Little Feat Rooster Rag
(Hot Tomato/Rounder Records)
When Little Feat released their eponymous debut album 41 years ago, they were one of many bands reinvigorating blues music in America. Four decades later they keep the flame alive not only for their long time fans but for a new generation of music lovers. Their first release of original music in nine years, Rooster Rag has the same eclectic blues as the band’s early work. They kick off the album with a cover of Mississippi John Hurt’s classic “Candy Man Blues”, which has a little R&B and funk inspired flair. On the title track “Rooster Rag”, the band brings a little more down home style folk rock to the table that will get your toe tapping. They even play modern guitar driven blues on tracks like “Way Down Under”. Unfortunately you see fewer and fewer pure blues musicians these days. On the other hand, bands like Little Feat keep the old time blues origins alive. Their infectious mix of styles help lead music fans back to the blues and hopefully they can continue introducing fans back to the roots of popular music.
