Little Feat have composed an album that’s their love letter to the blues entitled, Sam’s Place. “Long Distance Call” plus many other blues classics are on this album. You can stream and order ‘Sam’s Place’ here: https://orcd.co/samsplace “Long Distance Call” was written by blues legend, Muddy Waters. It has Sam Clayton and Bonnie Raitt on vocals, Scott Sharrard on dobro, Fred Tackett on acoustic guitar, Tony Leone on drums, and Michael “The Bull” LoBue on harmonica. The album also features Bill Payne on piano and Kenny Gradney on bass. The ‘Sam’s Place’ album has Sam on lead vocals for the entire record. The album was recorded in Memphis, TN at Sam Phillip’s Studio. It’s got classic blues songs by legends such as Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon, plus a new original song called “Milkman” that was written by Sam, Fred and Scott. Stream or order ‘Sam’s Place’ here: https://orcd.co/samsplace
“I’ve always loved Little Feat and this new incarnation of the band is bringing some serious heat, cred and new blood to their enduring legacy. Every Feat fan loves us some Sam. I’m so glad he’s now gotten a chance to step out front and center and put his spin on these wonderful blues songs. I loved singing “Long Distance Call” with him, always one of my favorites, and Scott slayed on slide. Know you’ll enjoy hanging out with us at Sam’s Place!” — Bonnie Raitt
Produced by Little Feat and Charles A. Martinez Recorded at Sam Phillips Recording in Memphis, TN in August 2023
Sam Clayton was introduced to Little Feat, an eclectic band drenched in Southern rhythms, funk, jazz, and rock and roll, by his friend Kenny Gradney with whom he had played behind Delaney & Bonnie, and who was to replace original bassist Roy Estrada. Gradney recommended Clayton to the band as he knew both men needed work following Delaney & Bonnie’s split up following their divorce and guitarist Paul Barrere also joined the line-up, thus expanding the band to a sextet.
Sam made his debut with Little Feat on their third album Dixie Chicken in 1973. He also played congas on Bonnie Raitt’s 1977 song, “Sweet Forgiveness”, on her album of the same name. As time went on, his vocal talents as well as his percussion came to the fore, which gave the band a funkier sound.Although he rarely sang lead vocals, his scat-influenced bass vocals were strongly in evidence on tracks like “Rock ‘n’ Roll Doctor” from Feats Don’t Fail Me Now. His first lead vocal with the group was “Feel The Groove” from Down on the Farm in 1979 but the band broke up shortly afterwards and the subsequent death of founder Lowell George meant they did not reform until 1987.
When Little Feat re-grouped Sam’s voice became even more evident on songs like “The Ingenue” (from Representing the Mambo) and “Romance Without Finance” and “That’s A Pretty Good Love” (from Ain’t Had Enough Fun). He also sings the Lowell George classic “Spanish Moon” at Little Feat’s live shows. Little Feat released their latest album, Sam’s Place, in 2024. It is their first album to feature Clayton on lead vocals on every song.
Sacramento’s K-ZAP 93.3 FM plays Little Feat. All part of 50 years of Rock, Blues and More, 24-7 on our station’s stream at K-ZAP.ORG/LISTEN/
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