The Bowery Set That Led Robert Randolph to The Word

A Robert Randolph opening set at Bowery Ballroom brought sacred-steel playing into a new musical circle. North Mississippi Allstars had invited Randolph onto the bill, and John Medeski was in the room.

After hearing Randolph play, Medeski invited him to a studio session with the Allstars. That collaboration became The Word, joining sacred steel, hill-country blues and improvisation in a project that continued beyond the night that prompted it.

The importance of Bowery Ballroom is the connection it made possible. One opening slot put musicians in the same room, and the next step became a band.

Source: Concord’s official biography of The Word