"The Word"

Robert Randolph's first CD was a three day studio jam with professional blues/rock players. Luther Dickinson of the The North Mississippi All Stars and organist John Medeski had become big fans of sacred steel through the Arhoolie recordings. They met Robert through mutual friends, pulled in the ryhthm section from Luther's band, and then proceeded to "sanctify" a recording studio in between road trips.

The result is nothing less than roots music history. This album reminds me of the best efforts of artists like Ry Cooder and Taj Mahal. Robert's playing is incredibly expressive, and his joy is contagious. Everyone in the room is playing with "big ears", listening intently to everyone else and responding with their best efforts.

If you like blues and/or sacred steel music, this CD is a must have for your collection. It's destined to be a classic. 

-b0b-

1. Joyful Sounds
2. Call Him By His Name
3. Blood On That Rock
4. Without God
5. Waiting On My Wings
6. At the Cross
7. I'll Fly Away
8. I Shall Not Be Moved
9. Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning
10. Untitled 

Robert Randolph & The Family Band
"Live at The Wetlands"

This set is a live rock jam in front of an enthusiastic crowd in New Your City. Robert's energy is matched by his Family Band trio (organ, bass and drums) as they blow the roof off the place. All of the tunes are Randoph originals, except for Slim Harpo's "Shake Your Hips".

Most of Robert's songs are riff-based and rarely change chords - they seem designed to simply lift the youthful audience to a joyful frenzy. And they succeed. The interplay between Robert's steel and John Ginty's Hammond is a lot of fun to hear. The grooves and Robert's lead lines often remind me of early Allman Brothers records.

Don't worry that there's only six songs - these jams are long. The CD contains nearly 70 minutes of music. What a party!

1. Ted's Jam
2. The March
3. Pressing My Way
4. Shake Your Hips
5. I Don't Know What You Come To Do
6. Tears of Joy