Search - Robert Randolph & The Family Band :: Unclassified

Who were the real stars of the Grammy "funk" jam?

souldrummer | Washington, DC United States | 02/09/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yep, Robert Randolph and the Family Band had a breakout performance tonight at the Grammys. Samuel L. Jackson and his preacher thing went a little overboard for me. EWF and Outkast were okay. George Clinton was cool by me until I starts ripping Lil' John! George! Why imitate!I digress.In the middle of all this Grammy supergroup shanigans many in our great nation were introduced to Robert Randolph and the Family Band. "I Need More Love" was tight performance of what they represent. Positive, church inspired, funk music with blistering jam band talent. Very, very rare that we hear anything that sounds fresh, new or an extension upon the foundations of black music rather than a recapitulation of established norms. These guys are the real deal. The music will raise your spirits. The talent will awe you at times. Acoustic music with power, fire, technique, soul, love, heart, courage, and power.That's we need today, and that's what you should purchase.Support great musicians and cop this album!5 stars--SD"

Great CD - mixes funk, blues, a little Hendrix, and SRV

Chris Hohne | Edmond, Oklahoma USA | 09/19/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I first heard of Robert Randolph when I saw them on David Letterman. I wasn't intending to stay up and watch the musical guest as I had never heard of them. But I was still awake when they came on and I was blown away. I Need More Love was the song they performed and it was great. I looked up more info on this group and now I have both Unclassified and Live at the Wetlands in my collection. This CD doesn't have the "power" of the live CD, but it is plenty good. It's one of the few I can put in and play straight through without skipping any songs.This is a unique blend of Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Allman Brothers, and lots of funk and blues. And the blend works very well in my opinion. This CD goes from upbeat to slow blues and everything in between."

No sophomore jinx for RRFB

Andre M. | Mt. Pleasant, SC United States | 08/05/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Excellent followup for Robert Randolph and the Family Band's underground classic "Live at the Wetlands." Those who liked that CD will be pleased with this one. Most of this consists of tunes that this excellent group has been performing live over the last year, like "Run For Your Life," "Good Times," and "Squeeze." Once again, John Ginty plays the heck out of his organ and Marcus Randolph and Danyel Morgan in fine support (though it would be nice if this one had more of Danyel's soaring vocals).Overall, this is good stuff, particularly the songs that I have just mentioned. Real get-up and go music with a positive energy not often found in tunes of recent times. "Soul Refershing" is simply beautiful and "Smile" is interesting (Robert's sister Lenesha does the vocals here). "Calypso" (not to be confused with the Harry belafonte tune of the same name) is an interesting novelty. A few of the songs (like "I Need More Love") are somewhat lacking in the right mix of melody and energy that characteris\zes this group-but a so-so song from these guys are better than the best of a lot of what's out there now!I would suggest that those who may be interested in this start with "Live at the Wetlands" before going on to "Unclassified." That will give you a better preperation for this. Then pick up "The Word" (RR without the Family Band) and the "Sacred Steel" Cds after you listen to "Unclassified." Then see these guys live and you will have hope for the future of American popular music."