This Wednesday is going to be an epic day for Ocean City. Little Feat is coming to perform at Seacrets! Seriously, if you plan on attending any concerts in Ocean City this summer, make it this one. Now I’m sure two responses were just generated from my exclamation. If your response was, “Frickin’ A!” then I’m excited to jam out in the crowd with you. But if you asked, “Who the hell is Little Feat?” let me give you the fastest and most to-the-point history lesson I can conceive.
    OK, I get it. Now who is this Little Feat?
    Way back in 1969, singer/songwriter and guitarist Lowell George was a member of the late Frank Zappa’s backing band, The Mothers of Invention, when he wrote a southern rock ballad that referenced drugs. After presenting the song to Zappa, he was asked to leave the band (the exact reason is unknown). Soon after, George banded with bassist Roy Estrada, keyboardist Bill Payne and drummer Richard Hayward to form Little Feat. That ballad was a tune called “Willin’,” which became one of their most popular songs which they still perform to this day. The foursome produced two albums over a couple of years that received high praise.
    Despite the critical acclaim, the albums didn’t sell well, which led to the band splitting in 1972. They quickly reformed the same year with Kenny Gradney replacing Estrada on bass. Paul Barrere and Sam Clayton were also added to the band, as a second guitarist and percussionist, respectively. This new lineup also brought a different New Orleans funk sound that was drastically different than their previous southern rock and blues efforts. The band’s next few albums saw yet another change in musical direction to jazz fusion. George wasn’t really into the new sound, and it showed, as his songwriting was lackluster throughout these records. In 1979, George disbanded Little Feat and began a solo career. Sadly, that career ended abruptly when George died while on tour for his first solo album that same year, likely due to a drug overdose.
    The surviving members didn’t reunite the band until 1987, when they invited singer/songwriter Craig Fuller to the lineup because of his resemblance to George’s voice. Little Feat returned to their southern rock roots and blew up the scene after releasing their first album in nine years. Yet the success took a toll on Fuller, who quit the band in 1993, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family.
    In a strange twist (well, after making such drastic changes to their sound, nothing this band does should surprise you), the band quickly replaced Fuller with female soul singer Shaun Murphy. Although this lineup didn’t receive the attention that Fuller’s variation was given, they still recorded five solid albums up until 2009. This would prove to be a bad year for the band, as not only did Murphy leave to pursue other projects, but Little Feat experienced another tragic death.
    Hayward announced that he had liver cancer, and although the cancer was in remission, he died waiting for a liver transplant. Their drum technician Gabe Ford took Hayward’s place and has been with the band since. Little Feat hasn’t recorded an album since Hayward’s death. Originally, they made a post on their website in January of this year asking fans to suggest blues covers they should perform on a new album. About 80 songs were suggested, which led to a poll asking fans for their favorites from that list. But soon after, fans obviously lost interest. Not a single vote was made since the poll was posted in February, and we haven’t heard anything about the new album since.
    They sound awesome! Now what type of setlist should I expect?
    Although Little Feat’s appearance at Seacrets is special to us, we’re simply another stop on the tour, so I wouldn’t expect any guest appearances or anything too rare. Still, Little Feat is one of those bands that love their fans and try to mix up both new and old songs into a unique setlist each night. Of course, expect to hear classics such as “Dixie Chicken,” “Fat Man in the Bathtub” and “Willin’.”
    Who else is playing at Seacrets?
    I’m glad you asked! Little Feat is the third of eight great bands that will be performing at Seacrets as part of their summer concert series. Here’s who will be coming in the future!

SOJA with the Fear Nuttin Band
Monday, July 11- $18 per ticket
    Soldiers of Jah Army are the unquestioned kings of Seacrets. For those not in the know, SOJA is a seven-piece reggae band who plays some of the chillest music you’ve ever heard. This year, they’re promoting their new album, Everything Changes, so we’ll be hearing some new songs!

Donavon Frankenreiter with (TBA)
Wednesday, July 20- $15 per ticket
    This guy is a surfer, acoustic guitarist and friends with Jack Johnson. So of course, he’s awesome. He’s still touring after releasing last year’s Glow, and will be bringing his backing band to provide another relaxing, great concert for Seacrets.
The Aggrolites with Lionize
Monday, July 25- FREE!
    This L.A. band is a great mix of reggae and ska…and sometimes even funk. Some of their music may be more upbeat than the other bands coming to Seacrets, but their reggae groove still fits the atmosphere perfectly. You’ll also get to hear tunes from their new release, Rugged Road!

Tribal Seeds with Roots of Creation and Seedless
Tuesday, July 26- $8 per ticket
    Two California reggae bands in two days! While the $8 ticket isn’t as sweet as a free one, it’s still pretty damn cheap!

Rusted Root with (TBA)
Monday, August 1- $15 per ticket
    This is definitely the most unique band playing at Seacrets this year. Even if you’ve never heard the name, you’ve most likely heard their most popular song, “Send Me on My Way,” in the film Ice Age. With a unique mix of acoustic rock and African influenced percussion, they are sure to put on an amazing show.

 

    If you’d like more information, head to seacrets.com/concerts. Hope to see you at the Little Feat show on Wednesday!