Robert Randolph and the Family Band Are Bringing Back the Blues

(and Soul, and Gospel, and Rock, and Funk, and R&B…)

It seems like there has been a real dearth in creative, unique musical talents in recent years. Every year there’s a new Jay Sean, or Flo-Rida with a catchy single dominating the airwaves. However, it’s a truly rare occurrence for an artist to emerge with as much raw talent and infectious energy as Robert Randolph. Anyone who has ever witnessed him and “the family band” perform can attest to his intense passion, and flat out love for music that becomes blatantly obvious as soon as he takes a seat behind his pedal steel guitar.

Yes. That’s right, Robert Randolph is a pedal steel guitar player. But player hardly comes close to describing the artistry, grace, and creativity he exudes as his fingers effortlessly fly up and down the strings. Although he does indeed play a pedal steel guitar, if you close your eyes and listen to the sounds emanating from the stage, you’ll hear a lot more similarities to a blues player like Stevie Ray Vaughn than to the cliched country music licks appearing on the albums of a Kenny Chesney or a Tim McGraw.

Robert Randolph learned to play the pedal steel guitar as a teenager at the House of God Church in Orange, NJ, a small city outside Newark, by watching others play the instrument during services. Influences of his church-going background are apparent in his music, which blends the blues, with elements of gospel, soul, rock, and straight up funk. His backing band, comprised of numerous cousins and friends, provides a sound-scape, complete with funky bass lines and soul inspired female vocal harmonies, that successfully provides the perfect environment for Randolph’s unique talent to shine through. To see him play live is to witness an artist at work; and not just any artist, an artist so totally enthralled in his craft that when he’s playing, nothing in the world could bother him, or affect him in any way. He is completely and totally immersed in the music, and when he gets “in the zone” so too does his audience. Although the nature of his instrument dictates that he must play sitting down, Randolph exudes more energy and passion while sitting, than 99% of guitarists do while jumping around all over the stage. To compare the aura of Robert Randolph to other guitarists such as Warren Haynes of The Allman Brothers band and Govt Mule, who in his own right is an incredible player, is like comparing Diego Maradona’s sideline antics to Bill Belichick’s robotic emotionless persona. It’s debatable which one is a better coach, but it’s clear which one is more fun to watch.

Robert Randolph and the Family Band recently released their third studio album entitled “We Walk This Road” to extensive critical acclaim: “We Walk This Road is a consistently surprising tour de force that moves easily through rock, blues, R&B, gospel, and more, sometimes bringing them all together at the same time” says J. Allen of allmusic.com.

In support of their new record, RR & the family band has embarked on a tour of music festivals across the continent, performing a FREE concert in Grant Park in Chicago on Sunday July 4th, as a part of the “Taste of Chicago” festival. Their next appearance after that is July 7th at the Ottawa Blues Festival. Other appearances this summer include, but are not limited to, July 16th in St. Louis at The Pageant, July 23rd Live at the Garden in Memphis with Al Green, July 30th at The Gathering of the Vibes festival in CT, and the Austin City Limits Music Festival on Oct 8th.

Here’s his first network TV appearance, from The Late Show with Letterman. The song is entitled “I Need More Love,”

and here is an instrumental cover of Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean from 2004.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me at jonathan@seatgeek.com and make sure to like us on facebook at Facebook.com/SeatGeek & follow us on twitter @SeatGeek and @SeatGeekMusic

As many of you know, there are some great albums being released this summer – and for the rest of the year as a matter of fact. Many of the great albums being released are happening within the next month. This post is going to list some of the artists who are releasing new material and I want to hear from you! Which albums are you most interested in?

June 1
Clay Aiken – Tried & True; Taio Cruz – Rokstarr; Jack Johnson – To the Sea

I think Taio Cruz’s album will sell really well this week. He has already had much acclaim for his hit song “Break Your Heart” featuring Ludacris. Jack Johnson has also been a favorite with many people over the last few years.

June 8
Christina Aguilera – Bionic; Lil Jon – Crunk Rock; Plies – Goon Affiliated; Saving Abel – Miss America

Christina Aguilera has had tremendous success in her career. Bionic will be her fourth full-length studio album. Those who have been waiting for Christina to make a comeback will be excited to pick up a copy of this CD.

June 15
Drake – Thank Me Later; Sarah McLachlan – The Laws of Illusion; Pitbull – Armando

I feel like I talk about Drake a lot but it goes without saying that he is one of the hottest names in rap/hip-hop music right now. Fans have been waiting for his highly anticipated album Thank Me Later for a long time. The album has had several rumored release dates, including May 25, but it was pushed back three weeks to June 15. Like I said, people have been waiting on this one for awhile, so it cannot help but do well.

June 22
Miley Cyrus – Can’t Be Tamed; Eminem – Recovery

I know, I know. You guys probably think I am crazy for even mentioning Miley’s name – especially with her young, deep-rooted fan base. But it is because of that exact thing that I feel I have to mention her album. Unless you have been living under a rock, you know the name of Miley Cyrus. She shot to fame over the last two years with her music ventures, TV show, and other projects. Also, she claims this is the last album she will release because she wants to focus on other investments besides her music. Everyone who loves her will be vying for this album.

Also, to mention Eminem, it seems that he is climbing back up the music ladder by appearing on several other artists’ singles and albums. Recovery will be his chance to see if he can make a big comeback and have the same affect on his fans as he used to. Not to mention he is planning two huge performances with Jay-Z later on in the summer/fall.

June 29
3OH!3 – Streets of Gold; Diddy – Last Train to Paris; Three 6 Mafia – Laws of Power

All of these artists have had continued fame for quite some time, especially Diddy. Last Train to Paris will be his sixth studio album and it will be to no one’s surprise if it does well. 3OH!3 has had success on songs with Katy Perry and Ke$ha and their upbeat style will prove to be another hit among fans if they stick to what they know.

Hopefully you all get a chance to go out and buy your favorite artist’s album. Let me know if you enjoy them! Take care and have a great Memorial Day weekend.