Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Duane Allman and Stevie Ray Vaughn. And Robert Randolph?
An energetic gospel and blues-based quartet originally from New Jersey, Robert Randolph and the Family Band has been climbing the ladder of nationwide recognition since transcending the jam band scene over the past three years. Randolph leads the band with his blistering, incendiary solos on the pedal steel guitar.
Between an appearance on the recent Grammys (as part of a tribute to funk music), an upcoming tour with Eric Clapton and a listing on Rolling Stone's poll of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time," there appears to be no ceiling for Robert Randolph and the Family Band, who plays Buffalo tonight at The Sphere at 681 Main St.
"(The band's growth) is still going full speed," said Randolph in a phone interview. "Because now we're starting to learn some new songs and we're still getting influenced by other music out there. We're definitely still growing at a fast rate."
Randolph added that he sees unlimited potential for himself and the Family Band in the future.
"As long as you're around yourself mentally, to accept the fact that (you) can always grow, I don't think there's any stopping," said Randolph. "I'm the only one who can be able to stop myself from growing.
"That's what happens to some musicians, singers and songwriters. Some people get it in their head that they've reached the highest point they can reach. But you can always grow."
Before the Family Band's meteoric rise, it had more humble beginnings, as Randolph learned and practiced the pedal steel guitar in his church in Orange, N.J. Invoking the "sacred steel" style of playing, Randolph said his background continues to influence his playing style.
"When we play a live show, the goal is the same as when I played in the church; to get people moving," he said.
Of course, Randolph does not create this energy alone. The Family Band includes Randolph's cousins Danyel Morgan and Marcus Randolph (bass and drums, respectively) and John Ginty on keyboards.
While Randolph's name appears at the top of the marquee, the other members of the Family Band are impossible to overlook.
"Danyel is the best singer in the band and he's just an unbelievable musician, period," said Randolph. "He's like the gas in a car. It's not going to run without him."
While certain groups who have become popular through the jam band scene may avoid wide exposure, Randolph affirmed that the band's appearance at the Grammys has yielded positive results.
"That kind of gave us an extra boost of confidence to go out and to see that we got such a great response from everybody," said Randolph. "So it's cool. For me, it gave me an extra boost musically and mentally. I kind of wish that every singer and songwriter could get a chance to experience that. It's just mind-blowing."
In addition to releasing two albums and playing many successful shows as headliners, Robert Randolph and the Family Band has opened for many other high-profile acts, including jazz trio Medeski, Martin and Wood and the Dave Matthews Band.
According to Randolph, the band has learned from all of these gigs, and wants to learn more during their upcoming European dates opening for Clapton.
"Eric Clapton is one of my guitar heroes," said Randolph. "The way he's been able to stay in it and give his heart and soul to the industry and to so many music fans is a great thing."
Releasing "Unclassified" in 2003 as the band's first studio effort, Randolph said the band's philosophy towards recording and playing live reflects two sides of the same coin.
"We try to keep the vibe the same way," said Randolph. "At a live show, you have the crowd and they're screaming and chanting and giving you some things you can't have in the studio.
Randolph added that the flip side to the structured performances in the recording studio is the band's love of improvisation.
"We hardly ever get a chance to rehearse anything," he said. "I'm sure at the Buffalo show, we'll play a song for the first time on stage. We'll just try it out there, see what happens. To tell you the truth, we've done that so many times at our shows. A lot of the time, we play what's off the top of our heads."
