|
Robert Randolph & The Family Band |
|
|
|
Written by Lou Friedman
|
|
Thursday, 12 October 2006 |
Robert Randolph & The Family Band
Colorblind
Warner Bros.
From law clerk to pedal steel guitar master, Robert Randolph’s star is shining quite brightly these days. Hanging out and learning from contemporaries such as Eric Clapton and Dave Matthews helped Randolph realize two things: People of star power respect his work, and his peers have goosed him to a higher level. Randolph and his Family Band nailed a higher plateau with their second in-studio release, Colorblind.
The Family Band (Danyel Morgan on bass, Marcus Randolph on drums and Jason Crosby on keyboards) are noticeably tighter and more focused, and Randolph’s pedal steel guitar work is jaw-dropping; sort of like Jimi Hendrix or Stevie Ray Vaughan mastering the 13-stringed instrument. Don’t be afraid, though—this is definitely a disc loaded with R&B influence (think Sly Stone and Stevie Wonder). Whether he’s trading licks with Clapton on a cover of “Jesus is Just Alright” or putting out his own muse on “Thankful and Thoughtful,” Randolph paints a musical palette with rich, vibrant colors. He never deviates from his messages of love and hope, as witnessed by “Deliver Me,” a song he’s been previewing in concert. Colorblind is a colorful and wonderful listen. Lou Friedman
|
|
Last Updated ( Monday, 08 January 2007 )
|
