Beyond The Turntable

Somehow I missedUnclassified when it was released a couple of years ago, but I sure am enjoying it now. Robert Randolph is an amazing guitar player. He specializes in the pedal steel, including his trademark 13-string Fessenden. The band greatly increased their following when they toured with Eric Clapton last summer and many reviewers hinted that they stole the show from the legendary Clapton some nights.

Unclassified offers a mixture of gospel, rock, funk, jazz and blues, all of it played with expertise and cheerful enthusiasm. The band began as friends and relatives in a church worship band and developed into a touring ensemble. Most of the songs are generically positive in their lyrics, but the concluding verse of Problems exhorts:

Problems of the world today / Don't let the children go astray / Just keep the faith in God / He won't make it hard

A bonus computer video on the CD gives you an enjoyable behind-the-scenes peek at the band. If you're a guitar fan, Unclassified is an absolute must!

Visit Robert Randolph and the Family Band.