Wednesday, August 20, 2008

The Current-Oct. 2007 Feature Story

Robert Randolph Brings Spirited Show To Currentland

By Regan Henson

On the seventh day, God did not rest. We all know what the bible tells us, but remember, the bible was written by men. Any angel will tell you that God spent that seventh day like many of the men created in His image, tinkering around in His heavenly garage. It was in this immaculate setting that He set forth to create the most heavenly of musical instruments. And the pedal steel guitar was born. And it was good.

But His angels were unable to play such an instrument, so He set in motion a series of events that would culminate with the creation of the perfect pedal steel guitarist. And Robert Randolph was born. And it was groovy.

As a teenager, Robert Randolph began playing the pedal steel guitar in his Orange, NJ church. By early 2001, Randolph and his Family Band, including cousins Danyell Morgan on bass and Marcus Randolph on drums along with organist John Ginty (later replaced by Jason Crosby), was playing club dates in and around New York City. It was at these early performances where RRFB began perfecting their funk, rock, gospel, jam sound that was and continues to be defined by two words: high energy.

It was also at these early shows that Randolph took the first steps toward becoming a legend, stretching the boundaries of the pedal steel to the point that they are no longer visible. His genius with his instrument was quickly recognized by artists across musical genres, leading to his appearance on albums from artists as diverse as Ringo Starr to Rob Thomas to Fountains of Wayne, and to inevitable comparisons with musicians whom have similarly redefined their instruments, such as Jimi Hendricks and Stevie Wonder.

In between guest spots on other artists’ albums, RRFB have managed to release a live album, 2002’s Live at the Wetlands, and two studio works, 2003’s Grammy-nominated Unclassified and Colorblind, released earlier this year. With the success of the first two singles, Ain’t Nothing Wrong With That and Thrill of it, Colorblind has the sound and feel of an album that will catapult RRFB from critics’ darlings to household name status. Featuring guest artists such as Dave Mathews, Leela James and Eric Clapton, Colorblind also captures a moment in time when a quasi-jam band finds the confidence to write and record great individual songs without sacrificing any of the energy of their lively stage show.

This October you out there in Currentland can experience that lively stage show first hand when RRFB visits George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville and Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa. Imagine what you might have done for the chance to see Jimi Hendrix live at the height of his creativity. Maybe you had the chance and declined. Maybe you’re too young to have ever had that chance. Either way, the artist many critics are calling this generation’s Hendrix will soon be playing in your area and you have the chance to see him live. What would Jesus Do? There’s a good chance he’d be at George’s on October 8th or the Cain’s on October 9th. Rose Hill Drive opens both nights and doors open at 7 p.m. You can buy tickets online for either show or by calling George’s box office at (479)527-6618 or the Cain’s box office at (866)443-8849.

No comments: