Neil Spencer 

Robert Randolph: We Walk This Road – review

T-Bone Burnett in the producer's chair keeps America's pedal steel hero Robert Randolph grounded on his solid third album, writes Neil Spencer
  
  


Randolph's live shows have made the guitarist a hero of the US's "jam band" scene, but his pedal steel pyrotechnics haven't transferred well to disc. This third album benefits from the elegant touch of producer T-Bone Burnett, who guided Randolph towards his gospel roots while keeping his showier instincts in check. The pair update antique gospel songs and bluesman Blind Willie Johnson's "If I Had My Way" into classy, uptempo funk in which Sly Stone's influence is strong. Muscular versions of Dylan ("Shot of Love"), Lennon ("Don't Want To Be a Soldier") and Prince ("Walk Don't Walk") add commercial spice.

 

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