Robert Randolph's "Colorblind"

Posted by Kevan Breitinger Aug 31, 2006

"Colorblind," the follow-up release to Randolph's 2003 Grammy-nominated debut "Unclassified," is a soulful mix of gospel, R&B, country, rock & blues inspired by Randolph's deep rooted Church of God musical background. Having grown up playing in the "sacred steel" tradition of the House of God church in the urban setting of Orange, New Jersey, Randolph launched onto the music scene with the ability to redefine the sonic possibilities of his instrument and rightfully gained the world's attention.

Randolph was not only named one of the "Top 100 Guitarists Of All Time" in Rolling Stone magazine, but was recently called "the most original and talented pedal steel guitarist of his generation" by The New York Times and has been a repeat performer for the past few years on the nationally televised Grammy Awards show.

The tone of "Colorblind" is set by the energetic influence of "Ain't Nothin' Wrong With That" to an unmatched rendition of "Jesus Is Just Alright With Me" (featuring Randolph's friend Eric Clapton) to such timeless ballads as "Stronger" and "Blessed," which delves into the introspective side of Randolph's faith and life. Randolph's goal on this record was simple - "I'm trying to create a new field and a new style that'll influence some kids to go, 'wow, I can be black and be from the inner city and I don't have to be a rapper,'" he says.

The release of "Colorblind" brings Robert into the sports spotlight, as ABC and ESPN have chosen Robert Randolph & The Family Band as their Saturday Night Primetime College Football musical guest. Every other Saturday night for the entire college season, you will see Randolph and his band playing their hit single "Thrill Of It" at the start of the show, from the Pontiac Stage in New York City's Times Square.

Robert Randolph & The Family Band, which includes Randolph's cousins Danyel Morgan on bass and Marcus Randolph on drums, is currently on a national tour in the U.S., having spent the past few years making an impact on the road with artists such as John Mayer, The Dave Matthews Band and Eric Clapton.