Pedal steel guitar virtuoso Robert Randolph has signed with Blue Note Records.
The 75-year-old label, home to John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Al Green which was absorbed by Universal in its 2012 acquisition of EMI, will release a new studio album by Randolph and his Family Band that features guest appearances by Trombone Shorty and Carlos Santana.
The album, his first since 2010 and due out this summer, marks a return to the high-energy mix of rock, funk and R&B that has become Randolph’s trademark, says a release announcing the signing. The as-yet-untitled effort was engineered by Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin) and mixed by Jim Scott (Dixie Chicks, Tedeschi Trucks).
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Says Blue Note president Don Was: “Robert Randolph is an American original…. he has mastered what is, arguably, the most complex instrument in the world and developed a unique voice that is equal parts street-corner church and Bonnaroo. Robert’s new studio album finally captures the energy and excitement of his legendary live performances… we are honored that he has chosen Blue Note Records as his new home.”
Randolph, who was named one of Rolling Stone‘s “100 Greatest Guitarists,” will also hit the road for a summer tour that includes multiple appearances at blues festivals.