The members of Little Feat emerged from the pandemic with their sense of humor, chops, and collective joy in playing intact on their 2024 album Sam’s Place. Over the past three years, they’ve focused tours on their epic live album Waiting for Columbus and re-issues of some of their classic albums (Sailin’ Shoes, Dixie Chicken, and Waiting for Columbus). Audience response has been rapturous. The band builds on a deep, over 50-year history.
Little Feat used a combination of elite musicianship and brilliant, idiosyncratic songwriting to create a repertoire that transcends all boundaries. California rock, funk, folk, jazz, country and rockabilly mixed with New Orleans swamp boogie led to a powerful sound that has kept the audience dancing for decades. Their groove – in songs like “Dixie Chicken,” “Spanish Moon,” “Fat Man in the Bathtub,” and “Feats Don’t Fail Me Now” is a continuous thread of excellence that embraces the qualities of exploration that make up Little Feat, its music, while honoring their brothers that began this journey decades ago: Lowell George, Richie Hayward, and Paul Barrere.
Their legacy is honest and durable with no end in sight. It has always been about the songs and musicianship. They’re in top form now with Scott Sharrard on lead guitar/vox and Tony Leone on drums/vox, and with founder Bill Payne on keys/vox, Fred Tackett on guitars/vox, Kenny Gradney on bass, and Sam Clayton on percussion/vox.
Today Glide is excited to premiere the video for “Milkman,” an original Little Feat song written by Sam Clayton, Fred Tackett, and Scott Sharrard that focuses on Sam’s nephew as its lyrical subject. It features Sam on lead vocals, Bill Payne on piano, Kenny Gradney on bass, Fred on electric guitar, Scott on slide guitar, and Tony Leone on drums. The song is a slinky and playful work of blues with a healthy dose of Memphis soul-style horns courtesy of special guests Marc Franklin on trumpet and Art Edmaiston on saxophone layered in to give the song a big, vibrant sound. Sam seems to be having a blast singing this tune while the band stays locked into their swinging groove that carries Little Feat’s signature blend of Southern rock, funk, blues, and soul. It culminates with an extended group jam that is freewheeling and lively with sharp bursts of blues guitar. This video was filmed at Studio Instrumental Rentals in Nashville, TN in February 2023. It was directed and edited by Michael Kessler.
A guest on the album is Bonnie Raitt, who says: “Every Feat fan loves us some Sam. I’m so glad he’s now gotten a chance to step out front and center and put his spin on these wonderful blues songs.”
WATCH:
