Music Review: Robert Randolph

In 2003, Robert Randolph and the Family Band jokingly titled their second release Unclassified, in a facetious attempt to describe the group's genre-bending sound. Their second proper studio album and newest release, Colorblind, only further blurs the line between Robert Randolph's jaw-dropping guitar prowess and the remainder of contemporary music.

Randolph, a New Jersey native, learned to play his "Sacred Steel" pedal steel at the House of God Church, a Pentecostal establishment that incorporates steel guitar into services. However, in addition to his amazing technical ability, Robert Randolph also gleaned a healthy respect for the Holy Spirit from this experience.

No, Robert Randolph is no Southern evangelist, but his music bursts with a righteous and lively energy that seems justified regardless of the sound the group is aiming for. In the past, the band has played its own flavor of up-beat funk-rock; on this occasion, however, the album's best moments arrive during the slower jams. It is clear that on Colorblind, Randolph, et al make their first real effort at R&B. Fortunately for us, the transition is seamless.

The best example of this is "Angels," co-written with Dave Matthews and producer Mark Batson. Though this mix might seem strange, Batson's production capabilities, Matthews' penchant for catchy songwriting and Randolph's precise noodling combine effortlessly to create a song that sounds fresh and is instantly appealing. "Blessed" and "Homecoming" are songs which provide further evidence of the band's successful attempts to jazz up their old gospel sound.

Finally, there is still a strong funk vibe throughout the album, including "Thankful 'N Thoughtful," whose bouncing bass and rhythm guitar hearken back to Blood Sugar Sex Magik-era Red Hot Chili Peppers. As a result of the diverse influences and numerous contributors (Matthews on two tracks and Eric Clapton on a cover of the gospel standard "Jesus is Just Alright," previously covered by the Doobie Brothers and the Byrds), Colorblind is an album that should prove widely admired.