The Word, a supergroup composed of keyboardist John Medeski, pedal steel guitarist Robert Randolph, and North Mississippi All-Stars brothers Luther and Cody Dickinson, will be reuniting to play two shows this February. The gospel-infused blues band hits the Brooklyn Bowl on Tuesday, February 11th, and The Capitol Theatre on Wednesday, February 12th.
Unfortunately, North Mississippi All-Star bassist Chris Chew, an initial member of The Word, will not be performing with the band. However, Soulive/Lettuce guitarist Eric Krasno will be appearing with the band at the Cap show. Cool!
The Word formed in 2000, from an affection for Sacred Steel gospel music. Chew and Luther Dickinson had heard a song entitled “Without God” on a Sacred Steel compilation, credited to an unknown guitarist named Robert Randolph. They contacted Randolph, ultimately forming the first Sacred Steel band without religious affiliation. Since releasing an album in 2001, the band has performed infrequently, often playing one-off appearances like Bonnaroo 2005 and 2012.
The band is also notable for launching the career of Robert Randolph, who is a glorious, glorious musician.
Musically, The Word is certainly intriguing. Gospel-influenced, the vast majority of the band’s work is entirely instrumental. Randolph is the only member with a vocal microphone, which he will use to rouse the audience. Furthermore, Cody Dickinson will often play the electric washboard, adding an interesting element to the gospel music.
Check out some jamming from their appearance at Mountain Jam in 2012:
All in all, The Word is a great, great band to witness. Tickets for the Brooklyn Bowl show go on sale next Saturday, January 18th, and can be purchased through the Brooklyn Bowl website. Tickets for the Capitol Theatre show go on sale next Friday, January 17th, and can be purchased through the Capitol Theater website. Get some!
-David Melamed (@DMelamz)