Little Feat releases new album with Molly Tuttle and Robert Hunter

Little Feat recently unveiled their latest album, “Strike Up The Band,” marking their first studio release with Scott Sharrard and Tony Leone as part of the group. The album, released through Hot Tomato Records on May 11, follows the success of their previous record, “Sam’s Place,” which garnered a GRAMMY nomination.

Collaborating with bluegrass sensation Molly Tuttle and former Grateful Dead lyricist Robert Hunter, the band crafted 13 new tracks for this album. Reflecting on the creative process, Bill Payne, co-founder of Little Feat, shared insights with Grateful Web, stating, “When Robert Hunter and I began writing, he usually sent me the lyrics first.”

Known for their eclectic mix of gritty New Orleans rhythms, country influences, and jazzy undertones, Little Feat has captured the hearts of fans since their inception in 1969. The band’s unique sound has stood the test of time, attracting both longtime enthusiasts and new listeners alike.

During a productive four-day writing session in New York, the band produced the track “4 Days of Heaven, 3 Days of Work,” inspired by a title suggested by Bill Payne. Guitarist Scott Sharrard remarked, “Bill brought this title to Tony and I, and I knew immediately that we were going to cook something up that would be special.”

One of the standout songs from the album, “Bluegrass Pines,” showcases Molly Tuttle’s guitar skills alongside vocal performances by Larry Campbell and Teresa Williams. Co-written by Robert Hunter and inspired by Payne’s concepts, the track exemplifies the band’s signature style. Other notable tracks include “Too High to Cut My Hair,” “Dixie Chicken,” and “Fat Man in the Bathtub.”

Little Feat’s current lineup features Bill Payne on keys, Fred Tackett on guitar, Kenny Gradney on bass, and Sam Clayton on rhythm duties. Scott Sharrard joined the band in 2019 as their lead guitarist, while Tony Leone took on the role of drummer the following year.

Embarking on a tour starting May 9 from Montclair, NJ, Little Feat’s musical journey culminates in a three-day music festival in Woodstock from August 30 to September 1. The band also plans to record their next live album at the festival, adding to their impressive discography of 16 studio albums. For more information on their upcoming shows, fans can visit the band’s official website.