Emerging from Church

I've been listening this week to two bands (Robert Randolph and the Family Band and The Harbour Lights) that have emerged from Church settings to great acclaim:

"Since emerging from a House of God church in Orange, New Jersey steeped in the “sacred steel” tradition, Randolph’s astonishing pedal steel playing has had a revolutionary impact. Like a mere handful of musicians – Louis Armstrong, Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Wonder – he has actually been able to redefine the sonic possibilities of his instrument. Randolph’s string wizardry is the focal point of the Family Band’s legendary live appearances, and led to guest spots with artists ranging from the Blind Boys of Alabama to Ozzy Osbourne.

Having grown up in urban New Jersey and making the leap from playing in church to headlining rock festivals, Randolph’s aspirations go beyond expanding his own musical boundaries. “I’m trying to create a new field and a new style that’ll influence some kids to go, ‘wow, I can be Black and be from the inner city and I don’t have to be a rapper,’” he says. “I look at Sly Stone, how he came in and just ripped the music industry apart – I think music fans are ready for that again.”

"The Harbour Lights began life in early 2005 acting as house band for Soulcafe, a regular event at St Paul's Church, Derby. From the acoustic roots nucleus of songwriters Phil Baggaley and Ian Blythe and vocalist Bethan Court, the band evolved into a wonderful genre-defying blend incoporating elements of folk, country and rock."

"With their leaning towards an English country folk tradition, The Harbour Lights debut on a high [Leaving Safe Anchorage], fronted by the quite magical voice of Bethan Court. In their songs, Phil Baggaley and Ian Blythe, wrap us up in intimate meadows and throw us around on rolling seas, opening up forgotten paths and far horizons along the way - yet always taking us somewhere. There is hope for the journey in every unravelling tale."

"Closed For Winter is a genre-defying blend incorporating elements of folk, country and rock from acclaimed songsmiths Phil Baggaley and Ian Blythe. Their subtle, intelligent, intimate and spiritual songs are the perfect platform for the smooth and achingly-beautiful vocals of Bethan Court. Following critical acclaim and popular performances throughout the UK, the band’s second album is bound beautifully together with musical influences as diverse as Fleetwood Mac and Kate Rusby."

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Robert Randolph And The Family Band - I Need More Love.