Robert Randolph & the Family Band
Antone’s, Austin, Texas
October 21
The new album by Robert Randolph & the Family Band, Got Soul (to be released in February), seems to have been written with the live show in mind. It sure was a treat on this cool autumn night in Austin to hear this red hot band roll several of these new tunes out.
After a long wait, the band sauntered out to much applause and familiar, welcome smiles. They seemed nonchalant, with Robert Randolph sitting down on a bench beneath his unique, custom-made slide guitar and picking strings here and there, seemingly fine-tuning his instrument while the bassist, drummer, guitarist and organ player all did the same. It was like a jazz or blues ensemble warming up and starting a musical fire with a little kindling.
Once they were ready to fire at the same time, they launched into “Got Soul,” the lead-off and title track to their upcoming album. The audience feedback was immediate and joyful. Everyone in this legendary but moved around blues club was in for a great night and there wasn’t a naysayer to be heard in the bunch. The band was on a roll, stretching songs and strings out all the way laying down a thick, sweet groove.
I think the first real rollicking tune was their cover of the Sly and the Family Stone classic, “Thank You” (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin). Like all their jams and swinging grooves, this song has a way of relaxing the audience to the restful place of dancing like no one’s watching. It’s joyful.
During the fifth song they were able to coax half a dozen girls on stage who danced and swayed and let the audience know that this was one big party with no division between stage and floor. Later on local vocalist Nakia got on stage and sang a song with the band. Afterwards Randolph’s little sister (with the big, big hair), Lenesha, sang lead vocals while he jammed on a portable slide guitar. He got down on his knees during a solo, expressively wailing on that very cool instrument.
“I Don’t Know What You Came to Do” is a concert staple for this group, which introduces each member of the band and allows the audience to demonstrate why they came (to dance, sway, clap and stomp some feet). This song enjoyed an extended life, with which the band members switched instruments. With Randolph on drums and everyone having switched their “musical chair,” it was great fun and a real display of their talent.
While the hype might have died down about how wonderful this band is (they really did give rock and roll a surprise shot in the arm around 2003), they’re still an amazing experience and both a laid-back yet frenetic, relaxing yet energizing rock and roll show.
—Review and Photos by Doug Van Pelt
Catch some of Robert Randolph & the Family Band jams at Heaven’s Metal Radio.com
Look for an album review of Got Soul soon at HMmagazine.com
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