Whether it's blues, jazz or rock 'n' roll, much of the African American musical experience has been heavily influenced by the music heard and played in church.
On Preacher Kids, sacred steel guitar player Robert Randolph has assembled a crew of musicians who all, in common, were raised by pastors. After 20-plus years and six albums, touring and recording with the Family Band, this is Randolph’s debut solo record.
He was inspired by working on Beyonce’s Cowboy Carter album to go out on his own and record a solo record, which steps away from the collective sound of the band, to embrace a more personal narrative.
On Preacher Kids, Randolph filters his previous gospel and blues sounds through a more ripping rock 'n' roll style with many songs having a thumping, up-tempo snarl to them. He took a much more improvisational approach to songwriting while in the studio.
“Over the years, I have heard people talk about how Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin would just roll the tape and write songs while jamming,” Randolph stated.
“That’s what we did on this album. Everybody was like, ‘What was that thing you played?’ And we’d be like, ‘We just made it up!’"
The results will have you stomping your feet and grabbing the nearest willing partner to get down with!
While Randolph cites influences from Sly and The Family Stone to the Allman Brothers and Buddy Guy, he reflects those influences in his choices of producer and musical guests. The album is produced by Shooter Jennings, son of country singers Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter, who has worked with artists like Brandi Carlile and Margo Price.
Judith Hill, former partner and protégé to the late Prince, adds soaring vocals to “When Will The Love Rain Down,” as well as Margo Price on the duet with Randolph on the bass heavy, “King Karma.”
Robert Randolph continues to forge his own musical path on this first solo record with clear intent — groove-based rock 'n' roll and music heavily influenced by growing up in the African American church.
Preacher Kids should be just the first in many solo records for Mr. Randolph.
Must Listens
- "7 Generations"
- "Choir Woman"
- "Sinner"
- "When Will The Love Rain Down (ft. Judith Hill)"
