April 2, 2013
Robert Randolph, the virtuoso pedal steel guitarist whose distinctive mix of rock, funk and rhythm & blues has built a fervent, international audience has signed with Blue Note Records. The signing is a precursor to the release of Randolph’s highly anticipated new studio album – his first since 2010’s We Walk This Road. “Robert Randolph is an American Original….he has mastered what is, arguably, the most complex instrument in the world and developed a unique voice that is equal parts street-corner church and Bonnaroo. Robert’s new studio album finally captures the energy and excitement of his legendary live performances…we are honored that he has chosen Blue Note Records as his new home.” says label President Don Was.
The new album is being produced by Randolph and showcases his Family Band, the powerhouse ensemble that has backed him throughout his career. The Family Band is comprised of actual family members Marcus Randolph, Danyel Morgan, Lenesha Randolph together with guitarist Brett Haas. The new album features special guest appearances from Trombone Shorty and Carlos Santana and signifies a return to the joyful, high energy music that has become Randolph’s trademark. “Blue Note is a true music label with a 75-year history of working with great musicians like John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Al Green and the head of the label is a real musician and songwriter,” explains Randolph. “It’s really an honor to sign with Blue Note and to have them share my vision.” The new, as yet untitled, album was engineered by the legendary Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin) and mixed by Jim Scott (Tedeschi Trucks).
Robert Randolph & The Family Band first gained national attention with the release of the album Live at the Wetlands in 2002. The concert recording was taped at New York’s historical Wetlands Preserve Club before its closing in 2001. The band followed this acclaimed live album with their first studio recording Unclassified, attracting the attention of Eric Clapton. Since then, the band has toured with Clapton, Santana and the Dave Matthews band and, as a headline act, has developed a large, passionate following built upon legendary performances at such major festivals as Bonnaroo, Crossroads, Hard Rock Calling, Montreux, Austin City Limits and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Two further albums Colorblind and We Walk This Road enjoyed critical and commercial success led by signature Randolph composed songs such as “Ain’t Nothing Wrong With That”. Rolling Stone named Robert Randolph one of “The 100 Greatest Guitarists,” the only pedal steel player so honored, calling him “one of the most intense live acts in all of jamdom” and citing his solos as “perpetually cresting, lightning-fast explorations.”
With a new label, a new record and a summer-long schedule of tour dates, Robert Randolph & The Family Band stand ready to return into the limelight bringing steel-fueled, funky guitar rock back to longstanding fans and fresh ears, alike.
Tour dates for Robert Randolph & The Family Band:
April 6 – Keystone, CO – River Run Rocks Series
April 13 – Baton Rouge, LA – Baton Rouge Blues Festival
April 19 – Live Oak, FL – Wanee Festival
April 20 – Ft. Worth, TX – Main Street Ft. Worth Arts Festival
April 21 – Atlanta, GA – Sweetwater 420 Festival
May 3 – New Orleans, LA – House Of Blues
May 4 – Birmingham, AL – Schaeffer Festival
May 10 – Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Ampitheater
May 11 – Beaufort, NC – Beaufort Music Festival
May 12 – Saxapahaw, NC – Haw River Ballroom
May 18 – San Francisco, CA – Blue Bear School of Music Benefit
May 19 – Dana Point, CA – Doheny Blues Festival
June 29 – Jarvenpaa, Finland – Lakeside Blues Festival
July 5-6 – George, WA – JamBase LIVE at The Gorge
July 27 – Palmertown, PA – Pennsylvania Blues Festival
August 16 – Madison, IN – Madison’s Ribber Festival
