Robert Randolph is a pedal steel guitar wizard. Coming out of the sacred steel tradition of the Holiness-Pentecostal Church, Randolph is the latest master of using a string instrument to mimic the human voice and to raise the energy level to a gospel-fever pitch. His self-released first disc, Live at the Wetlands, gave listeners a taste of the excitement of a live Family Band performance. For his major label debut, Randolph and friends team with producer Jim Scott (Tom Petty, Red Hot Chili Peppers) for their initial studio recording.
Great "live" bands can often lose their magic in the sterile environment of the studio. It doesn't faze Randolph one bit. Mixing his church roots with his soul, rock, funk and R&B influences, Randolph creates a lively set of all-original songs, only one of which he did not have a hand in writing. But Scott knows where to shine the spotlight the places Randolph's steel guitar front and center. And Randolph easily carries the load, displaying awesome technique, ripping off stunning passages of steel guitar magic. The sound of Randolph's guitar changes with each song dobro-like here, a slide-guitar sound, a screaming rock sound next. What remains constant is the impressive creativity of Randolph's fretwork.
The Family Band shows that they are up to providing ample support. Check out the popping bass lines that Danyel Morgan utilizes on "I Need More Love" and "Squeeze" laying down a funky foundation for Randolph to soar over. Organist John Ginty fleshes out the arrangements and adds several fine solos, especially on the Santana-like "Problems." Ricky Fowler sounds eerily like Stevie Wonder with his lead vocal on "Smile," a love song done as a duet with fellow backing vocalist Lenesha Randolph.
Randolph delivers a positive message in his lyrics, writing of love, fun times and celebration. As strong as the instrumental and vocal work is, many of the songs are lyrically challenged. Several songs feature vocal chants in place of storytelling. In others, the ideas are there but Randolph hasn't developed his songwriting skills to the point where he can say something about age-old themes in a refreshing way.
But he sure can communicate with the steel guitar! I was surprised that Randolph was not allowed more time to work his magic. At just under 48 minutes, the disc has enough room left that Randolph and Band could have been allowed one or two extended jams. Instead, some songs fade out as Randolph begins to dig into his solo. Others end quite abruptly. Randolph's guitar sounds make the disc there is no secret about that. It seems odd that the disc lacks an extended jam; the highlight of the group's live shows.
Nevertheless, this is one of those recordings that grow on you with each listen. There isn't any sophomore jinx at work here. Vibrant and uplifting, Unclassified is clear proof that Randolph has the talent and vision to form a new sound from an old tradition. Check it out and let the sacred steel spirit move you!
Other Sacred Steel artists Campbell Brothers, Rev. Aubrey Ghent, Sonny Threadway, Willie Eason
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