If you’ve ever been buffaloed in Buffalo, entertained in Houston and know when it comes to New York, New York, you have to choose one, then the Little Feat spotlight on the May 9 edition of Greasy Tracks will make complete sense.
The program airs 2:30-5:30 p.m. and streams here.
In addition to music from across the catalog of the group, there will be interviews with band members.
Little Feat is currently on its “Last Farewell Tour” and plays College Street Music Hall in New Haven on May 29 with Molly Tuttle supporting.
The band — blending rock, blues, funk and New Orleans influences — formed in 1969, founded by guitarist Lowell George, keyboardist Bill Payne, drummer Richie Hayward and bassist Roy Estrada. George and Estrada had been members of The Mothers of Invention.
Following Estrada’s exit, bassist Kenny Gradney, guitarist Paul Barrère and percussionist Sam Clayton joined to round out the “classic” Feat lineup that recorded Dixie Chicken which was released in 1973.
Their early albums, including Sailin’ Shoes (1972) and Dixie Chicken, earned critical acclaim and a dedicated following, although commercial success came gradually.
The band has always been renowned for their tight live performances as evidenced by the classic 1978 album Waiting for Columbus which is often considered one of rock’s finest live recordings — albeit with some studio touchups akin to most “live” releases.
Following George’s death in 1979, Little Feat disbanded, but re-formed in 1987 with Payne, Gradney, Barrere and Clayton, adding ex-Pure Prairie League guitarist/vocalist Craig Lee Fuller and guitarist Fred Tackett who had played on a number of sessions in the past with the band.
The rejuvenated band released the FM-friendly Let It Roll (1988) and Representing the Mambo (1990) and were back on the road continuing their storied live performances.
Over time, further changes occurred: Fuller left, replaced by singer Shaun Murphy; Hayward died in 2010 and Barrere passed away in 2019.
In addition to Payne, Clayton, Gradney and Tackett, the current line-up features guitarist Scott Sharrard and drummer Tony Leone, a native of New Britain, Conn.
A year ago, the band released the well-received Strike Up The Band, which followed Sam’s Place (2024). The latter was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album that year.
While the current tour may not be the last live appearances Feat will make, according to Sharrard, it does mark the end of extended road work. The guitarist says the latest outing, which runs through the fall, will feature some deep dives into the band’s catalog.