Little Feat

An eclectic and freewheeling trip down memory lane.

Formed in 1969 by Lowell George, one of Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention, Little Feat were always going to be different from the blues bands of the period. Small in stature, guitarist and lead singer George was a talented firebrand of R&B, country, New Orleans funk and rock’n’roll, but he had the commercial inclinations of a goldfish. Despite drawing a following for wild live performances and critical acclaim for their albums - particularly Sailin’ Shoes and the remarkable Feats Don’t Fail Me Now - the band remained beloved of musicians (the Stones and Led Zeppelin were huge fans) but generally ignored by the public.

By 1975, a change of direction was looming for the band. From The Last Record Album to 1977’s Time Loves a Hero, Little Feat moved from toying with jazz to being a full on jazz-fusion outfit. George’s interest in collaborating with the band waned until his early death in 1979. For all their many disbandings, reunions and line-up changes since, Little Feat have remained true in their commitment to both roots and jazz music, with everyone from Dave Matthews, Bob Seger and the Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson queuing up to collaborate with them. Validation for time served, indeed.

Queen’s Hall, Clerk Street, 0131 668 2019, 28 Jul, 8pm, £23.50-£29.50.

More: Edinburgh Festivals, Edinburgh Jazz & Blues Festival, Jazz & Blues, Jazz & Blues Festival, Little Feat, Rock & Pop, Previews (Music)

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