Robert Randolph and the Family Band
ROBERT RANDOLPH guitar & vocals
DANYEL MORGAN bass & vocals
MARCUS RANDOLPH drums
JASON CROSBY hammond organ & piano
With Colorblind, Robert Randolph & the Family Band have taken the difficult leap from being great performing artists to being great recording artists. Since emerging from a House of God church in Orange, New Jersey steeped in the "sacred steel" tradition, Randolph’s astonishing pedal steel playing has had a revolutionary impact.
Like a mere handful of musicians – Louis Armstrong, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder – he has actually been able to redefine the sonic possibilities of his instrument. Randolph’s string wizardry is the focal point of the Family Band’s legendary live appearances, and led to guest spots with artists ranging from the Blind Boys of Alabama to Ozzy Osbourne.
Randolph admits that the Family Band’s previous recordings have focused more on capturing their onstage magic than on making an album for the ages. "On the last record (2003’s Unclassified)," he says, "we had some ideas, wrote as we went along, and we were out of there in three weeks – and that’s cool. But in working with so many people and getting advice from Eric Clapton, Steven Tyler, and the guys from Dave Matthews Band – they all say, 'We’d love to see your talent showcased within the context of a great song.' I was always caught up in the show, because I’m comfortable as a performer," he continues.
The big step this time around was the decision to collaborate with other songwriters. The talent assembled was immense, including Tommy Sims (who has written songs with Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, and Garth Brooks), Jeff Trott (Sheryl Crow), Mark Batson (Dave Matthews Band, Gwen Stefani), and the team of Drew Ramsey and Shannon Sanders (India.Arie, Heather Hedley). As the album’s title indicates, the results on Colorblind range from infectious R&B to timeless ballads. Ain’t Nothin’ Wrong with That is a sure-fire party-starter, while Blessed presents Randolph’s more spiritual, introspective side. And, there is a blistering version of the Byrds’ Jesus is Just Alright With Me, featuring Randolph and Clapton – who became a close friend and mentor to the younger artist when they toured together – in a blazing guitar battle recorded live in the studio.
Though Randolph has been defined by his jaw-dropping pyrotechnics on the pedal steel, he notes that the studio time devoted to this album led to an evolution in his playing as well. "Now instead of playing over the top of everything, I’m learning to play within the melodies and the concept of the song," he says. Having grown up in urban New Jersey and making the leap from playing in church to headlining rock festivals, Randolph’s aspirations go beyond expanding his own musical boundaries. "I’m trying to create a new field and a new style that’ll influence some kids to go, 'wow, I can be Black and be from the inner city and I don’t have to be a rapper,'" he says. "I look at Sly Stone, how he came in and just ripped the music industry apart – I think music fans are ready for that again."