The Good Musician » Little Feat

Little Feat with Shaun Murphy

Fri, 09 May 2008 04:24:06 +0000

So if you’re new to Little Feat, you’ve gotten a taste of the classic LF with Lowell George, then a few tunes since 1989 with Craig Fuller, and now you’ll get to catch up on some of their latest. Shaun Murphy–the incomparable songstress of soul–broke the rock ‘n roll ceiling, going from backup with LF and many other groups to a full-fledged front-line singer in ‘95. She’s been sending chills up and down spines ever since.

Shaun has a distinguished history in the business, working with Meat Loaf, Eric Clapton, Bob Seeger and the Silver Bullet Band, and other industry greats. Her voice is clear, soulful, and nuanced. Not to mention plain ol’ B-flat kickin’ when she gets revved up on those LF driving tunes. She uses good musicianship to stay fluent and on the money. After a great show one night, I said, “Shaun, I wanna be your back-up singer!” She chuckled, and told me to stick with classical

Post from: The Good Musician

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!

Post from: The Good Musician

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.

Post from: The Good Musician

Eclectic taste in music? This is the place.

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 05:52:28 +0000

Looking for new sound experiences? Want to learn how to prepare for an audition? Which theory would you use to analyze a modern composition? Or do you just want to listen to some good, funky grooves? The Good Musician explores the world of music–old and new, classical to indie, with exotic influences and practical tips along the way.

Check out the bands from the recent 2008 SXSW in the Austin Chronicle online. Austin’s new Long Center for the Arts inaugural season includes Kathleen Battle, the Rude Mechs, and a Tribute to Texas Music with Willie Nelson and Lyle Lovett alongside Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel. Chorus Austin and other vocalists will raise the roof with the Austin Symphony Orchestra in one of music’s peak experiences–Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony May 16 and 17.

If you can’t make it to Austin, get to know some of my favorites–the Paul and Fred acoustic duo from Little Feat, Toshi Reagon and Big Lovely, and Australia’s The Cruel Sea.

Post from: The Good Musician