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Little Feat Let It Roll at the Eastside Bowl in Madison
The legendary Little Feat played a pair of shows in the region beginning with their debut on Friday, February 21, 2025 at the Eastside Bowl in Madison, Tennessee bolstered by the presence of The Hot Tomato Horns.
The Eastside Bowl was a fun place to see a show and throw a few frames! Little Feat was founded by singer-songwriter and guitarist Lowell George and keyboardist Bill Payne. They were based out of Los Angeles, California yet their sound was and is a blend of blues, boogie, jam, jazz and rock. Since 1969, they have had their fair share of challenges and changes but their spirited live shows remain a consistent draw. The concert began a little after 8 p.m. and ran through one hot set of music that was being recorded both by the band and a documentary crew for a pair of projects presumably to be released in the future. During the show they mentioned that Nashville is a special place for them since their forthcoming album was recorded here. They also said that this was the first time that they were playing some of those tracks in a live setting.
Little Feat rocked it on a crowded stage; new frontman Scott Sharrard continues to impress. Little Feat drew plenty of audible gasps of appreciation, shock and awe from the patrons at sold-out main hall at the bowling alley and bar complex. On the Eastside Bowl's cozy stage the band appeared in tune and well-prepared as they proceeded to hit on all cylinders for the next 120 minutes. The group was on hand to celebrate the recent completion of their new album that was recorded at Blackbird Studios in the Berry Hill section of town that will soon see the light of day with an anticipated April release. Fast on the heels of Sam's Place (2024) is Strike Up the Band (2025). The new songs - that also made their public debut in Madison - included "4 Days of Heaven 3 Days of Work", "You're Too High to Cut My Hair" and "From Across The Ocean". They were all winners as they each reflected the legendary Little Feat groove within a contemporary context while showcasing the talents of their very capable yet ever evolving lineup.
Fred Tackett and Bill Payne are Feat veterans with vital roles in the band. The new guys are Tony Leone (drums, vocals) who was recruited in 2020 while Scott Sharrard (lead guitar, vocals) joined the fold in 2019. Both have proven to be an excellent fit as they inject a youthful exubernce into a traditionally lively line-up. Leone seems to be a bit of a secret weapon with songwriting and considerable vocal chops in his tool kit. Sharrard proves nightly why he was chosen to be the musical director for the late Gregg Allman and he brings it every single time he takes the stage with his voice and next level guitar playing. Little Feat are tight musically but with a configuration rounded out by a number of long-standing, much loved members - Bill Payne (keyboard, vocals), Sam Clayton (percussion, vocals), Kenny Gradney (bass) and Fred Tackett (guitar, vocals, trumpet) - they are also like a comfortable pair of favorite shoes.
Bill Payne co-founded the group in 1969; Fred Tackett joined in the 80's. In addition to the quality new material were fan favorites such as the opening number "Fat Man in the Bathtub" that set up the good jamming vibes for the rest of the night. Other highpoints were an animated "Oh Atlanta", a glowing "Spanish Moon" and the timeless "Time Loves a Hero" that was dedicated to the fallen members of the Feat whose spirit Bill Payne said were still felt within the organization. Special guests Pat Bergeson on harmonica and singer Miko Marks joined them for a number of tunes including Feat's take on the Grateful Dead's "Shakedown Street" that was capably sung by drummer Leone.
Scott Sharrard is one of the new guys; Kenny Gradney goes all the way back to the early days. The danceable tunes continued and they closed with a classic triple play featuring the flavorful "Dixie Chicken" spiked with spicy band solos flowing into rousing versions of "Let It Roll" and "Feats Don't Fail Me Now". For fifty plus years, Little Feat has kept audiences on their feet with music that takes us from California rock all the way to New Orleans Swamp. On Saturday, the group took their show underground to The Caverns in Pelham as part of their "Can't Be Satisfied Tour" with Jim Lauderdale, before heading to the high seas next week for Cayamo 2025. In May their "Strike Up The Band Tour" in support of their new record kicks off in Rutland, Vermont. For a band well into their sixth decade all of this seems like one big accomplishment and much more than a mere little feat.
Percussionist Sam Clayton, Tony Leone on drums and The Hot Tomato Horns. Opening the evening in the Low Volume Lounge was the latest project from Atlanta native Mike Ford that is taking shape as a classic rock inspired outfit currently going by the name of Seventh Sun. Mike's set list featured some originals while it was heavily weighted to a 60's and 70's showcase of covers that seemed right in line with a concert by Little Feat. Adding even more authenticity to the presentation was the presence of Lilly Winwood who was on hand to sing her father's classic "Had to Cry Today" from his Blind Faith days and she stuck around for a few more before her and Mike join in as fans to attend the headlining event. The East Side Bowl is located at 1508 Gallatin Pike is a multi-purpose venue with a retro vibe along with bowling, drinks, food and best of all live music showcasing the likes of Little Feat. Plus, plenty of fee parking!
Special guests Pat Bergeson and Miko Marks; Mike Ford & Lilly Winwood got things started in the lounge. Related Links: For more information on LITTLE FEAT and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Little Feat | Eastside Bowl | Mike Ford | Lilly Winwood | Little Feat Triumphantly Marches into Nashville for Two Big Nights of Song and Celebration
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