Little Feat and Leon Russell to rock The Capitol Theatre in January

Americana rockers, Little Feat featuring Leon Russell will rock The Capitol Theatre on January 15 which was rescheduled from their postponed date; November 4 due to the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

I spoke to founding member-keyboardist Bill Payne, 63 about their upcoming performance back in October and he told me some interesting tid-bits of what fans should expect from the show, their upcoming projects and a general overview of the band themselves. They released a total of 16 albums in their 43-year career. The band's latest album, “Rooster Rag” (Rounder Records) is their first album consisting of new material in nine years.

“I always look forward to every gig and share what this band loves to do,” Payne said in a telephone interview from his home in Montana. He described how the band teamed up with Leon Russell. “We've done a number of gigs with Leon Russell. "A couple of years ago, we were in Australia with him at a couple of festivals. I was heading home from Melbourne I saw him in a van about two vans away from the one I was taken in to head home from the airport that I was taking back to the states and walked over there and introduced myself to him and thanked him for the early inspiration of me in Little Feat; as a singer, songwriter and pianist. He was very gracious about it. On our first record, he was a big influence. As for the Cap, I don't know who booked us but there's been plenty of times where myself or someone in the band has been called to check on our availability so it can happen from anywhere—in the long run I don't think it matters much it's all about “going to the dance!”

After the tour, the band returns for their 11^thyear-run to Jamaica.

“We're doing this gig for the 11^th year in the grill at a resort called, “Breezes” on the beach in March. “We thought of doing a cruise and queried our fans about it and the majority of them chose to stay on the beach which is a good call. Special guests include Larry Campbell, Teresa Williams, Hot Tuna; it's too much fun is what it is!” he relates.

A majority of Little Feat fans, recognize the band for their eclectic musical style and for their famous “tomato” logo.

“Neon Park, who did the artwork for the second album, “Sailing Shoes” and other albums until 1994 when he passed away of Lou Gerhig's disease. We had an iconic record called, “Waiting for Columbus” which is a live album. We just commemorated that record two years ago. Neon designed the tomato in a hammock—the tomato which Columbus discovered in the West Indies. It was a history lesson for us and it was a clever idea saying, “The tomato is waiting for Columbus to discover her!”

The band's most recognizable tune is “Dixie Chicken.”

“I wouldn't call our music, “hits” I would call them more recognizable songs. "Dixie Chicken" is a song that Dave Matthews song, “Crash” eludes to,” Payne stated. A lot of people heard of “Dixie Chicken” through Dave Matthews. A song I wrote, “Oh Atlanta” was recorded by Emmylou Harris—it's a real rock and roll tune! Little Feat, if you're not familiar is an Americana music band; which is very big right now. We didn't invent it like Al Gore did with the internet but we've been at it a long time! It exemplifies the best of American music. We've had our hand in a little bit of everything. We're really an eclectic band.”

Bill has performed with many famous musicians over the years, including James Taylor, Carly Simon, Bonnie Raitt, Emmylou Harris, Jimmy Buffett and The Doobie Brothers.

“I'm all over the map and I've played on many records over the years including Melissa Manchester's “Don't Cry Out Loud” and Bryan Adams “Everything I Do (I Do it For You).”  Little Feat is one of those bands (not just me) that is looked at as really fine musicians—we're not pop stars.”

The band lost two members over the years, including drummer Richie Hayward,(2010) and singer-guitarist Lowell George in 1979.

Bill has his own website, billpaynecreative.com. In addition to being a musician, he's also a photographer and writer.

“I wrote a 2,000 word article on Gabe Ford (the current drummer and Richie Hayward's former drum tech) on my website and a 10,000 word piece on Richie on Relix.com and Jambands.com. I've been encouraged by many writers to tell my side of the tale.”

On the band's latest album, “Rooster Rag” Payne has written four songs with Robert Hunter (Grateful Dead). He wrote many songs with Jerry Garcia and Bob Weir and an album's worth of material with Bob Dylan.

“I'm in pretty good company writing with Robert. We have a total of 11 songs on the album. We're in a pretty creative place right now. That's not bad for a band that's been around for 43 years,” Payne noted. “Little Feat is still going strong we've been through a lot of changes over the years—I think what people are going to see and hear is a group that is still very vibrant and the music still rocks hard. I think what attracts people to our band is we're not up there with flashing lights, mirrors and fog; we've always been a musician's band and our music still comes across. We've carried an audience with us for 43 years it feels good every time we hit the stage.”

Little Feat got its name from former bandmate's Lowell George's feet which were small.

“The Mothers (band) Jimmy Carl Black made an expletive mention of George's feet. Lowell deleted the expletive and the name was born with Feat instead of “feet,” explained Payne.

The band expects there will be a decent turnout at their event.

“We're there to help people celebrate life a good many people will know who we are or possibly not thought of us in a while and we'll walk out on stage with smiles on our faces. It's about having a good time and being able to view people like Leon Russell who know how to play and have a good catalog of songs we don't dictate every move we make and that's part of the ride to see what we bring to the table that evening—it's a good collection of music and I know people will appreciate what they hear.”