Robert Randolph & the Family Band

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Robert Randolph

Robert Randolph & The Family Band is a multicultural American funk and soul band composed of Robert Randolph, Marcus Randolph (drums), Danyel Morgan (bass), and Jason Crosby (organ). Frontman Robert Randolph was trained as a pedal steel guitarist in the House of God Church, Keith Dominion, and makes prominent use of the instrument in the band's music. Randolph a native of Orange, NJ began playing the steel guitar in the House of God Church, which used steel guitars in worship services. Sacred Steel as it is called is used in many African American Pentacostal style churches and while playing at a sacred steel convention in Florida Randolph was discovered. The group's sound is inspired by successful 1970s funk bands such as Earth, Wind & Fire and Sly & the Family Stone, another multicultural band comprised of former members of the Church of God in Christ. Randolph himself has also stated that his main influence as a guitarist is Stevie Ray Vaughan.

The first Robert Randolph & the Family Band album, Live at the Wetlands, was released in 2002. The band released their studio debut, Unclassified on August 5, 2003. They attracted the attention of Eric Clapton, and have subsequently toured as a supporting act with the British blues guitarist.

Before releasing albums with The Family Band, Randolph was selected by avant-jazz organist John Medeski to join him and the North Mississippi Allstars on their 2001 jam project, The Word.

In September of 2003 Randolph was listed as #97 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time list. [1]

In 2002, they were hired by ABC to make the network's new NBA theme song. The song, "We Got Hoops", was only used for three telecasts, though it was used throughout both the NBA and WNBA seasons during promotions for both leagues.

In 2005, Randolph, along with Kirk Hammett of Metallica, guested on the song "Trinity" on Santana's album All That I Am.

The third album, Colorblind, was released October 10, 2006.

1 Concert Life
2 Discography
3 See also
4 External links
5 References

[edit] Concert Life

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Randolph's concerts are known for their lively stage performances, with Randolph content to let the rest of the band play on while he dances. Dance is an integral part of the concerts. During Shake Your Hips, women are encouraged to come up on stage and dance.

For the song, The March, Randolph leaves his instrument to instruct the crowd on how to properly perform the intricate dance move. In the band's earlier days, Randolph would temporarily stop the show if members of the audience were not dancing and appeared not to be enjoying themselves.

Other noteworthy concert regulars involve the entire band trading off instruments allowing the entire band to show off their musical proficiencies. A microphone is occasionally passed around the front row of the audience, so they can sing during the song I Need More Love. Audience members are also called up on stage to sing (Purple Haze) or be a guest guitarist for one song.

The length of the concerts can vary greatly depending on what songs are played (the band does not use a set list) and how long jams last. Concerts even go over the allotted time if the band and the audience are having fun. Most concerts don't have an intermission. Instead, band members will exit the stage leaving one or two members a chance to shine with solos. The one time the band does stop is so the band can relax, get hydrated, and plan the encore.

In 2004 Robert Randolph was the opening act on the Eric Clapton tour.

The Family Band has opened for Dave Matthews Band for some shows on their 2002-06 tours. In 2005 Robert Randolph appeared on the Dave Matthews Band release Weekend on the Rocks. Robert Randolph has performed as a guest during the Dave Matthews Band set on songs such as All Along the Watchtower, Louisiana Bayou, Stand Up, Smooth Rider, You Might Die Trying, and Two Step, among others.