Warren Haynes

Gov't Mule's leader on his new release, musical and marital partnerships, how the blues can rescue you from misery...

- Interview: David Sinclair

Warren Haynes is one of the most revered guitarists of his generation - a latter-day lynchpin of the Allman Brothers Band, founder of Gov't Mule, honorary member of the Dead and a solo artist, whose blend of blues, rock, jazz and improvisational genius has earned him enduring acclaim. His new album The Whisper Sessions - featuring solo and duet versions of songs from last year's record Million Voices Whisper - showcases the voice and the songwriting soul at work behind the powerhouse musical punch of his band.

How did The Whisper Sessions come about?

It wasn't something I planned as a release. I went into the Power Station studio in Connecticut - where I've done three records in a row now - with a video crew to film some promotional performances on my own. When I listened back, I thought there was something unique about hearing the songs in that raw, singer-songwriter form. Then Derek Trucks and I recorded a version of Melissa - just one take - and someone suggested putting it all out as a release. I thought the hardcore fans would really appreciate it. It wasn't designed to be the next big album, more a companion piece.

It feels very personal, a lot more intimate than the full band record.

That's why I wanted to do it. Million Voices Whisper is a very personal album, and these recordings show where the songs came from, how they sounded when I first wrote them. I've always loved alternative takes, outtakes - the little things that show how a song develops. I'm that kind of obsessive fan myself.

Do you demo songs before recording an album?

Not usually. For