In the annals of Rock and Roll history, no one can compare to Lowell George. That's not to suggest he has no equals but his musical genius was like no one else's. Growing up in Hollywood, he worked his way through several bands before landing a gig with Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention in the late 60's. After conflicts arose, Zappa told George he would be better off starting his own band. That band became Little Feat including Bill Payne on keyboards (who had auditioned for the Mothers but had not joined), Mothers' bassist Roy Estrada, and drummer Richie Hayward from George's previous band "The Factory". Lack of commercial success of their first two albums, caused the band to split up, with Estrada leaving to join Captain Beefheart's Magic Band. In 1972 Little Feat reformed, with bassist Kenny Gradney replacing Estrada. With George on slide guitar, the band also added a second guitarist Paul Barrere (who had known George since their teen years), along with percussionist Sam Clayton.This lineup of players lasted from 1973 to 1979. This group of top notch musicians really gelled and developed a sound like no other. Call it perhaps the Allman Brothers Band meets the Mothers of Invention. A delightful mix of brilliant slide guitar, a New Orleans Jazz\Funk gumbo, and some Georgia sunshine thrown in for good measure. This is in fact the lineup that appears on the wonderful DVD "Skin It Back" a live show filmed in Germany in July 1977 for the concert series "Rockpalast". Released in September 2009, this is the same concert that was available a few years back, but with more video clarity, better sound and outtakes from the rehearsals before the show. In August 1977 Little Feat recorded a live album from gigs at The Rainbow Theater in London and Lisner Auditorium in Washington, DC. The album titled "Waiting For Columbus" is considered by many rock music critics to be one of the best live rock albums of all time. This video from the same tour captures the band on film at their zenith and is the perfect visual companion to the album.
For the "Feat-O-Philes" it's filled with classics. Skin it Back, Fatman in the Bathtub, Dixie Chicken, Tripe Face Boogie, Willin' and several more. The performances are superb with the whole band playing at the top of their game. The bonus rehearsal tracks are a great added feature as well with two more versions of Fatman and the great tune Rock 'N' Roll Doctor which didn't make the concert footage.
Tragically, Lowell George died in 1979. The Feat still perform and are still a great band. With Lowell George at the helm however, as this video will attest to, they were one of the greatest bands in Rock and Roll.
Check out this priceless video clip of Lowell George backstage demonstrating his slide technique and giving a nod to fellow slide guitar master Ry Cooder. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7oPHLzEc3Q The impromptu harmony vocals from the surrounding band members are incredible. Long live the Rock and Roll Doctor!
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