Warren Haynes: Dreams & Songs: A Symphonic Journey Review

The GRAMMY® Award-winning vocalist, songwriter, guitar legend, producer, and Gov’t Mule frontman Warren Haynes is releasing his long-awaited new album Dreams & Songs: A Symphonic Journey, on September 18th via Evil Teen Records and Provogue / Artone Label Group. Recorded in 2019 at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium in Haynes’ hometown of Asheville, NC, this live album features 16 tracks performed by Warren, his line-up of seasoned rock n’ roll improvisers, and a breath-taking 64-piece Asheville Symphony Orchestra.

The record begins with a statement of it being a live performance – you can hear the symphonic orchestra tuning their instruments, and the crowd murmur that turns into applause of anticipation. This mammoth blues rock symphony starts with a mellow and introspective “Dreams and Songs (Part 1)”. It becomes immediately apparent that the recording and production quality is unmatched, especially considering it’s a live recording. Every instrument shines through in this beautiful arrangement, and Haynes delivers the emotion with his signature smooth vocals. Sticking to the theme, “Dreams” follows. Starting with a horns section, followed by a percussion ensemble solo, before the strings join and invite the band to the party. Beautiful build up eventually leads into a jazzy sax solo and fusion-style guitar solo. Warren then turns to an absolute classic, “Banks of the Deep End”. The crowd reaction to the first few notes of the iconic riff made it obvious just how much of a fan favourite this song is. The vocal harmonies in the chorus are heavenly, while the orchestra adds depth to an already dramatic bridge section in this tune. Drums and percussion introduce “Spots of Time” as the setlist gradually increases tempo and intensity. Warren pours his heart and soul into that guitar solo, and so does Greg Osby on saxophone.

The guitar tone in “Broken Promised Land” is so, so rich and warm. The dynamics are unbelievable in this rendition too. The orchestra can help build such tension, and then diminishes just like that, letting the soloist shine. Hats off to the arrangers as well as all the musicians making it happen on stage. Special mention to Haynes’ vocal delivery on this one. Jaw-dropping! “Thorazine Shuffle” fires the crowd right up, and presents a perfect platform for every performer to introduce themselves, with solo sections aplenty. The drum solo is something else though, must-hear! The lovely rendition of “Makes No Difference” brings that true southern vibe with those vocal harmonies in the chorus.

A cheeky groove and a fiery drum fill paves the way for The Grateful Dead tune “Terrapin Station”, a progressive rock classic that culminates with huge orchestral sections; it’s a symphony of its own. “Raven Black Night” follows, as atmospheric, mysterious and dark as the title suggests. The electric organ solo is the absolute highlight of this track that truly represents movie soundtrack material with its extensive use of dynamic contrasts and exotic scales. As you can imagine, the orchestra only adds to it. Brightening up the mood is a funky, bluesy “Just Another Rider”. Warren Haynes once again showcases his blues guitar mastery in this one. Insane feel, technique, and tone.

“Black Peter” feels like a somewhat disturbing ballroom dancing number. This Grateful Dead tune is ideal for such a big orchestra, with all the instruments adding different shades to the picture. A swinging rhythm kicks off “Instrumental Illness,” the jazzy tune that features those signature Allman Brothers guitar harmonies. A laidback version of U2’s “One” follows, with lovely strings section adding a wonderfully cosy texture to the rendition. A wah-drenched riff accompanied by the horns in unison then introduces “Shakedown Street”. Another Allman Brothers classic follows in “Whipping Post,” sending the crowd delirious, before the grand finale of “Dreams and Songs (Reprise)” marking a true full circle moment for this journey that ends in a long ovation.

Dreams & Songs: A Symphonic Journey is a unique voyage through Warren Haynes’ 30+ year catalogue, that includes his solo work as well as music from Gov’t Mule, Allman Brothers Band, and The Dead. The whole performance feels like a jam session at times, but don’t be fooled, these tunes were meticulously arranged for the orchestra and so well-rehearsed. It’s the sheer musicianship and instrumental mastery that make it all sound so effortless and whimsical at times. What started out as a bold take on some of the cult classics, ended up becoming one of the highlight fixtures of the musical calendar, as Dreams & Songs A Symphonic Experience took a life of its own following its 2019 debut.

The Review: 8.5/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Banks of the Deep End
– Spots of Time
– Broken Promised Land
– Just Another Rider
– Whipping Post

The Big Hit

– Banks of the Deep End