Little Feat’s swampy rendition of Muddy Waters’ blues staple is a combination of the familiar and the novel. The band extends its decades-long history of collaborations with Bonnie Raitt, who duets evocatively with classic-era percussionist Sam Clayton in his first-ever vocal turn. You’d never know it from his confident, gravelly, talk-sung performance — which, when combined with Scott Sharrard’s sizzling slide guitar, makes for a modern blues masterclass.
The veteran band’s first album in a dozen years is a record of blues covers made at Sam Phillips Recording in Memphis. As such, “Sam’s Place” takes comfort in the past, with Bonnie Raitt assisting and the songbooks of Willie Dixon, Little Walter and Muddy Waters tapped for maximum impact. Little Feat draws more inspiration from classic blues than their self-made musical stew, but the rewards here are plentiful.
Little Feat have composed an album that’s their love letter to the blues entitled, ‘Sam’s Place.’ “Long Distance Call” plus many other blues classics are on this album.
“Long Distance Call” was written by blues legend, Muddy Waters. It has Sam Clayton and Bonnie Raitt on vocals, Scott Sharrard on Dobro, Fred Tackett on acoustic guitar, Tony Leone on drums, and Michael “The Bull” LoBue on harmonica. The album also features Bill Payne on piano and Kenny Gradney on bass.
The ‘Sam’s Place’ album has Sam on lead vocals for the entire record. The album was recorded in Memphis, TN at Sam Phillip’s Studio. It’s got classic blues songs by legends such as Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon, plus a new original song called “Milkman” that was written by Sam, Fred and Scott.
“I’ve always loved Little Feat and this new incarnation of the band is bringing some serious heat, cred and new blood to their enduring legacy. Every Feat fan loves us some Sam. I’m so glad he’s now gotten a chance to step out front and center and put his spin on these wonderful blues songs. I loved singing “Long Distance Call” with him, always one of my favourites, and Scott slayed on slide. Know you’ll enjoy hanging out with us at Sam’s Place!” — Bonnie Raitt
The Fat Angel Sings 