Little Feat – Time Loves A Hero – Speakers Corner

by | Mar 7, 2019 | Jazz CD Reviews, SACD & Other Hi-Res Reviews | 0 comments

Little Feat – Time Loves A Hero – Warner Brothers Records (1977)/Speakers Corner (2019) 180-gram audiophile stereo vinyl, 35:23 ****:

Speakers Corner has released a re-mastered 180-gram vinyl of Little feat’s sixth studio album for Warners. Time Loves a Hero was recorded during a time of transition, one of Little Feat’s dysfunctional periods. Their primary songwriter, George contributed (as composer) to just two of the recorded tracks. But the overall superb musicianship of this Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame worthy band is on full display. Side 1 opens with a high voltage funk rocker (“Hi Roller”) by Paul Barrere. Featuring George on gritty lead vocal, the pumped up jam features Barrere’s electric guitar, muscle from Tower Of Power horns and a smoking organ from Billy Payne. This cut burns with intensity. The title track is a is a textured Latin-infused jazz rock jam with Payne handling lead vocals. The musical tapestry is expansive with keyboards, marimba and tight guitar chords. For those concerned with the smaller footprint of the band’s founder’s, “Rocket In My Pocket” should answer the call. Solely written by George, the coyly sultry lyrics and vocal delivery are brilliant. Any Little Feat fan can imagine him onstage, hand on hips moaning, “…the music was hot, my baby was not!”. The inherent funky syncopation (with nimble congas) and trademark slide guitar is vintage Feat.

At the other end of the spectrum is the jazz fusion-like instrumental “Day At The Dog Races”. The foray into this genre was a source of contention between George and the group. (In many instances, he would exit the stage during this number). But the instrumental largesse of Payne, Barrere, Hayward, Clayton and Gradney is showcased on this six-and-a-half minute jam. With a Spanish classical guitar intro, the band explodes into a furious high energy jam. Distorted guitar and electric piano riffs add a multi-faceted approach. There are jazzy chord modulations and fierce rhythm (Hayward, Clayton and Gradney). Barrere’s solos are potent, while Payne offers a stunningly lyrical acoustic piano before the cascading finish. Side 2 starts with classic Paul Barrere country funkiness on “Old Folks Boogie”. The southern vibe is palpable, especially on Barrere’s husky vocal and Payne’s New Orleans piano runs. “Red Steamliner” reverts to jazz rock. Payne’s reedy soulful vocal lead is framed by fusion progressions, guitars, electric piano and keyboards. All of the elements are rooted in 70’s aesthetics with high-end production (including interwoven backup vocals by Doobie Brothers members Patrick Simmons and Michael McDonald). This musical largesse is what has kept this band intact (with some personnel changes) 40 years after the death of Lowell George. The mercurial leader returns to the spotlight on “New Delhi Freight Train”. George’s impeccable “country boogie” depth is encapsulated in his heartfelt singing. The inherent hypnotic grooves that epitomize this iconic American band are enhanced by string accents. There is significant chemistry as George’s indelible vocal phrasing elevates this number. A Barrere/George composition “Keepin’ Up With The Joneses” continues the melancholic funk. It is ironic that both of these Southern Roots practitioners are Southern California natives. Here, Barrere embraces a “Dixie Drawl” and Tower Of Power (with a saxophone solo by Lenny Pickett) adds to the aural tapestry. The finale, “Missin’ You” is pure folk Barrere (with dobro by Jeff “Skunk” Baxter).

Speakers Corner has done their customary superior vinyl re-mastering to 180-gram vinyl. The stereo separation is flawless. The focus on vocals and finer detail (acoustic guitar, piano, conga) is handled with technical delicacy. As the musical landscape expands (horns, strings, keyboards) the mix is crystalline, never muddled. The iconic impressionistic artwork of Neon Park is vibrant in 12” front and back cover. Time Loves A Hero may not among the essential Little Feat albums, but it is great music! 

Musicians:
Paul Barrere – guitar, vocals; Lowell George – slide guitar, vocals; Ken Gradney – bass guitar; Ritchie Hayward – drums, percussion, vocals; Bill Payne – keyboards, oberheim, Moog synthesizer, marimba & vocals; Jeff “Skunk” Baxter – dobro guitar; Fred Tackett – madocello, guitar; Patrick Simmons – acoustic guitar, vocals; Michael McDonald – vocals; with special guests Tower Of Power Horn Section; string arrangements – Nick DeCaro

TrackList:
Side 1: 
Hi Roller
Time Loves A Hero
Rocket In My Pocket
A Day At The Dog Races

Side 2: 
Old Folks Boogie
Red Streamliner
New Dehli Freight Train
Keepin’ Up With The Joneses
Missin’ You

—Robbie Gerson

More information at Speakers Corner Website:

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