Little Feat was started by singer/songwriter/guitarist Lowell George (a former member of the 1960s garage band, the Standells), bassist Roy Estrada, keyboardist Bill Payne and drummer Ritchie Hayward. At the time, George and Estrada were members of the Mothers of Invention, and Payne and Hayward were among L.A.’s top session players. At the urging of Zappa himself, the band…entire summary
Bill Payne - keyboards, vocals
Paul Barrere - vocals, lead guitar
Ritchie Hayward - drums, vocals
Kenny Gradney - bass, vocals
Sam Clayton - percussion
Craig Fuller - vocals, rhythm guitar
Fred Tackett - lead guitar, vocals
Little Feat was started by singer/songwriter/guitarist Lowell George (a former member of the 1960s garage band, the Standells), bassist Roy Estrada, keyboardist Bill Payne and drummer Ritchie Hayward. At the time, George and Estrada were members of the Mothers of Invention, and Payne and Hayward were among L.A.’s top session players. At the urging of Zappa himself, the band came together as a vehicle for George’s eclectic songwriting - a mix of rock, blues, country and jazz, wrapped within a certain clear pop sensibility. They landed a deal with Zappa’s label at the time, Warner Brothers; but their first two albums, although critically acclaimed, were only modest sellers.
By the time they began recording their third album, Dixie Chicken, in 1973 (and the source of the name, the Dixie Chicks), the group had replaced Estrada with bassist Kenny Gradney and added guitarist/vocalist Paul Barrere and percussionist Sam Clayton. This six-person lineup would last for the rest of the decade and make a number of successful and memorable albums, including Feats Don’t Fail Me Now, Time Loves a Hero,and the brilliant double live LP, Waiting for Columbus. The band fell apart when George left to record and tour as a solo act. Then, when he died of a heart attack one night after a show on his debut solo tour, it appeared as though Little Feat was gone for good.
This show marks the introduction of the revised Little Feat, with Payne and Barrere now firmly at the helm. The addition of former Pure Prairie League vocalist Craig Fuller, whose vocals were strikingly similar to George’s, and guitarist Fred Tackett add to the power of this incredible band. Both this late set and the early show have incredible energy, but their version of "Rock & Roll Doctor" is clearly more intense during this show. This concert is a must for all Feat fanatics.
collapse
