Hey Fil: heard Feat last year in Houston 2022, first time Santa Monica in '77. Original members still touring are Bill Payne, Kenny Gradney and Sam Clayton. Wanted to tell you that Sam's sister was Merry Clayton, Ray Charles' backup singer who was on the Stones' Gimme Shelter.
Little Feat’s music is timeless. Lowell George and Paul Barrere were guitar virtuosos. And the groove put on by Richie and Bill Payne are incredible musicians! I’ll always remember when I sat by my radio at University of Texas as KLBJ played “Waiting for Columbus”, which I still regard as one of the Greatest Albums ever!
Back in 1974 I saw Little Feat in Austin, TX. They opened for Van Morrison. The crowd WOULD NOT let them off the stage when they were finished. I believe it was the third encore when Van came out and calmed the crowd down and started his gig. Even then, everyone was still begging for Lowell George and band to come back out. They were absolutely incredible. What a great band they were!
Same thing happened in Winterland, SF in 1974! They were second billing behind ELO who had just released Eldorado. But Little Feat were absolutely smoking and the crowd went nuts dancing and clapping. I actually felt sorry for ELO since there was no way they could follow that even with their top hits.
Same thing happened on the Warner Brothers Music Show which toured the UK in 1975. Little Feat were supporting the Doobie Bros. on a Sunday afternoon/matinee show. Needless to say the Feat were beyond brilliant, did two encores and the hapless compère had to plead with the band to leave the stage. Eventually on come the Doobies with that air of "How are we gonna follow that?" Unfortunately I chose one of the other WB shows - Montrose supporting the Doobies, that week at The Rainbow Theatre, London UK
When I was in college, "Waiting for Columbus" was huge. You could not walk across campus without hearing cuts from the album playing out some dorm window. Still one of my favorite albums ever.
Lowell George......musical genius. So many classics. Fat Man In The Bathtub, Willin", Roll Um Easy, Rock And Roll Doctor and the list goes on. Highly influential and another gone too young at 34 years..
Lowell just had “it”, what a loss. Thanks for featuring Little Feat Fil, you have such great taste and appreciation for good music. You are right, they could really carry a deep groove- they are greater than the sum of their parts.
What do you mean "a loss"? If he had not recorded his music then that would be a loss. Nobody gets out alive and those that leave something like their music with us are the lucky ones!
"Waiting for Columbus" is desert island disc if I ever did hear one. Recently read " Waitin' "; the bands bio. Immerses you in the Laurel Canyon scene and Lowell's journey. Thank you man, a most excellent analysis
RUclips *Wilderness Road - The Gospel* for a great spoof on Wolfman Jack & '60s AM radio. It ends with "Heavily Into Jesus", the coolest & most kickass Jesus tune ever! You'll love it, GUARANTEED!
I'm in my 60's. You are preaching to the choir when you highlight Lowell George, Paul Barerre ,Bonnie, Jesse et al. Little Feat, the consummate American rock band in that they were roots when roots was not a thing and folkies eschewed rock. They trod the fusion minefield with the best of a genre that gave little quarter to rock crossovers. Ritchie Hayward could read George's mind. I still would argue that Hayward had the hardest job in rock keeping the band aligned onstage with the mercurial genius of George inserting unexpected change ups at unexpected points of a performance show after show. The results appeared studio tight, never jam band. The Feat have stood the test of time (and seeing this cut with George fronting takes me back). Your commentary on the loss of George is notable since the death of this towering musical talent, much like Roy Buchanan's death, rarely is mentioned in the same breath with other greats who have passed.
Lowell would work up a song with a very tricky, slippy- slidey rhythm. He would then get Billy Payne to teach the band the song! Most keyboard players usually end up as the band musical director so that's how it went.
Just remembered. If you can get to listen to "The Fan" from the LF live bootleg Electrif Lycanthrope check out Richie Haywards playing. Not only is it an usual time signature, but after an amazing guitar then keyboard instrumental break in the middle of the song, Richie kind of pulls the band back from the edge and gets them back into the last verse. Priceless!!!
I grew up in the same California neighborhood and went to school with Bill Payne. He had tons of talent back then as well. I used to go to small gigs where he played with the local band "Something Wild" prior to joining Little Feat. I've always been a Feat fan. I've seen them dozens of times in various iterations over the years. They are, perhaps, the very best live band I've ever heard. They were masters of going off on a jam and then instantly bringing it all back together. I really miss Lowell and Richie. They were the "real deal." A lot of famous musicians were also avid Feat fans, for good reason.
I was close to Lowell and Richie, Lowell had an extensive body of work (too much for a "so-called drug addict"), he died of a broken heart~I was in the studio sitting with George Massenburg and Lowel for years~You hit the nail on the head~twas fusion that did him in~you know band egos emerging...leadership questioned, drugs used to muddy it more~ Lowell saved me from a childhood of pain and treated me like a queen~ God's Speed, Lowell
Fastastic band! (Lowell George, Richie Hayward, Paul Barrere, Sam Clayton, Bill Payne, Kenny Gradney) Their live album "Waiting for Columbus" has a permanent place in my player. Thanks Fil!
@Bryan Sprouse - the one who died last year was Paul Barrere. Bill Payne - who is an original member, is very much alive. here is their website: www.littlefeat.net/news.html?n_id=3888 here is a recent song release: ruclips.net/video/40suIm4P0S8/видео.html&feature=emb_logo They replaced Paul Barrere with Scott Sharrard
Brother, you owe it to yourself (and us!) to look up same line-up-minus the wonderfully talented ladies-doing Rock and Roll Doctor “live at the Rainbow Room.” Life-altering, awe-inspiring brilliance. 👍 This was an edited version-missing at LEAST 2 verses. Likely enforced by Midnight Special.
One of the best male vocalists of all time! He could sing anything with soul and definitely had so much control of his vocal chords!! The song Spanish Moon (live version) shows his greatness. Stellar one-of-a-kind band too!! Their double live album is truly phenomenal. I love your channel~!!!
@@gerard1954 Guilty. I actually didn't listen to much of the music Fil plays, but I really have changed my appreciation for all music forms with his videos. And Fil plays a wicked...Rock Band! Great musician, but really a great person. He has built a good channel.
Speaking of Pure Prairie League, I would love to hear you analyze “Amie”. I was in junior high when it was released, my mom had just passed away, and just the fact that PPL spelled Amie the same as me meant a lot. It somehow gave me a little bit of comfort in a very dark time, to hear those guys sing my name in their lovely harmony.
I tell you man l saw them with Steve Winwood and Traffic. The stole the show! 3 Encores. Flowed from one song to another only stopping about every 3 songs. One of The best live bands ever! They are still out there grooving. Thanks Fil. Needless to say one of my favorite bands of the 70s.
Jackson Browne described him as "the Orson Welles of rock". It's a shame the band fell apart after just a few year's. Those 4 or 5 early albums are so good.
They kept going and going, actually, even after Lowell's death. I saw them twice aftre Lowell's death, and those two events in my life were about 10 years apart.
I found out about Little Feat from Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Back in the day Playboy magazine had a page for new music and at the bottom of the page was a strip that was dedicated to what music stars of the day were listening to. In one issue both Mick and Keith named a different Little Feat album that each was listening to that month. I knew that I needed to check out this band. I have since been very happy that I did.
I was at the show at the Lisner Auditorium they recorded with the Tower of Power horns. They made the announcement during the show so we all behaved ourselves. Lowel was a huge influence on my slide playing. Ritchie on my drumming as well. Around that time a friend I played music with learned the percussion parts to all their songs. He was clueless that the band had a drummer and a percussionist. He played every beat. I was blown away.
Little Feat is a play on words..... it's Lowell George being sublime and understated... musically speaking what he pulled off was a big feat, sonically. Actually, it was a huge feat or accomplishment.
@Randy van Vliet. The story I heard was that Mothers of Invention drummer Jimmy Carl Black saw Lowells' small shoe size and said something like "Look at him. Little f*ck*ng feet!" So Lowell named the band from Jimmy's comment. But LG changed "feet" to "Feat" in tribute to his favourite band The Beatles (the Fab Four were not "beetles" like the insect!) Lowell George is/was the finest musician who's work I have been fortunate to listen to. What could he have done with one of these new-fangled digital studios? Stay safe and well.
Yeah man when i saw them play at the blues fest in oz few years ago i was right at the front of the stagehad a good view of Billy playing the keys he was amazing again one of the greatest bands from the USA
Wow, Fil! Just found your channel & so happy! You’ve shown so many of my favorites, growing up in the 70’s. The analyses are right on, & you’re like the quintessential cool rock dude. 😎👍🏼 🎶
Thanks for covering my favorite band Fil. That smile on your face while listening says it all. The music is just laid back cool. One of the tightest, most musically gifted bands around. It's all about the flow.The song is actually longer, you would have been able to have heard some more musicianship from the band, if they didn't have to cut it short for tv. Lowell George was something else. It's amazing how demons tend to follow so many creative people like him around. Two of his biggest fans were backing him up. They were only missing Linda.
Paul Barrere 3rd July 1948 - 26th October 2019. Thank you for all of the great music you gave us and have left us. Love and condolences to your family, friends and bandmates. RIP.
Dan Jennings I brought up LF when he did an analysis of Ry Cooder a long time ago. I consider them one of the great guitar bands of the 70s. They sound so loose but its extremely tight.
Greetings Fil, Ahhh, a 'lil tear escaped and rolled down my cheek. This show was my first as a sound engineer. (Yes, I am a geezer and you may count the rings on my tail if ya like! ) What a gas it was to work on "The Midnight Special" and as for Little Feat, I consider them one of the greatest American bands to grace a stage. Lowell George has no equal and as for a tight band live they stand alone in my opinion. Add the Tower of Power horns to the mix and you've the perfect cocktail. Thank you Fil for showing a band many folks have never heard but are iconic to we musicians.
Many thanks for posting this Fil. It's been a long time coming! The video clip has been seriously edited - the second verse is missing "We made all the hot spots , my money flowed like wine etc." Also Bill Payne gets a keyboard solo, as well as Paul Barreres guitar solo. So maybe not a glowing example of Little Feat. Glad you mentioned Lowells nod to the Beatles. He also included another tribute to the Fab Four by way of giving his writing collaborator Martin Kibbee the pseudonym "Fred Martin". So when one of their songs appeared on the record label, it read " George/Martin" ! That's Lowells sideways humour for you, just golden!!! Although we didn't see much of Kenny Gradney on bass, his contribution to the beat of the Feat should always be appreciated - that style of playing by "leaving holes" for the other instruments to shine through! Plus the one and only Richie Hayward. Watching the man play (and sing) is just an education in "the groove". And - this is a real curve ball, I am sure Lowell was trying to attract Robert Palmer to join the band in the mid-70's. It always seemed to me that Lowell wanted to be the writer/producer/arranger but was not really comfortable being the front man. Palmer could have done the job. Discuss........ ! And "Waiting for Columbus" is a good LF live album, but if you really want to hear an outstanding live album by the Feat then you need the 1974 bootleg "Electrif Lycanthrope"!!! By the way LF sometimes tour as Funky Feat while Bill Payne is out on the road with The Doobie Bros. And I am sure that Bill was on the keys for Linda Ronstadt in your recent analysis of her performance of "You're No Good". There is no other band like Little Feat, they are simply the best!
In the 70's I kept reading magazine articles about Little Feat, but radio stations in our area didn't play their music. When I started working at the college radio station in the 80's (with a massive music library of several shelves six feet high and eight feet wide) I was able to play and hear them. "Groove" is definitely an appropriate term for their music. Thanks for exposing terrific music like this to people who have never heard it!
I saw them when I was in Jr. High School. My friend's brother got sick the day of the show so their father told him to invite me. It was the first time I had heard of them. I thought I was going to see a band called Little FEET. 😅😁. I've been a fan since that early 70s evening
OMG! This was my jam back in the 70's! I love Little Feat, Pure Prairie League, The Outlaws, Atlanta Rythm Section, and many other Southern Rock bands of the 70's! Excellent commentary.
Perhaps the best American band while Lowell George was still alive. Last saw them in '97 in a Vegas casino parking lot with Shaun Murphy on lead vocals and Fred Tackett on second guitar. They were outstanding! Recently, my cousin invited me to see them, but I couldn't make it. She told me they're still phenomenal. Likely the greatest under known band of the 70's. Great musicians, vocalists, and songwriters. As usual Fil, your observations are top-shelf. Take care &✌
Glad to see other people appreciate Little Feat. When someone would ask me who some of my favorite bands were and I'd say, "Little Feat", most times they say "Who?"
If only musicians picked who got into the rock and roll hall of fame, Little Feat would've been in years ago. Everyone from the Stones, Zeppelin to the Marshall Tucker Band were quoted as saying Little Feat was their favorite band.
Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt...many others never tire of flying the flag for the " mellow Mafia" also Travis. Wish more major rock mags would feature them as a cover story more...
Little Feat is anything but mellow if you listen properly ... tripping your brains out! I belatedly celebrated my 70th birthday 3 times this year, twice on psilocybe cyanescens mushrooms & once on good ol' LSD. God showed up on January 25th with the Hellecasters on the CD player! We listened to Little Feat, Dixie Dregs & other psychedelic hippie stuff.
There is a live version of "Willin" that was a little later than this even that I was thinking I saw here. Anyway, Lowell is in the same overalls except slightly larger but still sounds perfect. I guess he must have done so until the day he died. The bad mix on this was probably because it was the "outro" which always sounded kind of thrown together on Midnight Special (suspect because everybody was so high at that point!) Great choice. L. G. was the man. Hard for a band as talented and complex as Little Feat to make it among the giants that were ruling the world in those days. Tragically overlooked. Rock!
Thanks Fi! I was fortunate enough to have seen Lowell George fronting Feat in '77. What a tight, funky band! Lowell George with his wonderful talent, Richie Hayward's great drumming/background vocals and Bill Payne keyboards, etc. (Highly recommend their live "Waiting For Columbus"). What a treat to see them recognized here, Fil! RIP, "Rock 'n' Roll Doctor" and Richie.
Crazy Captain Gunboat Willie here. The Warner Brother's Loss Leaders 3 disc set from 1970 was the first I heard of Little Feat. Immediately bought their first album. Great stuff. Kind of lost touch thereafter. The original version of Willin' is gorgeous.
Ritchie was such a great and original drummer, throwing in beats and fills, all in time. Sometimes the other members complained a little but he was never off the beat or incorrect. And he has so much fun. Please do Spanish Moon if you do them again. There is video from the Waiting For Columbus (waiting to be discovered, I guess) online.
All right and I'm still awake, was jamming to Waiting for Columbus this past weekend, sounds real good after a couple drinks. One of my favorites thanks professor you rock. Peace Boogie Woogie. PS Carolyn Wonderland live at Antone's Austin, Texas February 13th 2010
@@melaniefelsher4356 that's in my 20 best LF compilation. Along with New Delhi Freight Train, Two Trains, Tripe-face Boogie, Easy to Slip and all the above mentions plus the one song we use to cover in my band....Snakes on Everything off their first lp.
That was a good song and I agree the backing vocals were to low. You gave a lot of information that I never would have known otherwize. Thanks for all of the hard work you put into your analyses. They are always something to look forward to.
Another great analysis Fil, thanks. I enjoyed the deeper dive into the band's long and varied history. I've enjoyed Little Feat's music before and after Lowell George's passing, however I always considered him to be the guy.
You're a great guide and a perceptive teacher with a generous heart,taste and good ears and enthusiasm. "Oh Atlanta" by this great band is just irresistible. Thanks for reminding us all how great this band were.
Thanks!! I suggested this a few weeks ago! These were before the days of auto tune. I saw Lowell George live the night before his untimely passing. RIP Lowell
I would argue that the mix for the backing vocals was not the sound guy's fault. He was actually quite the hero. The adorable, Miss Harris knew few of the lyrics. Amazing live production given the date. Just amazing
Early on I won 2 tickets (yes, to Paradise), from WLIR (NYC), to sit on the floor of Ultra Sound Studios in Hempstead NY, while Feat ran through their set. Maybe 50 people squeezed in.
Waiting For Columbus, perhaps the best rock n roll live album ever recorded, if you haven’t heard it yet, please check it out ASAP! Beautifully recorded and performed!
You have a real gift for this. Thanks for the channel. It was in my recommendations this morning and I've watched you all day. Love all the different genres you cover.
Late in the end of the 80s, I use to share flat and play with Gary Reynolds, an amazing guitar player who started the Gutter Brothers (well known in London , coven garden) and I use to play with this band ( Tony on vocals)... In our flat, gary wouldn't stop playing Little feat, his favorite band. Thanks a lot for remembering that amazing band
Heard Little Feat at their peak several times in Houston. (Better than here, but there are not that many performances available.) We always wondered why they were not huge. Bonnie Raitt opened for them one weekend. A couple of the guys joined her onstage at the end of her set. Then she sang backup for them.
Fil , I saw the band in 1971 at a college near York Pa. They were opening for Bonnie Rhett, for one Yankee dollar,no less! I knew about Bonnie,she was from the same Philly suburb as me. LG reminded me of Jerry Garcia, to strange to live,to rare to die. Another kind soul,crushed by a cold cruel world. A real triple threat genius, player, singer and songwriter! They played a set alone, as did Bonnie and Freebo, her dawg of a bass player.The moments I always remember most clearly are LG , playing snaky,nasty slide to Bonnie's chords. I went to high school near Philly,the last four years of the sixties ! I saw the greatest bands of the sixties and seventies there, I was just so fortunate to be in the right place at the right time. My friends and I also had bands and were into all the fabulous guitars you dream about. I still have a 1965 SG standard from those days,so gotta say ,a truly favored adolescence,I think.Thank you brother,shine on 🖖🏽
Thanks for featuring my earlier comment, Fil,. I should add that I saw the feats live in the Auckland(NZ) town hall sometime in 1979, with their classic last record album line up.Suffice it to say the first few songs were loud and muddled, but after about 10 minutes they morphed into a tight focused sound that equaled the quality of Frank Zappa's band which I had seen earlier that same year.After the concert I went to a party with my friends and was amazed to see Lowell walk into the room with the partner of my guitarist friend. I was introduced to him by name and shook his hand, but it was obvious that his glazed faraway expression meant he was not even aware that I was standing in front of him! So I just said " nice to meet you and left him to mingle ( he was being led by hand and possibly didn't even know where he was.Sadly I was not surprised to hear of his passing not much later, but I have the memory of the wonderful concert(at which his vocal and guitar excelled) and the experience of actually saying hello to him( which he could not have remembered!)
Love to watch you smile when you watch the artists. Somehow I think you should have been born in the 60’s and been a part of the 70’s. It was a great musical generation.
Thanks again Fil. As someone wrote earlier, you're a good guy Fil. I've got most if not all of the Feats, but I am particularly fond of the Lowell George era. I learned a bit from Lowell with "On the Way Down" ... how to treat people. If you haven't heard, I've had a radio performance recording on reel to reel for years that's just getting released of one of Bonnie's first sessions, it's with Lowell sitting in, and a lot of drugs and alcohol fuel. Very good to hear a young Bonnie stepping up front. It's an excellent time capsule. I hope you get a chance to hear it. I think I've been told it's on RUclips as a sound only. Anyway, love your show, look forward to it every day even if I can't always comment. I'm an old retired guy with an Architecture Design Business soooooo I'm as busy as a puppy with two tails. Please keep it up. And check out Slack Key guitar tunings, Jimmy Buffet's story telling, and Hot Tuna (especially at Bob Weir's Stillwater) ROCK!!
Ohhhhhh.....Sir Fil !!!!! I see you were in the mood for some Dixie Chicken jammin'!!!!!! NOW WE ARE COOKING WITH GAS !!!!! A gas, and a groove !!!!! One of my favorite groups, sir !!!!! Thank you, and look at your subscriptions grow !!!! You deserve it, as you are informing and educating us in many things vocal and instrumental !!!!
Bill Paine has put together an incredible group and is currently touring the US billed as Little Feat. We saw their second gig of the tour in Rhode Island and it was awesome! They are playing the Waiting for Columbus album in it's entirety. If you're a Feat fan, get out there and see this show, you will not be disappointed.
My second favorite band of all time. Lowell George had some major charisma. Talent galore- songwriter, slide guitar, flute, great singing voice, producer. Man that dude had it all. Except for maybe self-control. Anyway RIP Lowell George. You are missed
Thanks Fil. As usual, impressive in-depth analysis of their artistry. Love their 1981 live album "Hoy Hoy," featuring the Tower of Power, adding brass to an American roots extravaganza.
Hey Fil: heard Feat last year in Houston 2022, first time Santa Monica in '77. Original members still touring are Bill Payne, Kenny Gradney and Sam Clayton. Wanted to tell you that Sam's sister was Merry Clayton, Ray Charles' backup singer who was on the Stones' Gimme Shelter.
Little Feat’s music is timeless. Lowell George and Paul Barrere were guitar virtuosos. And the groove put on by Richie and Bill Payne are incredible musicians! I’ll always remember when I sat by my radio at University of Texas as KLBJ played “Waiting for Columbus”, which I still regard as one of the Greatest Albums ever!
I agree. When it comes to live albums, you can't do much better than Waiting for Columbus. Oh Atlanta, Dixie Chicken, Old Folks Boogie...have mercy!
Back in 1974 I saw Little Feat in Austin, TX. They opened for Van Morrison. The crowd WOULD NOT let them off the stage when they were finished. I believe it was the third encore when Van came out and calmed the crowd down and started his gig. Even then, everyone was still begging for Lowell George and band to come back out. They were absolutely incredible. What a great band they were!
Same thing happened in Winterland, SF in 1974! They were second billing behind ELO who had just released Eldorado. But Little Feat were absolutely smoking and the crowd went nuts dancing and clapping. I actually felt sorry for ELO since there was no way they could follow that even with their top hits.
Same thing happened on the Warner Brothers Music Show which toured the UK in 1975. Little Feat were supporting the Doobie Bros. on a Sunday afternoon/matinee show. Needless to say the Feat were beyond brilliant, did two encores and the hapless compère had to plead with the band to leave the stage. Eventually on come the Doobies with that air of "How are we gonna follow that?" Unfortunately I chose one of the other WB shows - Montrose supporting the Doobies, that week at The Rainbow Theatre, London UK
Oh, the little Irish genius troll must've been pissed
Poor van!
@@RN-wn8qx saw that happen twice. Skynyrd did it to Frampton in 77 and Van Halen did it to the stones in 81.
I just saw Paul Barrere passed away yesterday. RIP to a great musician who carried on Little Feat for years.
Amen.
+
Imagine having Emmylou Harris and Bonnie Raitt on backing vocals and deciding to bury them in the mix! Madness!!
I always thought Emmylou was naturally, absolutely beautiful
When I was in college, "Waiting for Columbus" was huge. You could not walk across campus without hearing cuts from the album playing out some dorm window. Still one of my favorite albums ever.
Lowell George......musical genius. So many classics. Fat Man In The Bathtub, Willin", Roll Um Easy, Rock And Roll Doctor and the list goes on. Highly influential and another gone too young at 34 years..
Wow bro, you are really a great person for spreading this awesome music. Thank you for all the entertainment! Lowell George for life!
You can see why he got along w/Jerry. Tasteful
Lowell was the man. Killed by a damn pizza
Such a great band. I'm so glad you did Little Feat. Do some more.
Lowell just had “it”, what a loss. Thanks for featuring Little Feat Fil, you have such great taste and appreciation for good music. You are right, they could really carry a deep groove- they are greater than the sum of their parts.
casey miller yup agreed
What do you mean "a loss"? If he had not recorded his music then that would be a loss. Nobody gets out alive and those that leave something like their music with us are the lucky ones!
True, Little Feat's abstract funk gets better with each passing year.
They're a small band, George, Presley, Zevon,
Midnight Special and Don Kirshners Rock Concert....those were the days❤
They were the best days!
Yes they were!
Yes Sir!!
remember it well!!
y'all think it's fair to say the world went to sht? lol just saying.
this is why the rock and roll hall of fame is bogus, Madonna is in and Lowell George isn't.......
You got it!!!
It will always be bogus until Justin Bieber is in.
Warren Zevon isn’t in either
Amen!
@@bobpaikowski8500 Can you imagine what Lowell, Warren & Randy Newman would think of the arbitrary absurdity of the RARHOF?
"Waiting for Columbus" is desert island disc if I ever did hear one. Recently read
" Waitin' "; the bands bio. Immerses you in the Laurel Canyon scene and Lowell's journey. Thank you man, a most excellent analysis
Little Feat - what a band! One of the best American rock bands ever! Lowell George was a genius songwriter and musician.
Now there was (is) a band! 👍🏻
OMG I loved watching The Midnight Special in the 70s as a kid. Wolfman Jack!
Chris DIYer We always had friends stay all night to watch and Mom made us pizza 😊
Awesome!
clap for the wolfman !!!
RUclips *Wilderness Road - The Gospel* for a great spoof on Wolfman Jack & '60s AM radio.
It ends with "Heavily Into Jesus", the coolest & most kickass Jesus tune ever! You'll love it, GUARANTEED!
Now I know why Lowell George was held in such high regard. Not only a tastefull slide player but great songwriter and smooth vocalist
I'm in my 60's. You are preaching to the choir when you highlight Lowell George, Paul Barerre ,Bonnie, Jesse et al. Little Feat, the consummate American rock band in that they were roots when roots was not a thing and folkies eschewed rock. They trod the fusion minefield with the best of a genre that gave little quarter to rock crossovers. Ritchie Hayward could read George's mind. I still would argue that Hayward had the hardest job in rock keeping the band aligned onstage with the mercurial genius of George inserting unexpected change ups at unexpected points of a performance show after show. The results appeared studio tight, never jam band.
The Feat have stood the test of time (and seeing this cut with George fronting takes me back). Your commentary on the loss of George is notable since the death of this towering musical talent, much like Roy Buchanan's death, rarely is mentioned in the same breath with other greats who have passed.
Lowell would work up a song with a very tricky, slippy- slidey rhythm. He would then get Billy Payne to teach the band the song! Most keyboard players usually end up as the band musical director so that's how it went.
Just remembered. If you can get to listen to "The Fan" from the LF live bootleg Electrif Lycanthrope check out Richie Haywards playing. Not only is it an usual time signature, but after an amazing guitar then keyboard instrumental break in the middle of the song, Richie kind of pulls the band back from the edge and gets them back into the last verse. Priceless!!!
I grew up in the same California neighborhood and went to school with Bill Payne. He had tons of talent back then as well. I used to go to small gigs where he played with the local band "Something Wild" prior to joining Little Feat. I've always been a Feat fan. I've seen them dozens of times in various iterations over the years. They are, perhaps, the very best live band I've ever heard. They were masters of going off on a jam and then instantly bringing it all back together. I really miss Lowell and Richie. They were the "real deal." A lot of famous musicians were also avid Feat fans, for good reason.
I was close to Lowell and Richie, Lowell had an extensive body of work (too much for a "so-called drug addict"), he died of a broken heart~I was in the studio sitting with George Massenburg and Lowel for years~You hit the nail on the head~twas fusion that did him in~you know band egos emerging...leadership questioned, drugs used to muddy it more~ Lowell saved me from a childhood of pain and treated me like a queen~ God's Speed, Lowell
Fastastic band! (Lowell George, Richie Hayward, Paul Barrere, Sam Clayton, Bill Payne, Kenny Gradney) Their live album "Waiting for Columbus" has a permanent place in my player. Thanks Fil!
Actually Bill Payne, Kenny Gradney and Sam Clayton are still alive.
@Bryan Sprouse - the one who died last year was Paul Barrere. Bill Payne - who is an original member, is very much alive. here is their website: www.littlefeat.net/news.html?n_id=3888
here is a recent song release: ruclips.net/video/40suIm4P0S8/видео.html&feature=emb_logo
They replaced Paul Barrere with Scott Sharrard
Brother, you owe it to yourself (and us!) to look up same line-up-minus the wonderfully talented ladies-doing Rock and Roll Doctor “live at the Rainbow Room.” Life-altering, awe-inspiring brilliance. 👍 This was an edited version-missing at LEAST 2 verses. Likely enforced by Midnight Special.
One of the best male vocalists of all time! He could sing anything with soul and definitely had so much control of his vocal chords!! The song Spanish Moon (live version) shows his greatness. Stellar one-of-a-kind band too!! Their double live album is truly phenomenal.
I love your channel~!!!
One of the best American bands from the 70s.
You did it again Fil!! Little Feat👏 Bringing me back to high school! Great versatile band! Still have there albums from the 70s 🤗
RIFKI maybe some NRBQ next...
RIFKI I’m beginning to think everyone who watches fil was born in the 50 z lol
@@gerard1954 Guilty. I actually didn't listen to much of the music Fil plays, but I really have changed my appreciation for all music forms with his videos. And Fil plays a wicked...Rock Band! Great musician, but really a great person. He has built a good channel.
laura kali 1962🥴
gerard 1962 🙄
Speaking of Pure Prairie League, I would love to hear you analyze “Amie”. I was in junior high when it was released, my mom had just passed away, and just the fact that PPL spelled Amie the same as me meant a lot. It somehow gave me a little bit of comfort in a very dark time, to hear those guys sing my name in their lovely harmony.
Yeah I've asked him to review and/or cover it a few times. Would love to hear it too! Peace!
Cool story! Our band played Amie & Angel #9 (& Willin') many times.
Also like the 1st PPL album, especially the pedal steel guitar in Country Song.
I tell you man l saw them with Steve Winwood and Traffic. The stole the show! 3 Encores. Flowed from one song to another only stopping about every 3 songs. One of The best live bands ever! They are still out there grooving. Thanks Fil. Needless to say one of my favorite bands of the 70s.
Jackson Browne described him as "the Orson Welles of rock". It's a shame the band fell apart after just a few year's. Those 4 or 5 early albums are so good.
They kept going and going, actually, even after Lowell's death. I saw them twice aftre Lowell's death, and those two events in my life were about 10 years apart.
Lowell George is one of the best slide guitar players to ever walk the planet.
Huge Little Feat fan.
yep he and the great Ry Cooder
"Bottleneck guitar", there's a difference.
I found out about Little Feat from Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Back in the day Playboy magazine had a page for new music and at the bottom of the page was a strip that was dedicated to what music stars of the day were listening to. In one issue both Mick and Keith named a different Little Feat album that each was listening to that month. I knew that I needed to check out this band. I have since been very happy that I did.
As I recall, John Lennon was fond of them, as well.
Led Zeppelin were huge fans as well.
I was at the show at the Lisner Auditorium they recorded with the Tower of Power horns. They made the announcement during the show so we all behaved ourselves. Lowel was a huge influence on my slide playing. Ritchie on my drumming as well. Around that time a friend I played music with learned the percussion parts to all their songs. He was clueless that the band had a drummer and a percussionist. He played every beat. I was blown away.
Little Feat is a play on words..... it's Lowell George being sublime and understated... musically speaking what he pulled off was a big feat, sonically. Actually, it was a huge feat or accomplishment.
@Randy van Vliet. The story I heard was that Mothers of Invention drummer Jimmy Carl Black saw Lowells' small shoe size and said something like "Look at him. Little f*ck*ng feet!" So Lowell named the band from Jimmy's comment. But LG changed "feet" to "Feat" in tribute to his favourite band The Beatles (the Fab Four were not "beetles" like the insect!) Lowell George is/was the finest musician who's work I have been fortunate to listen to. What could he have done with one of these new-fangled digital studios? Stay safe and well.
RIP Lowell-Richie-Paul
FEAT 4 EVER!
Bonnie Raitt today looks exactly the same as she did in this video. Ageless indeed.
Love this! Of course, Bonnie & EmmyLou weren't regulars with the band but they made a great addition, too bad the mix was off. Thanks Fil..
They deserved WAY more respect than that. They were both well known solo artists.
Billy Payne on keys now tours with the Doobie Brothers! So nice to talk to. Enjoyed this video! Southern Rock/ Country. Great analysis!!!!
Pam Nichols didn’t bill play on monkey man or some song with the stones I forget which song
@@gerard1954 don't know. Wouldn't doubt it. He played on a lot of albums. Including every Doobie Bros. lp
Makes sense since he played on all of their albums.
Miatacrosser cool thanks for the reply
Yeah man when i saw them play at the blues fest in oz few years ago i was right at the front of the stagehad a good view of Billy playing the keys he was amazing again one of the greatest bands from the USA
Wow, Fil! Just found your channel & so happy! You’ve shown so many of my favorites, growing up in the 70’s. The analyses are right on, & you’re like the quintessential cool rock dude. 😎👍🏼 🎶
Thanks!
Thanks for covering my favorite band Fil. That smile on your face while listening says it all. The music is just laid back cool. One of the tightest, most musically gifted bands around. It's all about the flow.The song is actually longer, you would have been able to have heard some more musicianship from the band, if they didn't have to cut it short for tv. Lowell George was something else. It's amazing how demons tend to follow so many creative people like him around. Two of his biggest fans were backing him up. They were only missing Linda.
I graduated High school in 1977! I am proud to be old and to have grown-up with a truly great soundtrack to my life! 💯💓🙏
Paul Barrere 3rd July 1948 - 26th October 2019. Thank you for all of the great music you gave us and have left us. Love and condolences to your family, friends and bandmates. RIP.
The whole album sounds good. It's awesome to hear it again Fil and thanks for your analyses. 👍👍
Been waiting for Little Feat for a long time. Such an overlooked band. Great stuff!!
Dan Jennings I brought up LF when he did an analysis of Ry Cooder a long time ago. I consider them one of the great guitar bands of the 70s. They sound so loose but its extremely tight.
Greetings Fil,
Ahhh, a 'lil tear escaped and rolled down my cheek. This show was my first as a sound engineer. (Yes, I am a geezer and you may count the rings on my tail if ya like! ) What a gas it was to work on "The Midnight Special" and as for Little Feat, I consider them one of the greatest American bands to grace a stage. Lowell George has no equal and as for a tight band live they stand alone in my opinion. Add the Tower of Power horns to the mix and you've the perfect cocktail. Thank you Fil for showing a band many folks have never heard but are iconic to we musicians.
You fucky lucker!
Did you mute the girls’ mic because Emmylou didn’t know the words? What is the story on that? Thanks!
Many thanks for posting this Fil. It's been a long time coming! The video clip has been seriously edited - the second verse is missing "We made all the hot spots , my money flowed like wine etc." Also Bill Payne gets a keyboard solo, as well as Paul Barreres guitar solo. So maybe not a glowing example of Little Feat. Glad you mentioned Lowells nod to the Beatles. He also included another tribute to the Fab Four by way of giving his writing collaborator Martin Kibbee the pseudonym "Fred Martin". So when one of their songs appeared on the record label, it read " George/Martin" ! That's Lowells sideways humour for you, just golden!!! Although we didn't see much of Kenny Gradney on bass, his contribution to the beat of the Feat should always be appreciated - that style of playing by "leaving holes" for the other instruments to shine through! Plus the one and only Richie Hayward. Watching the man play (and sing) is just an education in "the groove". And - this is a real curve ball, I am sure Lowell was trying to attract Robert Palmer to join the band in the mid-70's. It always seemed to me that Lowell wanted to be the writer/producer/arranger but was not really comfortable being the front man. Palmer could have done the job. Discuss........ ! And "Waiting for Columbus" is a good LF live album, but if you really want to hear an outstanding live album by the Feat then you need the 1974 bootleg "Electrif Lycanthrope"!!! By the way LF sometimes tour as Funky Feat while Bill Payne is out on the road with The Doobie Bros. And I am sure that Bill was on the keys for Linda Ronstadt in your recent analysis of her performance of "You're No Good". There is no other band like Little Feat, they are simply the best!
Thank you for reviewing Little Feat! it looks like you really enjoyed it.
In the 70's I kept reading magazine articles about Little Feat, but radio stations in our area didn't play their music. When I started working at the college radio station in the 80's (with a massive music library of several shelves six feet high and eight feet wide) I was able to play and hear them. "Groove" is definitely an appropriate term for their music. Thanks for exposing terrific music like this to people who have never heard it!
This band kicks asss .
No joke .
Rob Palmer
Sneak Sally Alley
Lowell . Fantastic .
Let the 😠 creep in .
LITTLE FEAT ! One of my ALL-TIME !
😛
I saw them when I was in Jr. High School. My friend's brother got sick the day of the show so their father told him to invite me. It was the first time I had heard of them. I thought I was going to see a band called Little FEET. 😅😁. I've been a fan since that early 70s evening
OMG! This was my jam back in the 70's! I love Little Feat, Pure Prairie League, The Outlaws, Atlanta Rythm Section, and many other Southern Rock bands of the 70's! Excellent commentary.
OMG! All the shit I like road tripping my brains out on acid!
Perhaps the best American band while Lowell George was still alive. Last saw them in '97 in a Vegas casino parking lot with Shaun Murphy on lead vocals and Fred Tackett on second guitar. They were outstanding! Recently, my cousin invited me to see them, but I couldn't make it. She told me they're still phenomenal. Likely the greatest under known band of the 70's. Great musicians, vocalists, and songwriters. As usual Fil, your observations are top-shelf. Take care &✌
Yes, Palace Station parking lot…
Glad to see other people appreciate Little Feat. When someone would ask me who some of my favorite bands were and I'd say, "Little Feat", most times they say "Who?"
This is one of those Sing Along at the Bar songs :)
If only musicians picked who got into the rock and roll hall of fame, Little Feat would've been in years ago. Everyone from the Stones, Zeppelin to the Marshall Tucker Band were quoted as saying Little Feat was their favorite band.
Maybe someone should build the Lowell George & Little Feat Alternative Hall Of Fame across the street from the R&RHOF. ... A couple feet taller.
@@mikemadden2729 ... make that feat!
Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt...many others never tire of flying the flag for the " mellow Mafia" also Travis. Wish more major rock mags would feature them as a cover story more...
Little Feat is anything but mellow if you listen properly ... tripping your brains out! I belatedly celebrated my 70th birthday 3 times this year, twice on psilocybe cyanescens mushrooms & once on good ol' LSD. God showed up on January 25th with the Hellecasters on the CD player! We listened to Little Feat, Dixie Dregs & other psychedelic hippie stuff.
I never regret listening to Little Feat....
The band that was perfect!
There is a live version of "Willin" that was a little later than this even that I was thinking I saw here.
Anyway, Lowell is in the same overalls except slightly larger but still sounds perfect. I guess he must have done so until the day he died.
The bad mix on this was probably because it was the "outro" which always sounded kind of thrown together on Midnight Special (suspect because everybody was so high at that point!)
Great choice. L. G. was the man.
Hard for a band as talented and complex as Little Feat to make it among the giants that were ruling the world in those days. Tragically overlooked.
Rock!
Waiting For Columbus.....awesome live double CD.
RIP Lowell and Ritchie
It's so easy to slip...
and RIP Jesse, one of my favorite songwriters and performer.
and now sadly, RIP Paul
Respect for Paul Barrere 1948-2019, also Ric...
" It's so easy to fall ! " " So I light another cigarette and try to remember to forget!!"
Yes,RIP, Paul, as well...I will miss your wonderful gift for songwriting more than anything 😭
Thanks Fi! I was fortunate enough to have seen Lowell George fronting Feat in '77. What a tight, funky band! Lowell George with his wonderful talent, Richie Hayward's great drumming/background vocals and Bill Payne keyboards, etc. (Highly recommend their live "Waiting For Columbus"). What a treat to see them recognized here, Fil! RIP, "Rock 'n' Roll Doctor" and Richie.
My oldest son has been Feat's guitar technician for about 10 years now. RIP Paul Barrere. ✌️
I was on the Air the day Lowell passed, what a sad Show that was. RIP! A Band that took me through thick & thin. Thanks for loading this up!!
Crazy Captain Gunboat Willie here. The Warner Brother's Loss Leaders 3 disc set from 1970 was the first I heard of Little Feat. Immediately bought their first album. Great stuff. Kind of lost touch thereafter. The original version of Willin' is gorgeous.
James Christensen I was wondering who was going to bring this up before me I was beginning to doubt anyone knew thanks G
look at all those young fresh faces - so thankful for youtube
Ritchie was such a great and original drummer, throwing in beats and fills, all in time. Sometimes the other members complained a little but he was never off the beat or incorrect. And he has so much fun. Please do Spanish Moon if you do them again. There is video from the Waiting For Columbus (waiting to be discovered, I guess) online.
Huge fan of Little Feat. So glad I got to see them 2 times while Lowell was still alive.
I've seen hundreds of bands/concerts over the decades but Little Feat in Melbourne (1976) was above every other one by quite a stretch.
All right and I'm still awake, was jamming to Waiting for Columbus this past weekend, sounds real good after a couple drinks. One of my favorites thanks professor you rock. Peace Boogie Woogie. PS Carolyn Wonderland live at Antone's Austin, Texas February 13th 2010
Try listening to it or any Little Feat with Lowell tripping your brains out on LSD!
Your technical analysis is great and I really also appreciate the historical aspect you provide as well. One of my favorite bands.
One of my all time favorite groups. Been a fan since I first heard Sailin' Shoes. Thanks Fil. Willin' is an anthem.
Willin's been covered 97 times! Also, try listening to Little Feat tripping your brains out on acid.
One of my Feat favorites has always been “Spanish Moon”. So down and dirty, love it.
@@melaniefelsher4356 that's in my 20 best LF compilation. Along with New Delhi Freight Train, Two Trains, Tripe-face Boogie, Easy to Slip and all the above mentions plus the one song we use to cover in my band....Snakes on Everything off their first lp.
That was a good song and I agree the backing vocals were to low. You gave a lot of information that I never would have known otherwize. Thanks for all of the hard work you put into your analyses. They are always something to look forward to.
For sure Kathy, two of the best female vocalists ever and you couldn't even hear them. Missed opportunity for real.
Another great analysis Fil, thanks. I enjoyed the deeper dive into the band's long and varied history. I've enjoyed Little Feat's music before and after Lowell George's passing, however I always considered him to be the guy.
You're a great guide and a perceptive teacher with a generous heart,taste and good ears and enthusiasm.
"Oh Atlanta" by this great band is just irresistible.
Thanks for reminding us all how great this band were.
Thanks!! I suggested this a few weeks ago! These were before the days of auto tune. I saw Lowell George live the night before his untimely passing. RIP Lowell
Oh, I've been waiting and hoping for you to do Little Feat, Fil. What a band - absolutely packed with talent and dedication!
I would argue that the mix for the backing vocals was not the sound guy's fault. He was actually quite the hero. The adorable, Miss Harris knew few of the lyrics. Amazing live production given the date. Just amazing
Early on I won 2 tickets (yes, to Paradise), from WLIR (NYC), to sit on the floor of Ultra Sound Studios in Hempstead NY, while Feat ran through their set. Maybe 50 people squeezed in.
Waiting For Columbus, perhaps the best rock n roll live album ever recorded, if you haven’t heard it yet, please check it out ASAP! Beautifully recorded and performed!
When garth brooks covers your song, you know your doing good. Saw them in April and will see them next month in the burgh!
Little Feat !!! They were tight and a great party band. Midnight Special was a great show never missed it.
You have a real gift for this. Thanks for the channel. It was in my recommendations this morning and I've watched you all day. Love all the different genres you cover.
Great choice, Fil! I had forgotten how hot Bonnie Raitt was back in the day!
Late in the end of the 80s, I use to share flat and play with Gary Reynolds, an amazing guitar player who started the Gutter Brothers (well known in London , coven garden) and I use to play with this band ( Tony on vocals)... In our flat, gary wouldn't stop playing Little feat, his favorite band.
Thanks a lot for remembering that amazing band
Fil, I've been following this band since the 70s - miss this line up. thanks Fil keep up the great work!
Exemplary video analysis, Dear Fil. One of Your finest. These guys really take me back. ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks for this one, Fil! Brings back lots of good memories!
Heard Little Feat at their peak several times in Houston. (Better than here, but there are not that many performances available.)
We always wondered why they were not huge.
Bonnie Raitt opened for them one weekend. A couple of the guys joined her onstage at the end of her set. Then she sang backup for them.
RIP Paul Barre! " And all the boys began to sing along!"
Fil , I saw the band in 1971 at a college near York Pa. They were opening for Bonnie Rhett, for one Yankee dollar,no less! I knew about Bonnie,she was from the same Philly suburb as me. LG reminded me of Jerry Garcia, to strange to live,to rare to die. Another kind soul,crushed by a cold cruel world. A real triple threat genius, player, singer and songwriter! They played a set alone, as did Bonnie and Freebo, her dawg of a bass player.The moments I always remember most clearly are LG , playing snaky,nasty slide to Bonnie's chords. I went to high school near Philly,the last four years of the sixties ! I saw the greatest bands of the sixties and seventies there, I was just so fortunate to be in the right place at the right time. My friends and I also had bands and were into all the fabulous guitars you dream about. I still have a 1965 SG standard from those days,so gotta say ,a truly favored adolescence,I think.Thank you brother,shine on 🖖🏽
Thanks for featuring my earlier comment, Fil,. I should add that I saw the feats live in the Auckland(NZ) town hall sometime in 1979, with their classic last record album line up.Suffice it to say the first few songs were loud and muddled, but after about 10 minutes they morphed into a tight focused sound that equaled the quality of Frank Zappa's band which I had seen earlier that same year.After the concert I went to a party with my friends and was amazed to see Lowell walk into the room with the partner of my guitarist friend. I was introduced to him by name and shook his hand, but it was obvious that his glazed faraway expression meant he was not even aware that I was standing in front of him! So I just said " nice to meet you and left him to mingle ( he was being led by hand and possibly didn't even know where he was.Sadly I was not surprised to hear of his passing not much later, but I have the memory of the wonderful concert(at which his vocal and guitar excelled) and the experience of actually saying hello to him( which he could not have remembered!)
YEAAH FIL LOVE EM ONE OF MY FAVORITE BANDS , THANKS FIL
Love to watch you smile when you watch the artists. Somehow I think you should have been born in the 60’s and been a part of the 70’s. It was a great musical generation.
It’s been a pleasure working for these guys the past 8 years. Thanks for shining a light on the ol’ Feat.
I love “Let It Roll”, that CD got a ton of play from me 👍🏻
Still heard a couple of times a week at my house! Ever my 81 year old mother loves it - she says it makes her feel young listening to it. Peace!
Lowell hand picked Craig Fuller from the other side.
You’re a good guy, Fil.
Thanks again Fil. As someone wrote earlier, you're a good guy Fil. I've got most if not all of the Feats, but I am particularly fond of the Lowell George era. I learned a bit from Lowell with "On the Way Down" ... how to treat people. If you haven't heard, I've had a radio performance recording on reel to reel for years that's just getting released of one of Bonnie's first sessions, it's with Lowell sitting in, and a lot of drugs and alcohol fuel. Very good to hear a young Bonnie stepping up front. It's an excellent time capsule. I hope you get a chance to hear it. I think I've been told it's on RUclips as a sound only. Anyway, love your show, look forward to it every day even if I can't always comment. I'm an old retired guy with an Architecture Design Business soooooo I'm as busy as a puppy with two tails. Please keep it up. And check out Slack Key guitar tunings, Jimmy Buffet's story telling, and Hot Tuna (especially at Bob Weir's Stillwater) ROCK!!
Ohhhhhh.....Sir Fil !!!!! I see you were in the mood for some Dixie Chicken jammin'!!!!!! NOW WE ARE COOKING WITH GAS !!!!! A gas, and a groove !!!!! One of my favorite groups, sir !!!!! Thank you, and look at your subscriptions grow !!!! You deserve it, as you are informing and educating us in many things vocal and instrumental !!!!
Wonderful video, Fil. Great little conga drum break too. Musician's musicians totally. Thanks!
Bill Paine has put together an incredible group and is currently touring the US billed as Little Feat. We saw their second gig of the tour in Rhode Island and it was awesome! They are playing the Waiting for Columbus album in it's entirety. If you're a Feat fan, get out there and see this show, you will not be disappointed.
I saw them in San Diego on that tour, not as good as back in "77" but still great.
My second favorite band of all time. Lowell George had some major charisma. Talent galore- songwriter, slide guitar, flute, great singing voice, producer. Man that dude had it all. Except for maybe self-control. Anyway RIP Lowell George. You are missed
This kid has great insight and a great smile.
Thanks Fil. As usual, impressive in-depth analysis of their artistry. Love their 1981 live album "Hoy Hoy," featuring the Tower of Power, adding brass to an American roots extravaganza.