After years of playing with the Allman Brothers Band, guitarist Warren Haynes and bassist Allen Woody left the ensemble to focus on Gov't Mule. On their third album, Gov't Mule broaden their direction and expand the sonic possibilities of a power trio. Echoing threesomes like the Jimi Hendrix Experience and Cream, Gov't Mule play modern blues-rock with exuberance and style. Haynes's proficiency on the guitar allows for exploration in a variety of musical idioms. He plays with fiery precision and his soulful voice is gruff and expressive. Besides original material, the band covers the country-blues classic "John the Revelator," written by Son House, and rework The Beatles' "She Said She Said." --Mitch Myers