It's almost impossible to find someone who could say anything bad about Lowell George. This is the first sentence of the text in Uncut magazine about rock n roll doctor, brilliant guitarist, singer and author Lowell George. Business oriented, without a tendency to give psychedelic statements, Jackson Browne called Lowell Orson Wells of rock, while Jimmy Page called Lowell's band Little Feat his favorite American band ever. Dixie Chicks own their name to one of his songs, and Christopher Cross' evergreen Ride Like A Wind is dedication to George.
Born in Los Angeles on Friday 13th, George lived his life between pending success and troubles that were persistently happening. In his youth, he played flute, accordion, saxophone and guitar, and he played in several garage rock bands such as Factory, Standells, The Seeds.
His first big recognition was engagement in Frank Zappa's supporting band Mothers of Invention, but departure occurred when George showed his song Willin to Zappa. Frank suggested that I should start my own band, which is a nice way to fire me, Lowell said once. Willin, a song in which main protagonist begs for weed, white and wine, was covered by Byrds and Linda Ronstadt. The song never became a hit, but it gained a cult status among fervent lovers of southern rock and it also motivated George to listen to Zappa's advice and start his own group. Little Feat was comprised of bassist Roy Estrada, talented jazz pianist Bill Payne and garage rock mastermind Richard Hayward. The name of the band comes from the fact that George had small feet. This is where stepped into a bizarre world of showbiz where he was praised by journalists, critics and colleagues who sold more records than Little Feat ever did.
Their self-titled debut was recorded in difficult conditions, after George broke his arm, so Ry Cooder played his sections. The album set main postulate of artistic functioning: fascinating mixture of country, soul, blues, funk, boogie, rock n roll and folk. Incredible songs, praises, series of concerts, weird circumstances, low sales, low earnings. I guess the combination of these variables was fertile. It was supposed to be easier. George-Payne collab was perfect for creating American music fusion that left no space for redundant philosophy. George's vocal was clear, expressive and suitable both for soul singing and rock growling. You could feel chills whether he sung ballads or ferocious numbers. As a band, they sounded confident, disciplined and as If they are having the most fun in the world. Every listened felt welcomed to their world. Surreal jokes, vice induced illusions and positive vibrations were provided in abundance. Truck Stop Girl was also covered by Byrds on their infamous untitled album and it gave George and Payne their first taste of fame. If Byrds created Americana, then Little Feat made Alice in Wonderland out of Americana - mirthful, peculiar, imaginative genre with George Lowell as Rabbit With A Clock.
Now I will introduce you to the second album of Little Feats, and the rest will be on you to explore. Sailin Shoes from 1972 gave birth to fantastic single Easy To Slip (ofcourse, sales were almost equal to zero), the best version of Willin and compliments from The Rolling Stones, the biggest rock group in the world. What came after this? You better steam!
