Robert Randolph
Preacher Kids
**and1/2 out of *****
The debut solo release from Robert Randolph is the talented pedal steel player's first on the historic Sun Records label and it is titled Preacher Kids. Randolph is a veteran of the music scene, having played for decades with his evolving Family Band, but has decided now is the time to step out with his first solo release on the classic label.
Perhaps the idea was to break new ground in unique fashion as Randolph worked with producer Shooter Jennings (Brandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker), moving for a bit more polish to his gospel influenced pedal steel sounds. The album was recorded at Sunset Sound Studios in LA as the cover shoot clearly shows Randolph's West Coast love.
However, for those following Robert Randolph's career (as RtBE has) things are pretty much par for the course on Preacher Kids. The pattern seems to be locked in for Robert Randolph, mix up his rock/gospel/funk/blues tunes by working with a producer who can give the artist more of a pop sheen for a breakthrough of some sort. Bring in a few guests that fit in with Robert's philosophy and who may also bring new ears to the album.
All of this stays true for his newest release and the results are solid if never truly spectacular. The head bopping groove of the cheeky opener "Big Women" is engaging with some heavy metal-ish breaks tossed into the ode for large ladies while that hard rock vibe continues, albeit with less success, for both the pumping "Choir Woman" and "7 Generations".
The blues pick up for "Like To Love You Baby" and the electro closer "Roosevelt Pool" as Randolph wraps up his L.A. record. The funky "Gravity is his most pop focused tune, shimmering with a good bass line. The cascading riffs and motoring groove of "Sinner" show off Randolph's talent as does the rumbling drums on "All Night Lover", a song that moves from understated to arena ready bombast.
Randolph works best on Preacher Kids when he brings in a few guests. "King Karma" is sultry, late night rocker, sung as a duet with Margo Price and "When Will the Love Rain Down" is even better as Judith Hill takes over vocals and allows Randolph to play his best pedal steel on the record. "When Will the Love Rain Down" starts with an ominous tone, while Hill's vocals build gloriously over the top with almost Broadway-ready grandiosity.
We have mentioned before, but Randolph seems firmly entrenched with other amazingly talented live players like Gary Clark Jr. and Trombone Shorty who have yet to put it all together for a killer, must hear album. That is just fine this go around, as Randolph rolls on with the stout Preacher Kids.
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