The Avett Brothers and Little Feat Review

After five years, The Avett Brothers are back with a self-titled album recorded across Malibu, Nashville and Mar Vista as well as in Concord NC; its recording dates are both hard rebooting and deliberate return to roots.

It features uptempo stompers and ballads, featuring former Dashboard Confessional drummer Mike Marsh (now touring) and fiddle player Tania Elizabeth.

The Avett Brothers

The Avett Brothers released their debut album in five years this month and it’s an impressive release. While retaining their signature sound, this offering also adds some musical and lyrical depth that should satisfy fans of their music.

The brothers tackle familiar topics while simultaneously making each track feel fresh and original. For instance, “2020 Regret” is an emotional ballad best heard when sitting beside a campfire sipping whisky; don’t forget the tissues! Furthermore, their unique harmony vocals add another level to this record and add another dimension.

Another stand-out track was “Cheap Coffee,” a deviation from their typical punkier and louder sounds but that drew on earlier material from them. Fast, fun and packed full of words into three minutes – an engaging track which the audience quickly devoured!

As part of their finale performance, The Brothers welcomed out their father and sister for an impressive gospel singalong that brought tears of joy from all in attendance. It was a poignant gesture that demonstrated their band is truly one big family unit.

The Avett Brothers will perform at various concerts this summer, including their Red Rocks debut with Little Feat. Additionally, they’ll take to various other esteemed stages across the United States.

Sam’s Place

Little Feat has never stopped evolving since their late-’80s reunion brought back Sam Clayton, Fred Tackett, and Paul Barrere from their classic-era lineup. Sam’s Place marks their debut all-blues album since 2005 as well as their recorded debut of this current iteration of the band.

While most of the songs here may be familiar (Muddy Waters and Little Walter tunes make up four out of nine tracks), this band sounds revitalized thanks to a switch in style which has always defined their music: rhythmic, swampy and muscular playing that hits like never before during Willie Dixon’s “Mellow Down Easy.”

Clayton co-wrote one original composition (“Milkman”) as well as some engaging deep dives from sessions at Sam Phillips’ second Memphis studio. Scott Sharrard –who replaced late bassist Paul Barrere–proposed “Why People Like That,” while Clayton unearthed a Bobby Charles deep cut called “Don’t Go Any Further.” Additionally, Raitt returns as guest artist and contributes his vocal talents on Howlin’ Wolf’s “You Will Be Mine.”

With respect to Lowell George (deceased), Little Feat has never been more authentic on Sam’s Place than on this release. Like a finely prepared gumbo, Little Feat blends rock, folk, blues, and country into an ever-evolving stew of music that never ceases to evolve. Clayton’s laconic, languid moans continue to provide the basis of the band, but are amplified and enhanced by the full ensemble’s deep talents and fervor. Furthermore, newcomers Sharrard and drummer Tony Leone’s presence feels like this version has always existed – it even made for an impressive tour behind this album! All this combined results in an album that is more than simply stopgap; rather it stands as a vibrant reminder of this classic group’s timeless power and beauty.