Running through a half-century of roots rock gumbo with a super sold out Little Feat

Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Aside from sitting out some of the 1980s, Little Feat’s been a constant recording and touring presence since the band began in 1969 with singer/guitarist Lowell George and fellow vocalist/keyboardist Bill Payne. Though George passed away from a heart attack in 1979, Payne’s been leading the roots rockers since its 1987 reformation right up to the current “50th Anniversary” Tour.

The group’s gumbo of Americana, blues, boogie, Cajun, country, jazz, funk and southern rock was as unique as it gets, accounting for precisely why Little Feat prevailed this long and seems to have no end in sight.

That type of longevity is rarely afforded to any act nowadays and one that sent fans clamoring for a seat at the super sold out Vic Theatre. For those lucky enough to have made their way inside, that meant a sizeable retrospective tracing each era performed by long timers Sam Clayton (congas, percussion, vocals); Kenny Gradney (bass) and Fred Tackett (guitar, mandolin, vocals), plus newer recruit Gabe Ford (drums) and Larry Campbell subbing on vocals and guitar for the ailing but hopeful Paul Barrere.

Along with a horn section and vocal/guitar guest Teresa Williams (who also opened alongside her husband Campbell), Little Feat was on fire right from the start thanks to “Time Loves A Hero,” “Spanish Moon” and “Rocket In My Pocket.” Of course, that should’ve come as any surprise considering the players’ lengthy list of collaborators include Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Robert Plant, Brian Wilson, Bonnie Raitt, John Lee Hooker, Levon Helm, Beck, Johnny Lang and Leftover Salmon, plus the spirit of collaboration and improvisation was especially evident throughout the evening.

For instance, everyone got a chance to let loose on their respective instruments during “Day Or Night” and the free flowing mood kept right on building through a set list stocked with regulars such as “Fat Man In The Bathtub,” “Willin’” (later covered by Linda Ronstadt) and “Dixie Chicken.” All the while, the group’s gumbo of Americana, blues, boogie, Cajun, country, jazz, funk and southern rock was as unique as it gets, accounting for precisely why Little Feat prevailed this long and seems to have no end in sight.