Concerts

The Lee Boys

Now that Robert Randolph and the Family Band have paved the way for the lap steel guitar to churchify pop music, we're seeing a new interest in the origins and current purveyors of sacred steel. Florida, as it turns out, played a crucial part in the origins of the soulful...

By Jonathan Zwickel

February 17, 2005

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Now that Robert Randolph and the Family Band have paved the way for the lap steel guitar to churchify pop music, we're seeing a new interest in the origins and current purveyors of sacred steel. Florida, as it turns out, played a crucial part in the origins of the soulful style. It originated in the pentecostal House of God Church in Gainesville, and now Miami's the Lee Boys are at its forefront. The six brothers and nephews in the band are fourth-generation musicians and grew up hearing and playing sacred steel in their local church.

To the usual mix of powerful gospel vocals and swinging R&B rhythms, the boys add some funky bounce and street-smart hip-hop rhymes. Yeah, there's a fair amount of religious fervor -- highlights from their recent album It Is No Secret include "Give God Some Praise" and "I'm So Glad I Found Jesus." But you know what? You could probably use a little faith in your life, you jaded bastard.

The Lee Boys play at 9:30 p.m. Friday, February 18, at the Bamboo Room, 25 S. "J" St., Lake Worth. Tickets cost $15. Call 561-585-2583.

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