording sessions feel more confident. Whenever I was at a crossroads on what to do with a particular arrangement I would look to Michael who invariably had the right answer. We played a lot of music together and it was always a special experience. I learned a lot from Michael, as did everyone who ever worked with him, and we will all miss him.- WH

He then celebrated the life of keyboardist Jeff Young, another longtime member of Jackson Browne’s band. Young was a key part of the original Warren Haynes Band and played pivotal roles in helping Gov’t Mule grow into its current incarnation as well. Haynes said:

RIP Jeff Young- A few days ago we lost a dear friend. Jeff’s connection to myself and to Gov’t Mule is a bizarre one. When I first moved to New York City in 1990 the first musician I connected with was Jeff Young. He was a great keyboardist as well as a really soulful singer. After playing together a few times I mentioned that I was looking to put a band together. He recommended Steve Holley as a drummer and Lincoln Schleifer as a bassist and the first version of the Warren Haynes Band was born. We mostly played in the New York area and had a blast performing during my down time from the Allman Brothers. When Jeff moved to LA to join Jackson Browne’s band he recommended Danny Louis (with whom he shares a birthday) to take his place. He also recommended Jorgen Carlsson when Gov’t Mule was looking for a bass player in 2008. I will cherish the times Jeff and I were able to play together and our time hanging out as well. He was not only a great musician but a great human being.- WH

Finally, a few hours ago, Haynes reflected on his time with Gary Rossington, who passed away yesterday. Haynes shared the stage with Rossington when The Allman Brothers and Gov’t Mule toured with Lynyrd Skynyrd–and played his music in countless other settings over the years. Of the Southern rock pioneer, he said:

RIP Gary Rossington. What a bad week for the music world! Gary was not only a great guitar player, he also composed a lot of the classic guitar melodies that Lynyrd Skynyrd is known for and he co-wrote so many of their timeless songs. Their unique blend of influences filtered through their own musical personalities created a style of music all to itself which became the soundtrack to millions of people’s lives. Gary was leading the charge. Not many bands can claim the domination of the airwaves like LS did in the seventies. Even fewer can boast the staying power that a band like Lynyrd Skynyrd has portrayed. Thanks to the advent of “Classic Rock,” which they were a huge part of, LS’s timeless songs permeated the airwaves decade after decade and continue to do so. Not only that, anyone who turns on a Modern Country radio station will only have to stay tuned for ten minutes before hearing Skynyrd’s massive influence on today’s country music. Having done quite a few shows together through the years, both with the Allman Brothers Band and with Gov’t Mule, I could never lose sight of how many classic songs they wrote. They could do an entire show filled with memorable tunes and still not cover them all. Although it is great party music, their songs have an emotional depth that will keep them alive for decades to come. If you don’t believe me — put on a recording of SIMPLE MAN and try not to get emotional. If you’re a whiskey drinker — raise a glass in toast to Gary Rossington!- WH

Haynes suffered his own health issues at the end of last year but will return to the road with Gov’t Mule in May.