Evil Teen

Each December, Warren Haynes puts together a bill filled with some of the best musicians in the country to perform at his Christmas Jam to raise money for Habitat for Humanity. Warren Haynes Presents: The Benefit Concert Volume 3 presents the highlights from the 13th Annual Christmas Jam, which was held at the Asheville Civic Center on December 21, 2001. From Alvin Youngblood Hart’s passionate take on “Mama Don’t Allow” that opens the two-CD set through Gov’t Mule’s fierce cover of “Rockin’ in the Free World” that closes it, there’s no filler on either disc of this collection. Whether it’s Drivin’ N Cryin’ turning in an intense “Fly Me Courageous” along with Audley Freed or Blues Traveler pairing off with Haynes for a powerful version of “Mountains Win Again,” each collaboration on this release works marvelously. Phil Lesh & Friends’ “Q” lineup with Haynes and Jimmy Herring on guitar was thriving in late 2001 as displayed during funk-tinged versions of “Loose Lucy” and “Tennessee Jed.” Of the four outstanding Gov’t Mule tracks that close out the set, “Almost Cut My Hair” is a clear highlight thanks to Robert Randolph’s blazing pedal steel work and “Sco-Mule” features the host’s best solo of the night.