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A driving force in the American roots-rock movement, Little Feat synthesized a highly sophisticated, singular blend of New Orleans rhythm and blues, swamp funk, country-folk, and avant-garde jazz. Driven by the slide guitar genius of Lowell George and the intricate, rolling keyboard work of Bill Payne, the ensemble earned an immense reputation as a musician's band. Their complex syncopated grooves and eccentric lyrical wit made them one of the most creatively influential collectives of the 1970s, deeply revered by contemporary guitarists and major rock icons across the globe.
Little Feat was formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1969, by guitarist/songwriter Lowell George and bassist Roy Estrada. Both men were former members of Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention. The original lineup was completed with the addition of Richard Hayward on drums and Bill Payne on keyboards. Their first two albums were “Little Feat” (1971) and “Sailin' Shoes” (1972). The albums were critical successes but failed by commercial standards.
The band broke up during 1971-72 but reformed with new members, Paul Barrere on guitar and Sam Clayton on percussion. Roy Estrada was replaced on bass by Kenny Gradney. The first album featuring the new lineup is the classic "Dixie Chicken" (1973). The album is widely hailed as their best ever, and its tighter, funkier sound is thanks in large part to its new members.
Technical Catalog Spotlight: Dixie Chicken (1973)
This landmark release serves as the definitive stylistic turning point for the band, introducing their signature syncopated Southern funk and rocksteady-inflected rhythm section. The production seamlessly fuses country instrumentation with complex, muddy delta blues grooves.
- Released: January 1973
- Label: Warner Bros Records
- Producer: Lowell George
- Core Personnel: Lowell George (Vocals, Slide Guitar), Bill Payne (Keyboards), Paul Barrere (Guitar), Kenny Gradney (Bass)
- Key Tracks: Dixie Chicken, Two Trains, Fat Man in the Bathtub
The band produced two more excellent efforts with "Feats Don't Fail Me Now" (1974) and "The Last Record Album" (1975). Apparently, Barrere and Payne needed to relieve Lowell George of much of his songwriting duties due to George’s escalating drug use.
Despite their increased popularity, Little Feat would never enjoy broad mainstream success. The concert tours that Little Feat embarked upon in the late 1970s rendered the material for the double live album "Waiting For Columbus" (1978).
Technical Catalog Spotlight: Waiting for Columbus (1978)
Widely recognized as one of the greatest live recordings in rock history, this double album captures the band at the absolute zenith of their performing powers. Enhanced by the towering horn arrangements of the Tower of Power, the recording showcases an unmatched, tight improvisational telepathy.
- Released: February 1978
- Label: Warner Bros Records
- Producer: Lowell George
- Core Personnel: Lowell George (Vocals, Guitar), Bill Payne (Keyboards), Richie Hayward (Drums), Sam Clayton (Percussion)
- Key Tracks: Fat Man in the Bathtub Live, Spanish Moon Live, Willin Live
Lowell George disbanded Little Feat in 1979 and embarked on a solo career. He died shortly thereafter of a heart attack the same year. Little Feat’s final album with George, “Down on the Farm,” was released after he died in 1979.
Technical Catalog Spotlight: Down on the Farm (1979)
Released as a poignant posthumous artifact, this final studio statement balances George’s traditional roots inclinations with the band's evolving interest in jazzy, progressive rock structures. The tracks stand as a bittersweet testament to the creative partnership that defined their era.
- Released: November 1979
- Label: Warner Bros Records
- Producer: Lowell George, Bill Payne, Paul Barrere
- Core Personnel: Lowell George (Vocals, Guitar), Paul Barrere (Vocals, Guitar), Bill Payne (Keyboards), Richard Hayward (Drums)
- Key Tracks: Down on the Farm, Six Feet of Snow, Kokomo
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