NONE BUT THE
RIGHTEOUS The Masters Of
Sacred Steel (Ropeadope/Rykodisc)
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Lately, it’s Jimi Hendrix-inspired steel guitar hotshot Robert Randolph who’s been getting a lot of attention, thanks in part to his hook-up with the North Mississippi All Stars, but the true masters of the curious gospel subgenre are rarely heard outside of church and annual sacred steel summits. Lesser-known characters like Philadelphia’s Willie Eason, his nephew Aubrey Ghent, Detroit’s Sonny Treadway and Ted Beard Jr. are the real titans of twang, as you’ll discover on this excellent introductory sampler compiled from Arhoolie label releases by fan John Medeski. Those interested in digging deeper should check Arhoolie’s scorching Recorded Live At The Second Sacred Steel Convention and the Campbell Brothers’ delightful Sacred Steel For The Holidays
