Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Headed up by the renowned sacred steel guitarist Robert Randolph, this release from blues supergroup The Word showcases both Randolph and his band's sheer musicality in a collection of mostly instrumental jam-based tracks. For the most part upbeat and funk-tinged, Randolph's slide playing naturally takes centre stage but John Medeski's Hammond work is equally captivating as is some inventive turns from Cody Dickinson and Chris Chew on drums and bass respectively. Whilst kicking off in fairly standard fashion with "New Word Order", the band's experimental side takes hold with the progressive "Soul Food I & II" highlighting each player's dexterity whilst "Early In The Moanin' Time" showcases the sheer range of the pedal steel with Randolph coaxing ever-lower notes from his instrument. Elsewhere, there are brief forays into psychedelia but song titles such as "Speaking In Tongues" and "The Highest" suggest that this is an album undergirded by the Christian faith. In addition, the veritable funk-fest "Come By Here" takes a common gospel blues refrain as it's starting point and a stellar cameo from US blues artist Ruthie Foster in the traditional "When I See The Blood" is a highlight. An acoustic but no less high octane version of the old stalwart "Glory Glory" - featuring vocalist Amy Helm - closes an enthralling release from a band at the top of their game.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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