The Good Musician » Fred Tackett

Missing Nina Simone

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 03:47:04 +0000

I was delighted when I began to hear Nina again, just here and there, then on my daughter’s player. She said, “Claudia, listen to this.” Then she put on Feeling Good. I was blown away that she was blown away that I knew about her and she didn’t. Then she clued me in that Nina is on the Six Feet Under soundtrack. It’s such a wonderment to share an appreciation for music with someone you love. And Nina’s songs speak deeply to women. She does it the way you wish you could.

I must have been 17 or so when I first heard her. In fact, Fred Tackett, the same person who introduced me to Mose Allison turned me on to her. Strange Fruit. Having grown up in the racist South, I knew what the woman was talking about. It chilled my soul. This woman is so affecting, and at the same time such a magician with her voice and piano, and her writing…you are compelled to bond with her on many levels. Yep, I’m in love with anyone who refines their talent to the point that it exquisitely supports their inner being. And delivers and demands authenticity.

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Contemporary Little Feat

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:39:18 +0000

After Lowell George’s death, the musicians of Little Feat went on to create more music, singly, and with top headliners, such as Bonnie Raitt. Then in 1989 the group reformed, adding Craig Fuller form Pure Prairie League and Fred Tackett, who had written for and played with the Feat from the beginning, as well as most every great musician you can name. This new configuration was bigger and some say better. They were certainly just as exciting, and with a jazzier, more mature sound. Here are some recent Feat videos. Which do you prefer? Comments are open to vote for classic Feat vs. contemporary Feat. In the second cut, you’ll meet Fred Tackett and be amazed at his guitar licks. Craig Fuller left LF soon after, and was replaced by the soulful Shawn Murphy. A treat’s in store for tomorrow!

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Classic Little Feat

Mon, 05 May 2008 05:27:05 +0000

While browsing YouTube I found some videos of my old pals Little Feat. This is the original Little Feat, before we lost the brilliant Lowell George. Here’s a loving tribute to one of the best rock ‘n roll bands ever. Tune in tomorrow for videos of the reincarnated Little Feat with the addition of musical genius Fred Tackett and the incomparable Shawn Murphy. Fred and I went to music school together, and Shawn has sung backup with many of the greats, including The Silver Bullet Band.

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