Join the Band

iTunes Review

Lowell George’s death in 1979 forever altered the future course of his band Little Feat.  And for twenty years now, after splitting for nine, they’ve survived primarily as a touring band, displaying their impeccable musicianship at festivals and performance halls with a deep catalog of R&B, funk, country, blues, and folk. Join the Band sets up at Jimmy Buffett’s home studio and includes an all-star cast of guests taking their turn at the vocal mic on an eclectic mix of Little Feat standards and a few curveballs to keep everyone on their feet (The Band’s “The Weight,” Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land”). Vince Gill joins in for the Feat warhorse “Dixie Chicken.” Dave Matthews adds his world-beat groove to “Fat Man in the Bathtub,” Jimmy Buffett strolls in for the laid-back “Champion of the World” and “Time Loves A Hero.” The Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson kicks things into overdrive for “Oh Atlanta.” Lowell George’s daughter highlights with a moving version of “Trouble” and Emmylou Harris closes things in downhome fashion with “Sailin’ Shoes.” The album serves as the band’s own tribute to themselves.