The best way to describe Robert Randolph & The Family Band is that it is a funk/soul band with exceptional flashy, Hendrix-style guitar playing from Randolph, the front man, vocalist and one of the best pedal steel guitarists around today.
The band is multicultural and consists of former members of the Church of God in Christ. It is influenced by Earth, Wind & Fire, and Randolph as a guitarist has especially been influenced by the late Stevie Ray Vaughn. The band is known as a great live act that loves to have a good time and jam on stage.
“Colorblind,” its second studio album, third overall, does not disappoint as it continues the feeling of one giant party. However, unlike its first album, “Unclassified,” which leaned more towards instrumental jams, “Colorblind” continues the band’s great music but relies on more soulful vocals than before, sometimes more than needed, which might disappoint the jam band-oriented fans.
The party gets going right away, starting off with “Ain’t Nothing Wrong With That,” featuring some flashy funk guitar riffs and Randolph praising all genres of music and those who listen to them. “Deliver Me” is even funkier and features a church choir trance chorus that’s so catchy you can’t help but sing, “Deliver me, before I can die.”
“Diane” is one of two love songs on the album, but it’s done Robert Randolph-style. It’s an R&B song full of energy, featuring a great guitar and horns with a catchy chorus throughout. If there is one filler on this album of 11 songs, “Angels,” one of two songs Dave Matthews co-wrote on the album, is it. “Love is the Only Way In” is much better. This is slower, like the other Matthews co-written track, but it is really all about grooves and Randolph showing off his skills. Life is revived in the band once again as it covers the famous Doobie Brothers song, “Jesus Is Just Alright,” featuring Eric Clapton on guitar.
The other love song on the album is “Stronger,” another duet and ballad with soul singer Leela James, featuring great guitar playing from Randolph that harmonizes with James’ voice. “Thrill of It” is another funk anthem with a trance riff and was the first single from the new album; it’s a must-hear.
“Blessed” is one of the happiest soul funk songs ever recorded and will put anyone in a good mood. Lyrics are something that Randolph continually tries to improve, and this is one of his best written songs. “Thankful ‘N Thoughtful” is another song built on grooves and funk. The one criticism rises again that this song would be better as an instrumental. Instead, back-up singers drag the life out of it. “Homecoming” is a great closer, starting off with a low, funky riff that builds and builds as Randolph sings about how he feels at home wherever he plays, with a chorus that is like a wall of sound, completing the song and album.
It has been three years since the band’s last studio album, and even though the funk/soul-type music essentially sounds the same, Randolph is maturing into a better songwriter and vocals are becoming more prominent. Randolph continues his great guitar playing and has the potential to be the Jimi Hendrix of the pedal steel guitar. As said before, Randolph must remember that his band is also known for being a great jam band. Funk and soul has not been mainstream for some time, but if someone is up for the test, Robert Randolph & The Family Band is it.
