It seems inconceivable that Little Feat could continue after Lowell George’s death in 1979, yet the band’s second act between 1987-2019 stretched much longer. Paul Barrere co-led the band with Bill Payne during that time, and handled a majority of the lead vocals after the tenures of Craig Fuller (1987-1993) and Shaun Murphy (1993-2009) ended. Here are a few examples of Barrere’s greatness.
“TIME LOVES A HERO” (TIME LOVES A HERO, 1977): The title track from the band’s sixth album is a collaboration between Paul Barrere, keyboardist Billy Payne, and bassist Kenny Gradney. While the album marked a distinct downturn in Lowell George’s songwriting input, the rest of Little Feat step up to add quality and nuance to the album. “Time Loves a Hero” has a lazy Southern feel, and vocals by Barrere with Payne offer a glimpse of things to come in the post-George era.
“ALL THAT YOU DREAM” (THE LAST RECORD ALBUM, 1975): Despite appearing an album of songs which seem like leftovers, “All That You Dream is a lyrically strong and melodically fascinating tale from Barrere and Payne on the cycle of life and love. Later covered by Linda Ronstadt for her Living in the USA project, “All That You Dream” is another gem that stands the test of time.
“LET IT ROLL” (LET IT ROLL, 1988): This title track from the best-selling post-George album found Little Feat newly energized, with Fred Tackett’s guitar playing perfect grooves and slashing leads. Paul Barrere and Tackett provide the six-string fire (with no slide guitar) on this track, while co-writer Billy Payne adds memorable Hammond B3 runs. Drummer Richie Hayward even plays a straight groove!
“TEXAS TWISTER” (REPRESENTING THE MAMBO, 1990): A standout from the overlooked Representing the Mambo album, “Texas Twister” boasts a lyrically complex yet age-old tale of an old man who wants to get with a much much younger lady. Little Feat has a bunch of songs with this motif but few where the vocalist – in this case, Barrere – has to spit out vocals over a counter guitar rhythm and Richie Hayward paradiddles. The guitar dance between co-writer Fred Tackett and Paul Barrere is one of the best Little Feat ever produced. How high is too high?
“AIN’T HAD ENOUGH FUN” (AIN’T HAD ENOUGH FUN, 1995) This again shows Little Feat in transition after the departure of Craig Fuller and the arrival of Shaun Murphy. Murphy co-wrote “Ain’t Had Enough Fun” with lead singer Barrere, Tackett and Payne, but it remains the most minimalist and heartfelt on this album. A mostly acoustic track, “Ain’t Had Enough Fun” is introspective without being overly sentimental. The whole band gets to shine, with Sam Clayton providing his distinctive bass growl.
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