Robert Randolph

jim milewski · Post by **jim milewski** » 27 Sep 2002 6:51 am

Saw RR last nite, didn't know steel could make 300 kids get down and party, it did and they do. This is rock and roll, excellent playing and a distinct style of rapid picking, the Fessenden sounded fat and he knew how to use the tone, I think he uses an envelope follower to get some different sounds, close your eyes and expect to see Hendrix etc. the show opened my eyes to the potential of the steel. To say he is an aggresive player is an under statement, he had on one song a picking style best described as dive bomber picking, I highly recomend seeing the show when you can, I got a good feeling as I watched the stage crew place his steel on the end of the stage as they were setting up and young guys seemed to be in awe of this contraption, in their six string world.

Randy Pettit · Post by **Randy Pettit** » 27 Sep 2002 7:45 am

Can't wait to roll tape on RR's upcoming Austin City Limits show whenever it airs.

Herb Steiner · Post by **Herb Steiner** » 27 Sep 2002 7:52 am

He's taping here on Monday night. I'm trying to find a way to get tix.

Boo Bernstein · Post by **Boo Bernstein** » 30 Sep 2002 3:23 pm

I saw him about 2 months ago and was really blown away. It's particularly impressive that a steel player is fronting a band (let's face it, we're often not always the most exciting people to watch

and getting the audience completely cranked up.

I've looked at some of the posted sacred steel tunings. I'm not sure how he gets some of the rapid fire rock runs. Has anyone tabbed out any of his licks?

Jay Ganz · Post by **Jay Ganz** » 30 Sep 2002 3:32 pm

Caught his show last Spring for two
hours plus!!! Impressive stuff
for sure!

Steel tryin · Post by **Steel tryin** » 2 Oct 2002 10:53 am

I saw RR in his first SOLO headline event in Atlanta 6 weeks ago. I'm not sure really what his show represents. It seemed to be a crowd CONSUMED by the EVENT rather than any sustainable popular form of STEEL guitar.
I suspect for Robert that his present ride will be fleeting like the ATTENTION of his
18 -25 y/o crowd. If your hoping to see
Sacred Steel or the Next TIGER WOODS of Steel guitar then I would PASS.

Earl Yarbro · Post by **Earl Yarbro** » 2 Oct 2002 11:49 am

The only RR this old coot can think of is Robert Redford, this ain't him, is it? I just saw the topic says Robert Randolph. Oh well, I wasn't too far off.

Earl

Dayton Osland · Post by **Dayton Osland** » 5 Oct 2002 8:53 am

Hi

RR will be appearing Nov 16 in Chicago at the UIC Pavillion. He'll be opening for John Mayer.

I'm not going to miss this show. RR was at Fitzgerald's in Berwyn last year & I didn't go because it was a week night (it is a 60 mile drive).

------------------
Dayton Osland
Shobud S10

Terry Wendt · Post by **Terry Wendt** » 15 Oct 2002 7:33 pm

I heard Robert today - over the telephone! THIS DUDE SMOKES THE FIRE OUT of Pedal Steel! Go see him if you ain't scared to possibly be intimidated a bit. GO ROBERT!

tkw

------------------
TheEarlyDays.com

and appearing regularly...
Jimmy Crawford/Russ Hicks... and Buddy Emmons on Bass! aLotOfSpace.com

Stephen LeBlanc · Post by **Stephen LeBlanc** » 16 Oct 2002 1:54 pm

He plays with a lot of energy and feel...I like it but I can't say I love his playing...it gets downright annoying to me after a while.

I also don't like the fact that in interviews he doesn't give a whole lot of credit to the pioneers of RocknRoll/Soul Pedal Steel. He seemed to think he's the first one playing this style on the Steel.

I actually hope I'm wrong about him but I do suggest he visits some record stores and does a lot of listening.[This message was edited by Stephen LeBlanc on 16 October 2002 at 02:54 PM.]

Kevin Hatton · Post by **Kevin Hatton** » 16 Oct 2002 2:22 pm

I also find disturbing that this kid is getting such media recognition whem there are dozens of accomplished non rock/ non black steel players with alot more experience and expertiize. We wouldn't want to recognize those white guys!
I have no doubt that he's good at what he does. [This message was edited by Kevin Hatton on 16 October 2002 at 03:23 PM.]

Stephen LeBlanc · Post by **Stephen LeBlanc** » 16 Oct 2002 3:05 pm

Well...I'm sure you meant it in the best way but I don't think the color of his skin is the issue, maybe for some it is but definitly not me.

There are better (technically) black Steelers IMO that could get more recognition.

I'm more bothered by the fact that there are dozens of R&B and Rock records that have incredible screaming steel...with Fuzz pedals, overdrive, Wah Wah, etc...I just think Robert should mention some of those cats when he's asked about his impact on Pedal Steel.

The interview I read he acted like no one played Blues/Rock/R&B on the steel before him...maybe the interviewer quoted him out of context or something, I don't know.

He did say he's been influenced by a lot of Sacred Steelers but he also critized them for being close minded (???)

Anyway...I think he's a good kid but being young is no excuse for lack of humility and recognition of people who came before you.

Bruce Bouton · Post by **Bruce Bouton** » 16 Oct 2002 6:31 pm

Guys,
Robert Randolph is a young man . Give him a break about his knowledge of the of the steel players before him.He might not know every Buddy Emmons solo but he can tell you about every sacred steeler which is something most of us don't know about.Last time he was in town I sat in with him at a jam packed night club and he brought the house down. Another night I took him to see the Time Jumpers and all he could talk about was how great Johny Cox played. He doesn't come from country music.It's a whole different thing that he brings to the table. I personally don't know any twenty three year olds ,white or black that play as well as he does. He's also quite an acomplished guitar player and a very astute business man.He was a paralegal before he was able to make a living as a player. He is also my friend , which makes it hard to not react with disgust, to the negative posts ,some of which appear to be dripping with not so subtle racist overtones.I certainly understand the mentality however, having watched alot of the petty bitterness rear it's head among the cybersteel community.
As far as there being better rock steel players around, I sure havn't heard them.
Another thing. Robert's got a good heart. He respects what came before him and doesn't take his gift for granted and he certainly doesn't feel like the world owes him something.
Bruce Bouton

Bruce Bouton · Post by **Bruce Bouton** » 16 Oct 2002 6:35 pm

Most of the Sacred Steel guys are pretty locked into their church music scene. I think that's where the closed minded statement came from. Go Robert!
Bruce Bouton

Stephen LeBlanc · Post by **Stephen LeBlanc** » 16 Oct 2002 7:58 pm

........[This message was edited by Stephen LeBlanc on 15 January 2005 at 06:01 PM.]