The first studio album by pedal steel icons the
Slide Brothers incorporates the sacred steel tradition in gospel music with rock, funk, and blues. The quartet and like-minded co-producers John McDermott and
Robert Randolph -- the pedal steel guitarist and leader of
the Family Band -- embrace the philosophy that traditional gospel and secular music should not be divided but celebrated. That diversity is reflected in the tasteful union of material linking the
Allman Brothers classic "Don't Keep Me Wonderin',"
Fatboy Slim's trip-hop hit "Praise You," two
Elmore James tracks,
George Harrison's "My Sweet Lord," and an instrumental version of the spiritual "Wade in the Water." No matter what categorization this music is relegated to, it doesn't change the genuine celebratory nature the
Slide Brothers bring to the listener. Making special appearances with the band are
Calvin Cooke, Chuck Campbell,
Darick Campbell and
Aubrey Ghent,
the Blind Boys of Mississippi,
Shemekia Copeland,
Billy Cox, and the aforementioned
Robert Randolph & the Family Band. ~ Al Campbell