CD Review: Robert Randolph and the Family Band

Bring’n Back that Soul-Funk

By Kristin Chambers

What do Eric Clapton, Leela James, Dave Matthews and Leroi Moore all have in common? Robert Randolph and the Family Band feature them all as guest artists on the new-funk/old-soul album of the recently-released CD titled Colorblind. Combined with vocals that stir a mix of Outkast and Lenny Kravitz, these catchy beats make you want to break out that New Orleans party dress to soul-sa the night away.

But beware of the funk, for the 1970s pedal steel guitar brings these musicians a note closer to the real thing. If you are a local and St. Augustine’s soul-finest Soulo is your thing, you won’t be at all disappointed.

Breaking out by opening for a variety of blues, jazz-funk and jam bands in 2000, it wasn’t long before these talented artists found their place on the main stage. With their first CD Live at the Wetlands a success with its 2001 release, Randolph went on to produce Unclassified in 2003 along with its hit single “I Need More Love.”

It seems things just keep getting better and better for these guys, as guest vocalists, new videos and tours spread from California to New York don’t seem to be dying down anytime soon.