Customer Reviews

Gov't Mule - Rising Low

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I purchased this video hoping to get some footage of Gov't Mule in concert. The only material I had previously, was a DVD about Robert Johnson's legacy entitled, "Hellhounds on my Trail", which included the band performing only one song. But, instead of a concert, I got a very entertaining documentary focused on the making of the "Deep End" series that included substantial commentary on the founding member of Gov't Mule, the late Allen Woody. There were only "parts" of songs being performed by the band with guest bassists sitting in. These guests included some of the truly great bass players ranging from classic rock bands, to today's current trendsetters. The magnificent Jack Bruce, Hendrix veteran, Billy Cox, Roger Glover from Deep Purple, and, ironically, the recently diseased John Entswistle is shown in a number of soundbites. Of course, the director is the bassist from Phish, and he is very well in evidence thoughout the video, maybe a little more than is necessary. I really would have enjoyed a little more of the legendary artists that were present. A few minutes with Jack Bruce would have been wonderful, but he was barely seen.
Regardless of what I wish had been here, what is here is wonderful to watch, somewhat instructive to the art, and adds to the list of videos that show "some" of Gov't Mule in action. Warren Haynes is the most exciting guitarist to come upon the scene since Stevie Ray! He has the finese of Duane Allman, the "thick presence" sound of Paul Kossoff, the creative riff punctuation of Hendrix, and the sheer power that Stevie R. Vaughn displayed. He has the potential to contribute more to the art of lead guitar than even Page & Beck have to this point. Only the charisma of Clapton, himself, seems to be beyond the reach of this young phenomena! He has said that the Mule will add another permenant bassist soon, and carry on as they had begun. I hope so! The material in this video, and on their recorded work to date, indicate that the future of blues-rock music may well be written in the annuals of this band, by this marvelous master of six-string wizardry!

I'm a bass player, age 47, and I found "Rising Low" to be both interesting and entertaining. It was great to see all the bass players that have influenced me over the years, namely, Entwhistle, Jack Bruce, Larry Graham, Bootsy Collins, Jack Cassady, Phil Lesh and Willie Weeks. I agree with some of the other reviewers regarding Mike Gordon (too much of his musings on the meaning of bass). But it was great to hear these guys talk about how they get into the groove and how it takes them into another space completely. I would also agree that it would have been nice to have complete songs on this DVD ... there weren't any complete tunes, just snippets of songs that the various players played on.

If you're a musician, I recommend this DVD ... it's fun! If you're not a musician, I'm not sure whether you'll find it as entertaining as I did.

Whether you're a fan of Gov't Mule or not, if you're a bass player you should definitely check out this DVD. Many of the 25 bass players featured in this documentary spend time talking about their approaches to playing, mostly from a philisophical stand point rather than a technical stand point. However, it's cool to hear how some of these great players approach their instrument.

The performance footage is cool, which is pretty much just footage of the different players in their recording sessions with Warren and Matt. There is some archival stuff of old Allmans and Mule performances but they're mostly quick clips. It would've been nice to have these shown in their entirety, perhaps in the bonus DVD features or something.

Even though it's a tribute to the late Allen Woody, the DVD isn't too heavy on biographical stuff on him. Rather than making the DVD a "Behind The Music" type thing on him, it simply goes over some basic stuff about him interspersed with footage and interviews with his family, friends, as well as his current and former bandmates.

Anyhow, this is a must have for bass players, whether you like Gov't Mule or not. With so many players featured there's bound to be a few players that you respect and admire on here and to here them talking about their philisophical approaches to the instrument was a treat for me. It's also goes without saying that this is a must have if you're a fan of Gov't Mule.

Far too much of Mr. Gordon's narration, analysis and "vision".
Not nearly enough footage of the actual guests sitting in with Warren and Matt.

And why no full takes of the tunes?!?!?!?

I'll stick to the cds, thank you very much . . . .

This DVD is worth going out to purchase a DVD player if you don't own one. I have found myself watching different segments over and over. It also gives you a chance to "sample" the tunes before you go out and plunk $40 on the music CD's. To all bass players out there, I would recommend this DVD to add to your collection. There is a wide variety of some of the best guys that you know, as well as some that you don't. In particular is a cat that keeps coming up in conversations throughout the video. His name is Joey Arkenstat, and he is credited as playing with "Dominion Hinney". For the life of me, I can't find anything on him and wonder if it is some inside joke for this video. You here comments from other bassists mentioning that he is why they came, etc. If anybody can enlighten me, please do so.

All in all, this DVD rocks!

rising low is a great movie especialy for both a bass player or a Gov't Mule fans. it was directed by mike gordon the bass player of Phish which is a great band. as a bass player i enjoyed it for all of the input that well known bass players put in. i also enjoyed the diferent bass parts put in by all of the different artists. i think that it is a well made film it has great commentary from some of in my view the greatest basses such as Les Claypool, Flea, Mike Gordon, and a number of other great basses. anyone that is at all interested in bass or Gov't Mule would enjoy this movie.

As a huge fan of the Mule, this DVD serves as a great insight into the Deep End sessions as well as a worthy tribute to the late, great Allen Woody. The only drawback, in my mind, is the quirkiness that director/Phish bassist Mike Gordon brings to the documentary. Gordon did an otherwise terrific job with this film. It's great for Gov't Mule fans, bass players and anyone who just loves the creative and collaborative spirit of music.

If you purchase this DVD expecting to see a documentary regarding the life of bassist, Allen Woody, then this well-done DVD is for you. However, if you are looking for a "music" DVD, you will be disappointed. There are only sporatic performances, and no complete songs. The documentary was interesting from the standpoint of Woody's contribution to Gov't Mule, and the guest bassists' contribution to the project, but simply not enough complete performances to make me want to watch this over again.

This dvd is surely a must for fans for any of the musicians who contributed on this dvd. It's by the way my first footage of Gov't Mule for which I'm very pleased. Being a fan of Warren and Allen since there ABB time I knew I had to have this dvd.
A couple of other people were right, there is a bit to much Mike Gordon on my t.v. screen, but what the heck it's all for Allen Woody. So my conclusion is that this is a wonderfull documentary.

The film documents the making of the Deep End project. Warren and Matt invited some of the late Allen Woody's inspirations for the tribute project; Roger Glover of Deep Purple, Chris Squire from Yes, Jack Bruce from Cream, (the late) John Entwhistle of the Who...just to name a few. What this film does more than anything is bring to light the styles and influences that made Woody such a great bass player! It shows how musicians get together and interpret a piece of music. Mike Gordon, who is also the bass player for Phish, was the perfect choice to bring this to light. I highly recommend this not only to Mule fans, but anyone interested in great music.