The second studio album to feature the revamped Gov't Mule lineup, 2006's High & Mightyfinds the adventurous Southern rock quartet breaking into a confident new stride. As always, vocalist/guitarist Warren Haynes's soulful singing and blistering slide work lead the way, as the rest of the band intuitively fill out his compositions with impressive rhythmic and melodic flourishes. Although the fierce opening track, "Mr. High & Mighty," may have listeners thinking Gov't Mule has morphed into a straight-up hard-rock act, other songs delve into reggae ("Unring the Bell") and gospel-tinged blues ("Million Miles from Yesterday"), revealing that the ensemble remains as eclectic as ever.

Got’t Mule’s first release on ATO Records, The Deep End Volume 1, is the first of a three-part series ( Volume 2& the Mike Gordondirected documentary On The Banks) that features 25 of the world's premiere bass players. Volume 1features singer /guitarist Warren Haynesand drummer Matt Abtswith a different guest bass player on each of the 13 songs, including Bootsy Collins( P-Funk, James Brown), Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers), John Entwistle (The Who), Stefan Lessard (Dave Matthews Band)and Les Claypool (Primus). Volume 1also includes performances by Gregg Allman, Rob Barraco, Randall Bramblett, Jerry Cantrell, Audley Freed, Eddie Harsch, Chuck Leavell, Danny Louis, Paige McConnell, Little Milton, John Scofield, Derek Trucksand Bernie Worrell.