Robert Randolph Presents: The Slide Brothers

Robert Randolph's fans are no doubt familiar with his pedal steel–driven brand of jam-band rock, R&B, blues, and gospel. They also probably know that he comes out of the sacred steel tradition, where the guitar is placed in a gospel setting and highlighted much in the same way a great singer would be. Here he shines the spotlight on Chuck and Darick Campbell, Aubrey Ghent, and Calvin Cooke—all of whom have spent their lives playing in church. There are original religious songs here like “No Cheap Seats in Heaven” and “Catch That Train,” as well as traditionals like “Wade in the Water” and “Motherless Children.” But the biggest revelation comes when they find deeper meaning in secular material, such as a great new version of Gregg Allman’s “Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’,” George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord” (with Blind Boys’ Jimmy Carter singing lead), and Fatboy Slim’s “Praise You” (featuring singer Shemekia Copeland), which is undoubtedly the biggest surprise here. Some may be disappointed that Randoph doesn’t leave the producer's chair to play, but one listen should wipe away all concerns.