“We wanted to take our time and find ourselves,” says Robert Randolph. “Find out what was really inside of me and the band and bring that out. Really try to come up with the best songs, dig deep within, and let all of the experiences that we have had in the last three years come out in the music.”

With Colorblind, Randolph and the Family Band have taken the difficult leap from being great performing artists to being great recording artists. 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.

As the album’s title indicates, the results on Colorblind range from infectious R&B to timeless ballads. “Ain’t Nothin’ Wrong with That” is a sure-fire party-starter, while “Blessed” presents Randolph’s more spiritual, introspective side. And, there is a blistering version of the Byrds’ “Jesus is Just Alright With Me,” featuring Randolph and Eric Clapton – who became a close friend and mentor to the younger artist when they toured together – in a blazing guitar battle recorded live in the studio.

Though Randolph has been defined by his jaw-dropping pyrotechnics on the pedal steel, he notes that the studio time devoted to this album led to an evolution in his playing as well. “Now instead of playing over the top of everything, I’m learning to play within the melodies and the concept of the song,” he says. “It doesn’t have to be the most fancy lick, but everything needs to work together – the melodies and the lyrics and the music.”