Robert Randolph & The Family Band - "Unclassified" {USA} [2003] (Gospel - Fusion - Jazz & Blues)

Robert Randolph & The Family Band is a multicultural American funk and soul band composed of Robert Randolph, Marcus Randolph (drums), Danyel Morgan (bass), and Jason Crosby (organ). Frontman Robert Randolph was trained as a pedal steel guitarist in the House of God Church, Keith Dominion, and makes prominent use of the instrument in the band's music. Randolph a native of Orange, NJ began playing the steel guitar in the House of God Church, which used steel guitars in worship services. Sacred Steel as it is called is used in many African American Pentacostal style churches and while playing at a sacred steel convention in Florida Randolph was discovered.

The group's sound is inspired by successful 1970's funk bands such as Earth Wind & Fire and Sly & The Family Stone, another multicultural band comprised of former members of the Church of God in Christ. Randolph himself has also stated that his main influence as a guitarist is Stevie Ray Vaughan.
The first Robert Randolph & the Family Band album, Live at the Wetlands, was released in 2002. The band released their studio debut, Unclassified on Aug 5, 2003. They attracted the attention of Eric Clapton, and have subsequently toured as a supporting act with the British blues guitarist.
Before releasing albums with The Family Band, Randolph was selected by avant-jazz organist John Medeski to join him and the North Mississippi Allstars on their 2001 jam project, The Word.
In September of 2003 Randolph was listed as #97 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time list.
In 2005, Randolph, along with Kirk Hammett of Metallica, guested on the song "Trinity" on Carlos Santana's album All That I Am. Calypso from this release has a distinct Santana-ish sound.
The third album, Colorblind, was released October 10, 2006.

Tracklist:

01 - Going in the Right Direction – 3:32
02 - I Need More Love – 3:42
03 - Nobody – 4:32
04 - Soul Refreshing – 3:41
05 - Squeeze – 5:46
06 - Smile – 4:53
07 - Good Times (3 Stroke) – 3:47
08 - Why Should I Feel Lonely – 4:25
09 - Calypso – 4:07
10 - Problems – 4:24
11 - Run for Your Life – 4:53

Personnel:
Candice Anderson – Vocals (bckgr)
Neal Casal – Vocals (bckgr)
Rick Fowler – Duet vocal on "Smile"
John Ginty – B-3 Organ, Piano
Leon Mobley - Percussion
Danyel Morgan – Guitar (Acoustic), Bass, Guitar (Electric), Vocals
Lenesha Randolph – Vocals (bckgr), Duet vocal on "Smile"
Marcus Randolph – Drums
Robert Randolph – Pedal Steel Guitar, Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric), Vocals