Randolph Meddles With Steel Guitar

Author: Liz Lathey

Something happened last Thursday night at the Higher Ground in Winooski, Vt. Something happened between Robert and Marcus Randolph, Danyel Morgan and John Ginty. The musical chemistry between these four musicians, who together make up the Family Band, was undeniable as they played their two-hour set with unyielding energy. Twenty-four year old Robert Randolph, who has played pedal steel guitar since he was 16, delivered an amazing show that defied definition.
Taking the stage around 11 p.m., Randolph immediately began playing with a fervor that would not die down until the show ended. A definite highlight was Randolph's cover of Jimi Hendrix's "Voodoo Child." Coming just a few songs into the set, Randolph paid homage to Hendrix with an amazing performance of the song, complete with guitar solos that would make even Hendrix proud.
Another highlight of the show was "The March," Randolph's promotion of peace and understanding. Randolph prefaced the song with a call to join together against terrorism and promote world peace. "Love has no color … it has no face," Randolph proclaimed as he demonstrated the march to the crowd. Although we tried, the march proved to be a difficult task among the large crowd around the stage. Randolph's awesome stage presence seemed to draw people in closer as the show progressed.
Although technical difficulties forced Randolph to stop playing the pedal steel for a few minutes toward the end of the set, the rest of the band covered for him nicely. Morgan kept the show alive with his six-string bass and contributed vocals while the difficulties were remedied. Meanwhile, Randolph danced around the stage and eventually picked up his Taylor electric acoustic to fill in the void left by the pedal steel guitar. After the song, Randolph apologized to the crowd for the problems and played a few more songs to finish the set.
A few minutes of applause brought the Family Band back out on stage for the encore, which included an energy-driven performance of "Press On." The crowd, which was full of excitement for the duration of the show, emanated an energy that was only matched by the band itself. Randolph provided a lot of the force behind the music with his huge grin and obvious exhilaration at playing with his band.
Randolph grew up in New Jersey, the son of a deacon (father) and a minister (mother). His spiritual upbringing is apparent in his music, with its evocation of the Pentecostal Church music services where he first played pedal steel.
Players he cites as influences include Ted Beard, Calvin Cooke and Glenn Lee. Randolph learned to play primarily of his own initiative, although he did receive some advice from other pedal steel players who went to his church.
His unique style can be attributed to his self-taught background, during which he advanced from a $60 six-string lap steel model to the 13-string pedal steel model he plays today.
Robert Randolph and the Family Band have been around for a relatively short time, with the lineup finally being solidified in September of 2000. The band began playing shows outside of church soon after, with Ginty on Hammond organ, Marcus Randolph, Robert's cousin, on drums, and Morgan on bass.
All four musicians contribute boundless passion into their music, to which anyone who witnessed the show last Thursday can attest. Taking into account Randolph's background, it is not too far of a stretch to say that it truly was a spiritual experience.
For more information and touring schedules, visit the Family Band's Web site: www.robertrandolph.net.