Despite the significant legacy of late frontman Lowell George and the enduring influence of modern-era leader Bill Payne, Little Feat truly revitalizes its sound with each fresh voice that joins the ensemble. The introduction of guitarist Paul Barrere, bassist Kenny Gradney, and percussionist Sam Clayton injected a much-needed burst of funk and soul into the 1973 album Dixie Chicken, filling a void that had been present in their first two albums. The elevation of occasional collaborator Fred Tackett to a full-time role brought a renewed focus on songwriting and creativity to the band with their 1988 gold-selling Top 40 comeback album Let It Roll. Their upcoming release, Strike Up the Band, marks the first collection of original songs since the 2012 album Rooster Rag and showcases the talents of Scott Sharrard, a lifelong admirer who stepped into the touring lineup to succeed the late Barrere in 2019.

Little Feat continues to embody the spirit of a collaborative musical collective, with each member contributing to the vocal arrangements. This includes Sam Clayton, who is featured on the upcoming 2024 Grammy-nominated track Sam’s Place. The songwriting credits are shared among Payne, Tackett, Sharrard, and drummer Tony Leone, who collectively penned or co-penned every track on the new album. Their sound remains an exhilarating mix, seamlessly transitioning from country-infused R&B to earth-shaking blues, and even to an energetic hootenanny atmosphere. The camaraderie that has always defined Little Feat is palpable in every groove of their music. However, Strike Up the Band represents a new chapter for the band, largely driven by the creative energy of Sharrard. His first experience with Little Feat was attending a concert during the late-’80s Let It Roll tour, and he has clearly immersed himself in the unique tunings of their classic recordings.

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The infectious energy is apparent right from the opening track “4 Days of Heaven, 3 Days of Work,” which was co-written by Payne, Sharrard, and Leone. The song captures an electrifying groove that sets the tone for the album. Sharrard, who has previously collaborated with Gregg Allman, contributed to the vibrant, horn-laden track “Midnight Flight.” The title track of the album features the distinctive backing vocals of Larkin Poe, adding a delightful touch of twang. No album by Little Feat would be complete without moments of humor, and for Strike Up the Band, Sharrard co-wrote the playful track “Too High to Cut My Hair” with Tackett, ensuring that lightheartedness remains a staple of their music.

Meanwhile, Bill Payne continues to be a crucial and dynamic presence within the band, whether he’s energetically performing “New Orleans Cries When She Sings,” swaying into a Cajun rhythm on “Dance a Little,” or dusting off “Bluegrass Pines,” a piece stemming from his collaborative writing sessions with Robert Hunter, the famed lyricist of the Grateful Dead. This resurgence has yielded more songs than could fit into a single LP, leading to some material being set aside. Fans might be hopeful that they won’t have to wait another 13 years for the next new album. Whatever the case, this revamped lineup has successfully generated new momentum for Little Feat.

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