BIO

Warren Haynes’ musical journey began even before he ever picked up a guitar. “I was singing in my bedroom, trying to emulate all my favorite soul singers,” he recalls. “Those early impressions and influences are very deep and tend to stay with you.”

That streak of soul runs strong through his new album, Million Voices Whisper.

It’s the first solo album in almost a decade from the revered Allman Brothers guitarist and founder of Gov’t Mule, and it’s a change from his last, more acoustic-oriented solo effort. Sounding as energetic and focused as ever, Haynes this time powers through a set of soulful blues-rock accompanied by members of his current all-star band. They include John Medeski on keyboards, longtime drummer Terence Higgins (of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band), and Gov’t Mule’s new bassist Kevin Scott.

The album also features guest appearances from his Allman Brothers Band compatriot Derek Trucks, and from his Last Waltz Tour co-stars Lukas Nelson and Jamey Johnson.

Roots and Branches

Haynes’ storied career has taken him to countless corners of the music world. From those soul-music roots, he branched out quickly to become an in-demand guitarist and vocalist. He joined the re-formed Allman Brothers Band in 1989. Eight years later, he and bassist Allen Woody left to fully concentrate on their then-side project, Gov’t Mule.

Thirty years later, Mule forges on—and so does the Warren Haynes Band, which Haynes launched in 2010 and has included the likes of George Porter Jr., Ruthie Foster, and Ivan Neville. In the past few years, Haynes has also collaborated with jazz guitarist John Scofield, done stints with Phil Lesh and Friends and spent years performing with The Dead, co-fronted the Last Waltz Tour 2019 with Jamey Johnson and Lukas Nelson, and performed a symphonic event called “Dreams & Songs: A Symphonic Journey” with John Medeski, Oteil Burbridge, Greg Osby, Jeff Sipe, Edwin McCain, Jasmine Muhammad and the Asheville Symphony Orchestra.

Roll forward to the present day and Haynes is quick to credit not only his early influences and recent onstage collaborators, but the multiple talents that help make the self-produced new album’s songs come to life both on record and in concert. His co-writers on these tracks include Johnson and Nelson, the legendary Booker T., and Derek Trucks, whoseunmistakable guitar sound toughs up three tracks on the album, and who joined Haynes in the studio for the first time since the final sunset of the Allman Brothers.

With the passing of legends of the ’60s and ’70s, like Gregg Allman, and most recently Dickey Betts, Haynes has emerged as a leader in his prime. At one time, he laughs, “I was the youngest member of every band I was in.” Today, at the height of his creative powers as a singer, guitarist, and songwriter, he’s out with his best album yet.

While his new music looks forward, it also pays tribute to earlier times. Case in point: “Real Real Love,” a song Gregg Allman began writing but never finished. Haynes and Allman wrote many seminal ABB songs together, so he’s well versed in the Allmans co-founder’s songwriting style and methods. “And so when I decided to finish that song after he passed, I wanted to write it as if he were singing it. Even in the way we approached the song as a band, and in the way I approached it as a singer, I had his presence in mind the entire time.”

Looking Up

Buzzing through the album is the question of how to make things better—in love, in life, in the world. “These Changes,” the leadoff track and a co-write with Trucks, is about “someone who’s trying to work through hardships and acknowledge that the relationship is important enough to do whatever it takes to make it better.”

Haynes’ impassioned vocals and slide guitar skills drive “Till the Sun Comes Shining Through,” a soulful power ballad. “The world is getting darker,” he sings, but vows that “I’m gonna hold you till the sun comes shining through.”

A positive vibe takes the spotlight on the first single, “This Life as We Know It.” Haynes explains that as he sat down to write after the pandemic lockdowns, when a lot of things had seemed pretty grim, he sought to convey a more universal message that went beyond the hardships we had all recently gone through.

“The music business and the world in general had changed,” he says. “The song was a way of embracing the positivity of the change, and looking forward through a new lens—starting with yourself: How do we make things better?”

A more forceful call for change animates “Day of Reckoning,” co-written with Nelson and featuring Nelson’s and Johnson’s voices. “They’re both amazing artists in their own right, and our voices blend together in a very special way,” Haynes says. “So I wanted to get the three of us together in the studio to record something.” Nodding to the rebellious late ’60s and early ‘70s, the lyrics supply the album’s title: “Million voices whisper, getting louderwhen they sing / Million spirits waiting on a day of reckoning.” (Nelson and Johnson also appear on one of the bonus tracks, a cover of the CSNY classic “Find the Cost of Freedom.”)

Haynes relied on a few trusted “voices” in the studio, like his signature Les Paul and his blonde Gibson ES-335. “Go Down Swinging,” a co-write with Johnson, features a horn section and a Van Morrison vibe. Of course, there are the actual voices, like the expressive pipes of his touring backup singer Saundra Williams.

And throughout the journey, forging the path and leading the charge are Haynes’ own soaring vocals and the power and poignancy of his six-string mastery.

Million Voices Whisper is a set of powerful, soulful tracks that combine the eloquent musicianship of a triple-threat blues-rocker with the glowing spirit of a vital creative artist at the peak of his powers. Haynes and the band, with the addition of saxophonist extraordinaire Greg Osby, will be touring the US (and beyond) this fall performing songs from the album, and more, at venues ranging from the Red Rocks Amphitheatre to the Ryman Audiotirum.

Credits

Produced by Warren Haynes

* Produced by Warren Haynes & Derek Trucks

Executive Producer: Stefani Scamardo

Recorded by Evan Bakke at Power Station New England

Assistant Engineer: Trevor Okonuk

Mixed by John Paterno

Additional engineering by John Paterno, Trevor Okonuk

Lukas Nelson vocal and guitar recorded by Josh Grenko at Velvet Tone Studios

Jamey Johnson vocal recorded by TW Cargyle at BigGassed Studios

Mastered by Greg Calbi and Steve Fallone at Sterling Sound

All songs written by Warren Haynes / Round Hill Verses Publishing (BMI) obo Buzzard Rock Music (BMI) except:

“These Changes” written by Warren Haynes, Derek Trucks and Michael A. Mattison / Younkin Music (BMI) / Thumb Plus Music (ASCAP).

“Go Down Swinging” written by Warren Haynes and Jamey Johnson / EMI Foray Music, Inc. / Polishit (SESAC).

“Day Of Reckoning” written by Warren Haynes and Lukas Nelson / Memory Music Publishing (BMI) Administered worldwide by Universal Music Publishing.

“Real, Real Love” written by Warren Haynes and Gregg Allman / D-Dem Music (BMI), administered by Sony Music Publishing (US) LLC.

“Lies, Lies, Lies > Monkey Dance > Lies, Lies, Lies” written by Warren Haynes, John Medeski, Kevin Scott and Terrence Higgins / Snake Anthony Music (BMI) / Kingseye Music (BMI) / Terence Lavoid Higgins Music (ASCAP).

“Till The Sun Comes Shining Through” written by Warren Haynes, Rhett Akins and Matt Dragstrem / ‘Ritten By Rhettro (BMI) / Matt Drag Publishing / Big Loud (ASCAP).

“Hall Of Future Saints” written by Warren Haynes and Derek Trucks / Younkin Music (BMI).

Photography: Shervin Lainez

Package Design: Paul Moore

Derek Trucks appears courtesy of Fantasy Records

Lukas Nelson appears courtesy of 6 Ace Records

Jamey Johnson appears courtesy of Big Gassed Records

This album is dedicated to Dickey Betts.

The Special Thanks to my family is now the line below.

Special Thanks to Stef, Hudson & my entire family

Also, Thank You:

J. Bau, Jason Richardson, Jason Duarte, Mike Krug, Bari Lieberman, Tim Mandelbaum, Jeff Gandel. Backline Crew: Bret Hutchison, Eric Hanson, Tour Management: Fred Cox. Cesar Gueikian, Nat Zilka, Codey Allen, Jenny Marsh, Beth Heidt, Raeann Vinton & everyone at Gibson Guitars, Peter McMahon at Homestead Amps, George Alessandro,GHS Strings, Steve Lobmeier & everyone at D’Addario, Paul Reed Smith & Bev from PRSGuitars and Amps.

warrenhaynes.net

fantasyrecordings.com

℗ & © 2024 Warren Haynes. Under exclusive license to Fantasy Records. Manufactured for and Distributed by Concord, 10 Lea Avenue, Suite 300, Nashville, TN 37210. All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws. FAN02712

Lyrics

These Changes

World is spinning ‘round

Whirling like a top

My head is reeling

Can’t seem to make it stop

All these changes – everybody must go through

Why should it be different for me and you

I need you more than you know

But I just can’t seem to let you know

All these changes – in everything we touch

All these changes – sometimes it’s just too much

People come and go – strangers in and out

Of life’s revolving doorway – getting lost in the fallout

All these changes that cut deep in our souls

It’s enough to make you weary – make you lose self-control

I try so hard to lift you up – but I keep letting you down

And you say you think you’ve had enough

All these changes – pushing us apart

All these changes – leave us stranded in the dark

You say “why can’t it be the way it used to be?” – I don’t know

There’s a hundred reasons – but I just can’t see them

In the moment – caught up in the moment – caught up in the changes

I need you more than you know – so much it hurts

But I just can’t seem to let things go

All these changes – pushing us apart

All these change – leave us stranded in the dark

All these changes – the hand that life has dealt

All these changes – feeling like we’ve never felt

Go Down Swinging

Keep your candle light burning, baby – so I can see it from the street

Sparkling on your window sill

I know we thought that it had faded away a long time ago

But we used to know it was sho’ nuff real

Have you heard the news – there’s a cure for the blues

Just takes two to change a lovelight baby

I can feel you slipping back into my life

Somebody told me lightning never strikes twice

But I can feel it coming ‘round again

Sometimes it’s like a gentle wind

And other times it’s like a freight train coming ‘round the bend

If you’re gonna fall back in love

Dance naked in the streets

Give it all you got

Go down swinging

All the magic and the innocence and the dreams of our youth

Was never wasted on us

Life didn’t have to make any sense – it was all brand new

And we were oh, so curious

Notify the nation

There’s aI new sensation

You and I done changed the lovelight baby

I can feel you slipping back into my life

Somebody told me lightning never strikes twice

But I can feel it coming ‘round again

Sometimes it’s like a gentle wind

And other times it’s like a freight train coming ‘round the bend

If you’re gonna fall back in love

Dance naked in the streets

Give it all you got

Go down swinging

Our love’s been lurking in the dark

Searching for a spark

Whoever knew you could change a lovelight baby

You Ain’t Above Me

Another night of holding back my feelings

A good man shouldn’t have to feel this way

Biting my tongue to keep from making a scene

But you’re gonna hear what I have to say

I’m tired of being talked down to

I let you walk all over me so many times – but those days are through

You ain’t above me – you ain’t above me

And I ain’t gonna let you put me down this way

I may not have a bunch of rich friends

My family we’re plain as we can be

But I’ve got so much to offer, baby

And you knew it when you fell in love with me

I don’t know what’s come over you

Maybe – maybe you’re over me, but

You ain’t above me – you ain’t above me

And I ain’t gonna let you put me down no more

If it’s over – let’s just walk away

It’s gonna hurt me but I’ll go my own way

If you can’t feel what I feel then nothing could make me stay

You ain’t above me – you ain’t above me

And I ain’t gonna let you put me down no more

Terrified

Proud and living carefree – I was through with love – hurt too many times

Too many hit and runs – no need to return to the scene of the crimes

Dangerous – loving you is so dangerous

I don’t like it on the edge – I don’t like it on the edge – or maybe I do

My heart is racing whenever I’m with you

I’m terrified – never felt this way before – I’m terrified – don’t know what to do about it

Scared of this feeling inside

I’m in love against my will and I’m terrified

I get nervous (yes I do) – each time you whisper my name

Break out in a cold sweat – your kiss is playing tricks on my brain

Dangerous – the places that you take me are so dangerous

I don’t like to feel this way – I don’t like to feel this way – or maybe I do

My soul’s on fire whenever I’m with you

I’m terrified- never felt this way before – I’m terrified

Don’t know what to do about it – scared of this feeling inside

I’m in love against my will and I’m terrified

I’m captive – but make no mistake – I don’t wanna escape

I’m helpless – but I don’t mind – I feel fine

Dangerous – loving you is so dangerous

My brain just melts whenever I’m with you

I’m terrified – never felt this way – terrified

Don’t know what to do about it – terrified – scared of this feeling inside

I’m in love against my will and I’m terrified

Day Of Reckoning

Now is the time to take our place in history

Let it be known – it’s never too late to be free

It’s a testimony – heard ‘round the world

All come together as one – and we know it can be done

It’s a testimony – heard ‘round the world

All come together as one

Million voices whisper – getting louder when they sing

Million spirits waiting on a day of reckoning

Hundred million more – on the shores where we come from

Crying tears of joy ‘cause the day of reckoning has finally come

Finally come, day of reckoning has finally come

Now is the time to question why it took so long

Let it be sung – let the whole world hear our song

It’s a testimony – heard ‘round the world

All come together as one – and we know it can be done

It’s a testimony – heard ‘round the world

All come together as one

Million voices whisper – getting louder when they sing

Million spirits waiting on a day of reckoning

Hundred million more – on the shores where we come from

Crying tears of joy ‘cause the day of reckoning has finally come

Finally come, day of reckoning has finally come

Real Real Love

Oh, somebody help me now

Won’t you tell me please

Where can I find a real real love

Don’t I have it coming to me?

I searched to find the good things this life can give to you

Was never satisfied with what it all came down to

Seems money is the main road to get you where you want to go

But if somewhere along the way your money runs low

Nobody wants to know you

Oh, somebody help me now

Won’t you tell me please

Where can I find a real real love

Don’t I have it coming to me?

Sailing ships and worldly trips to islands of paradise

Fine cars and shining stars that will love you for a price

But it don’t mean anything at the end of the day

People, won’t you hear me now when I say

That for some real love I’d trade it all away

Open up your arms and save me

I’d do the same for you

The world outside is so crazy

We could find us some shelter from the blues

They say we come in to this world with nothing but our names

And when it’s time to go we leave here just the same

The only things that matter are the ones that live and breathe

And we keep a little part of them when we leave

Oh, somebody help me now

Won’t you tell me please

Where can I find a real real love

Don’t I have it coming to me?

Lies, Lies, Lies > Monkey Dance > Lies, Lies, Lies

Confusion bleeding from your lips

Can’t believe a word that you say

Delusion from your tongue drips

I do believe you’ve lost your way

You tell me that you just need a leg up

But you’re null and void from the neck up

Lies, lies, lies – done got wise to your

Lies, lies, lies

You done smoked out part of your brain

You done worn out all of your welcome

Doing the monkey dance – all about the cocaine

Right now help – boy, you better get yourself some

Was a time we all wanted to be you

But now we don’t even want to see you

Lies, lies, lies – done got wise to your

Lies, lies, lies

Excuse me – we all knew the danger

But can’t you see you’ve turned yourself into a stranger

Lies, lies, lies – done got wise to your

Lies, lies, lies

This Life As We Know It

There’s a full moon on the fourth of july

Lighting up a montauk sky

Impaling the night like a burning ember

I ain’t felt this way in so long I can’t remember

Ain’t it good to be alive

And to know that we survived

Came out on the other side

A little stronger

Yeah, we’re stronger, stronger

I’m gonna sing it to the clouds

Sing it soft and sing it loud

I’m gonna make my feelings known

I’m gonna keep on holding on

To this life as we know it

Changes coming day by day

The life we knew has gone away

But I ain’t gonna let it get me down

Gonna embrace this new life that we’ve found

Breathe it in like the smell of wine

Disregard the flaws in the design

Celebrate and take the time

To stay a little longer

Stay a little longer

I’m gonna sing it to the clouds

Sing it soft and sing it loud

I’m gonna make my feelings known

I’m gonna keep on holding on

To this life as we know it

Ain’t it good to be alive

And to know that we survived

Came out on the other side

A little stronger

Yeah, we’re stronger, stronger

I’m gonna sing it to the clouds

Sing it soft and sing it loud

I’m gonna make my feelings known

I’m gonna keep on holding on

To this life as we know it

There’s a full moon on the Fourth of July

Lighting up a Montauk sky

Impaling the night like a burning ember

I ain’t felt this way in so long I can’t remember

From Here On Out

We had a good run – I ain’t gonna be complaining about what’s killing us now

We sailed into the sun – no looking back, no regrets

Wind blowing through our hair – like we blew through our money- like no tomorrow

Shame was for the weak – don’t cry for those who fall along the way

From here on out – I might be wondering if I should have done things differently

But when it counts – you gotta dive into that dream and grab that ring

But you’ve got to find it first – don’t hate the curse – it’s just reality

We had a good run – burning up the highway, like some band of thieves

Life had just begun – and we were living it to the fullest, never slowing down

Churning up the dust – as we made our way down every lonesome stretch of road

Never knowing where we were bound – but we always found our way back to whatever light we seek

From here on out – I might be wondering if I should have done things differently

But when it counts – you gotta dive into that dream and grab that ring

If you can find it first-never mind the curse – it’s just reality

Can we make it across that bridge alive?

Is there gold waiting on the other side?

Can we just dig in our heels and ride?

We had a good run – now they’re trying to say it don’t mean as much now as it did then

But it can’t be undone – it was magic once, that’s all that matters

We lit up the world – and at times we even changed it some say for the good

And it can’t be changed back

From here on out – I might be wondering if I should have done things differently

But when it counts – you gotta dive into that dream and grab that ring

But you’ve got to find it first – there ain’t no curse – it’s just reality

Till The Sun Comes Shining Through

Looks like another rainy day – same old grey again

We don’t have to lift the shades to see the storm rolling in

For so long I’ve been watching you slipping away

But hear me when I say

I know it’s raining in your heart

And the world is getting darker

And your eyes have turned a deeper shade of blue

But i’m gonna hold you till the sun comes shining through

Wasn’t that long ago – I could always make you smile

But life is full of hard roads and we’ve seen so many miles

But I don’t care how long it takes

We’re gonna lay here – I know the storm is gonna break

I know it’s raining in your heart

And the world is getting darker

And your eyes have turned a deeper shade of blue

But I’m gonna hold you till the sun comes shining through

Oh, let me dry your eyes

Come and lay down by my side

We might be here for a while

I know it’s raining in your heart

And the world is getting darker

And your eyes have turned a deeper shade of blue

But I’m gonna hold you till the sun comes shining through

Yeah, I’m gonna hold you till the sun comes shining through

Hall Of Future Saints

I don’t know what I did to be standing here, no

Everywhere I look is one of my heroes

To whom it may concern – I think I took a wrong turn

I guess – I must confess – maybe they gave me the wrong address

Is this a dream or is it ain’t

I’m standing in the Hall Of Future Saints

To my right and to my left is Big O. And brother Ray

right behind me is BB – “everything is going my way”

I feel like I’ve been blessed – and I’m a little hard to impress

but I swear – I do declare – they’re gonna put me in a wheelchair

I’m so excited – I need four point restraints

standing in a Hall Of Future Saints

I said if I had my way I’d keep on re-living this day

Reddy Freddy and Albert King – Jimi’s in a yellow submarine

Son House and Elmore James – standing next to Miles and Coltrane

Reverend Green and Mr. Brown – preaching and laying it down

If it gets any hotter somebody’s gonna faint

I’m standing in the Hall Of Future Saints

Feel like I’m standing in a Hall Of Future Saints