Show Review

Little Feat has built a reputation as one of the hardest working bands in the business, continuing to play over 100 shows per year. This incessant touring has allowed the band members to hone their cohesive, rootsy sound while creating a very special relationship, both musically and personally, with each other. On July 19, the Northern Lights Theatre in Milwaukee, WI experienced exactly what makes Little Feat the legendary musical outfit they are.

The venue is a relatively new and located inside Potawatomi Bingo and Casino in downtown Milwaukee, WI. The first level of the theatre is tables and booths, while the upper level is traditional theatre seating. The theatre acoustics are solid and it proved to be an intimate setting for a show.

With the release of their latest album, Kickin’ It At The Barn, Little Feat once again proved their remarkable aptitude to cross over multiple genre’s while at the same time add their own eclectic stamp on the music they make. The album, their first studio release in 3 years, features a well-rounded mix of straight-ahead rock, country, funk, improvisation, and deep-fried boogie that more than aptly portray the trademark Little Feat sound.

Songs from the new album were featured prominently throughout the evening, from the percussion heavy rhythms of “Stomp” to Shaun Murphy’s soulful, sultry intones on “I’d be lying.” Fred Tackett’s, “In a town like this,” a song he initially recorded on his solo album of the same name, also appeared midway through the set. In addition to these newer songs, several Feat classics including “Rocket In My Pocket,” “Texas Rose Café,” and “Willin” found their way into the night’s setlist.

A real treat came after “The Blues Don’t Tell It All,” when local guitar ace Greg Koch joined the band for an extended workout on the Feat favorites “Texas Twister” and “Let it Roll” to close the show. Watching Greg Koch solo alongside Feat axeman Paul Barrere and Fred Tackett was pure musical bliss. The three continually exchanged smiles, showing that they too were enjoying themselves. The band, minus Koch, encored with the all-time Feat classic, “Oh Atlanta,” which had everyone dancing in their seats.

Throughout their 30 plus year history, Little Feat has earned the respect of countless fans and fellow musicians alike. They have the uncanny ability to combine various styles, while at the same time maintain a sense of simplicity that is truly something to behold. Little Feat will continue to tour throughout the Fall, so go see them in concert, they will not disappoint!

Date: 7/19/2004 Location: Potawatomi Casino - Northern Lights Theater - Milwaukee, WI

Stomp, Drivin' Blind, Rocket In My Pocket, I'd Be Lyin', Down On The Farm > Candyman > Down On The Farm, Texas Rose Café, Willin' > Don't Bogart That Joint > Wilin', In A Town Like This, The Blues Don't Tell It All, Texas Twister*, Let It Roll*

Encore: Oh Atlanta

* w/ Greg Koch on guitar