"We really want to be a band that will be around 30, 40 years from now, because of the originality and what we bring, not only as musicians, but as examples to young African-American kids coming out from the inner city," he said. "In the world today, so many kids are caught up in trying to do just what's cool instead of really trying to do something for the sake of helping out and touching lives." With Randolph's style of music (a combination of gospel, blues, funk and rock), he wants to give youth an alternative music.
"We're just gonna come out and have a good time and play a bunch of new songs," he said from his home in Morristown. "It's been quite a while since we've played in Jersey and we just want to bring that vibe back to New Jersey." "We've come a long way," he said.
"We've been blessed to be out here recording and still holding onto our beliefs." The group is touring in support of its new studio CD, "Colorblind." The 11 tracks feature new original songs, plus interpretations of the Doobie Brothers'"Jesus Is Just Alright," featuring Eric Clapton, and of Sly the Family Stone's "Thankful 'N' Thoughtful.
" Since recording its "Unclassified" CD in 2003, the band has toured with the Dave Matthews Band, Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton. Through his friendships with those musicians and with Daniel Lanois and Rick Rubin, Randolph has learned the importance of solid songwriting. "A lot of those guys taught me.
When you're in a studio, you've got to act like you're in a studio, not like you're trying to play a live show. You want to hone in and write great lyrics and great songs," said Randolph. Conversations with Clapton and Steven Tyler helped Randolph get into the right frame of mind to write songs with a story, songs compatible with his philosophy of life.
"For me, it's all about being happy and uplifting," Randolph said. "It's all about really trying to understand what's inside of you when you're writing these verses and singing a song.
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