PREVIEW: Little Feat @ The Orpheum 10/23

By Sam Trottenberg

Little Feat’s journey began in 1969 with the pairing of guitarist and songwriter Lowell George and keyboardist Bill Payne. Right from the start Little Feat delivered an eclectic blend of styles ranging from New Orleans funk to delta blues and in doing so created their own unique sound. Gaining critical acclaim from many of rock and roll’s finest (including Mick Jagger and Jimmy Page), Feat failed to achieve major commercial success and became known as a musician’s band. Despite the difficulty of breaking through to the mainstream, Little Feat’s extensive touring during the 70s helped to build a significant cult following that’s still going strong. Unfortunately, tragedy struck in 1979 when frontman Lowell George died of a heart attack while on tour promoting his solo record: Thanks, I’ll Eat It Here.  After reforming in 1987, Little Feat, now being led by Bill Payne and guitarist Paul Barerre, continued on for the sake of the music.

Today Little Feat is as strong as ever, hitting city after city on their 50th anniversary tour and playing songs ranging from 1972’s Sailin’ Shoes to 2012’s Rooster Rag. In speaking with Bill Payne, he said that “with Little Feat in particular the band, the music, it’s bigger than any of us honestly at this point.” Go catch Little Feat at the Orpheum Theatre on October 23, hurry because tickets are selling fast. Don’t miss the chance to catch of the greatest rock and roll bands of all time.