Robert Randolph & The Family Band's "Colorblind" was one of the year's most eagerly awaited albums, and I'm happy to report that it lives up to all expectations.
There’s nobody out there playing the steel guitar like Randolph, or “sacred steel” as they call it in the House of God Pentecostal church where he got his start. It’s an instrument that lends itself to fiery passion, to exuberance and deep expressiveness, and Randolph is just the brother to bring it. I’m one who appreciates and enjoys musical excellence wherever I find it, but I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t take additional pleasure from the fact that this music is coming out of a heart of praise. The spirituality may not be as overt as some may desire lyrically, but let me tell you, it is pouring freely from the soul of this gifted and passionate player, and is there to be seen and heard by those with ears, eyes, and soul.
There are bands whose live energies are so great that it is difficult for their studio projects to translate, and Robert Randolph & The Family Band are certainly among those who offer outrageously engaging live shows. But “Colorblind” successfully bridges the gap, offering an accessible, lively array of funk/rock/soul tracks, eleven in all, that does not disappoint. Not by a long shot.
The howling funk/rock opening riffs of “Ain’t Nothing Wrong With That” gets things off to a monster start, and moves through a set of joyous tracks thick with sound (the waves of throbbing Sly-soul and soaring vocals of “Deliver Me,” the poppin’ bass and warm horns of “Diane,” and “Angels” smooth soulful groove) before striding confidently into the familiar electric refrain of show-stopper “Jesus Is Just Alright” featuring guest Eric Clapton. Randolph and Clapton offer the blistering duet that you would expect from two masters, never easing up for a minute, over a backdrop of sizzling vocals. The collective instrumental excellence will take your breath away, but don’t fear: the melodic and encouraging ballad “Stronger” will get your heart pumping again. Guest vocalist Leela James tears it up over some of Randolph’s sweetest steel guitar work on the whole project. “Colorblind” offers new fans the opportunity to discover the magic of a possibly unfamiliar instrument, handled by a master. Randolph’s writhing solos alone make “Colorblind” worth the admission price.
Equally noteworthy are the funk-rocker anthem, “Thrill of It,” the thick R&B groove of “Blessed,” and another standout track (featuring guest Dave Matthews and his sax-man Leroi Moore), “Love is the Only Way,” with its warm jam feel, thick and bluesy. I enjoyed the nuanced cover of Sly’s “Thankful and Thoughtful,” and the jubilant jam of upbeat “Homecoming” winds the album down perfectly. “Colorblind” is where the party is. Celebrate with Robert Randolph and The Family Band.
