Marcus Randolph My Peeples Peeple - Transplant

2017 –American Showplace Music

Release Date : Oct 20, 2017

By Phillip Smith; Oct. 7, 2017

Transplant, the debut release from Marcus Randolph My Peeples Peeple, is quite the captivating and funky listen.  Randolph (founding member of the Robert Randolph and the Family Band) holds court on drums and vocals, along with both steel and acoustic guitars.  Joining Randolph on this recording is drummer Dwayne “Duce” Snelling Jr, John Ginty on B3 organ and piano, bassists Michael Randolph Jr, and Walton “A.J.” Mims, guitarists Will “B.J.” Nelson, Jimmy Bennett, and Joey Williams, and backing vocalist Shawn “The Bishup” Herbert.    

A chill hypnotic beat and a ripping guitar riff usher the album in on title track, “Transplant”, a song of gratitude to Randolph’s wife who unselfishly gave him another chance at life by donating one of her kidneys to him in 2011.  I love the swampy steel guitar on “Sucka” and how it is immersed in a funky Isaac Hayes-era Stax-friendly jam.

I can’t help but break a smile on “Lift Me Up”.  Starting with a simple beat and an acoustic guitar, this fabulous song grows to a much grander version of itself.  Another point of light is “In My Heart”, superbly performed and sung with the conviction of Stevie Wonder.  Randolph slathers extra helpings of tasty steel guitar on “63 Hog Drive”, an outstanding jammin’ blues instrumental.  When joined by the rest of the band, it turns into one hell of a jamboree.  

Transplant comes to a smooth R&B finish with “Diggin’ Me a Hole” featuring guest artist Brian Harris aka Wonder on vocals.  Eleven tracks of fresh and funky all-original music grace the album, making for a magnificent record.

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