Robert Randolph & The Family Band

 One of the fastest rising guitar players in the past decade is Robert Randolph.  Although he has only been on the scene since 2001, Rolling Stone already named him one of the top 100 guitar players of all time.  He has a great mixture of sounds including funk, soul, jam, and gospel.  His band, called the Family Band is  multicultural, unlike many bands that are quite homogenous.

 Randolph is best known for playing what is called the pedal steel guitar.  It is also called the "Sacred Steel," by people in African-American churches.  Having got his start playing in a church, it is no wonder he has been drawn to this instrument and gospel sound.  He and the band have drawn inspiration from the likes of Earth, Wind, and Fire and are currently working on their fourth album.

In addition to success in the music industry, songs by Randolph and the Family Band have been popping up all over, showing their cross-over and mainstream success.  They have had songs on a number of both television and movie soundtracks.  Their music has also appeared in nationally-airing commercials.  This is the kind of exposure you can't buy and they are grateful that so many people get to hear their music through these alternate forums.

Seeing Randolph in concert is not like seeing other bands in concert and is really something of a treat.  He dances a lot during the performances, often encouraging his band mates to keep playing while he cuts a rug on stage.  During certain songs, he will also invite women to come up on the stage and dance with him.  Further making it an interactive affair, the band members sometimes pass a microphone out into the crowd and let fans sing along with them.

If this sounds like your idea of fun, or if you love the sound of Robert Randolph and the Family Band, get tickets to see them in concert here at ConcertKing.