Soulive has kept a relatively low profile as of late while readying its next studio album. But, last Saturday, the group previewed a handful of new songs with the aid of some old friends at New York’s Irving Plaza. At the beginning of the group’s second set, Robert Randolph emerged for a version of Jimi Hendrix’s ‘Crosstown Traffic.’ Fresh off a busy JazzFest, Ivan Neville appeared next for an anathematic ‘Got Soul,’ also returning for a set-closing take on ‘Its Your Thing.’ Living Colour frontman Corey Glover also sat in throughout the night, beginning with ‘Power of Soul,’ as did turntable wizards the X-ecutioners, who also provided opening duties.
Soulive will perform next at South Burlington, VT’s Higher Ground on May 12, before hitting the festival circuit. As for Robert Randolph, be sure to check back in the coming weeks for more information on Press On, a new documentary exploring the sacred-steel movement by _ Grateful Dawg_ director Gillian Grisman.