Reviewed by Peter Timmis

Over the course of almost a decade this American collective have gained a reputation as purveyors of funky gospel blues of the very highest standard and in the process demonstrated that Robert is an absolute master of the slide steel guitar. Their ever expanding list of admirers includes a certain Mr Clapton who liked what he heard so much he invited Robert and the band to tour with him. Production duties on this latest album by Randolph and co are handled by the legendary T Bone Burnett who lends the project a less polished and rougher around the edges feel than previous Family Band releases. This old school style suits the group well - the record has a timeless quality that drips with soulful gospel goodness. Robert's guitar is maybe a little less showy than you might have come to expect but what the band have succeeded in doing is to create an enticing, atmospheric groove-laden vibe. This approach is demonstrated on a hypnotic version of John Lennon's "I Don't Wanna Be A Solider Mama" where the song's anti-war sentiment is delivered with subtlety and conviction. Other great tracks are a powerful interpretation of one of Bob Dylan's more evangelistic songs, "Shot Of Love" where the band are joined by Jim Keltner, who played drums on the original recording and a smouldering cover of Prince's "Walk Don't Walk". Bold and original but with a familiar feel 'We Walk This Road' is Randolph's finest album to date.

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