Little Feat - 1988-08-24 - The Center Stage, Atlanta, GA (R.I.P. Paul Barrere)

Paul Barrere - 1988

Little Feat
August 24, 1988
The Center Stage, Atlanta, GA
Soundboard Pre-FM recording, excellent quality
Available in both Lossless (FLAC) and mp3 (320 kbps) versions

As I was preparing my next post, and I was actually thinking it was nice that at least there hadn't been another major rock death in the past couple weeks (after several in September-early October), and then I heard the news that Paul Barrere, lead guitarist for Little Feat had passed away. Barrere died on October 26, 2019 of complications from liver cancer. Until recently, Barrere was still playing with Little Feat, which has just finished up their 50th Anniversary Tour. Barrere had opted out of the most recent leg of the tour due to health issues, but was expected to recuperate, and he was looking forward to being able to re-join the band sometime next year, but, sadly, that was not to be, as his health declined suddenly. Barrere was 71. He joined Little Feat in 1972, and was part of every lineup version of the band since then. As readers of this blog know, I am a big fan of Little Feat and have the utmost respect for all the members of the band. Paul was a big part of their sound and style through the years. Originally formed in 1969 (with Lowell George, Bill Payne, and Richie Hayward), the band really took off with the addition of Barrere, Kenny Gradney-bass, and Sam Clayton-percussion in 1972, leading to their classic period from 1972-1978. However, George left in 1979 (and died shortly after) and the group disbanded. But in 1987, the full band, with the addition of Craig Fuller (Pure Prairie League) on vocals and Fred Tackett on guitar and miscellaneous strings got back together, released a new album and tour in 1988 (Let It Roll), and were off and running once again, and have been performing, recording, and touring in some form or another ever since. I have already said quite a bit about this band, and I think they were one of the greatest rock bands of all time, especially live, as they were all great musicians and would constantly change up their solos and performances. To honor Paul today, I have selected a great show from their comeback tour in 1988. Although there are many great shows from the earlier classic period with Lowell George, I think this later band featured Paul a bit more, as with George no longer there he was able to showcase his guitar-playing (and vocals) to a greater degree, and he just took off. Also, this new incarnation of the band was re-invigorated, with great new songs and a vibrant, dynamic energy that shines through their shows. Just a great period and success story for the band, coming back so strong after losing their most famous and heralded member in George. Paul, with the unparalleled talent and support of Payne, Gradney, and Hayward (and the new addition of Craig Fuller's dynamite vocals) took the band to new heights and guaranteed they would be successful for years to come. This is a great-sounding Pre-FM sounboard recording and a terrific show. So, here's to Paul Barrere and Little Feat. 

Tracklist:
01. Fat Man In The Bathtub
02. Spanish Moon -> Skin It Back
03. All That You Dream
04. Oh Atlanta
05. On Your Way Down
06. Hate To Lose Your Lovin'
07. Cajun Girl
08. Down On The Farm
09. Time Loves A Hero
10. Rock N Roll Doctor
11. Let It Roll
12. Introductions
13. Old Folks Boogie
14. Dixie Chicken -> Tripe Face Boogie
15. Willin'
16. Feats Don't Fail Me Know

Paul Barrere - Lead & Slide Guitars, vocals
Bill Payne - Keyboards
Kenny Gradney - Bass
Richie Hayward - Drums
Sam Clayton - Percussion
Fred Tackett - Guitar, Mandolin, Trumpet, vocals
Craig Fuller - Lead Vocals & Rhythm Guitar

FLAC - Little Feat_1988-08-24_AtlantaGA_FLAC.rar

mp3 - Little Feat_1988-08-24_AtlantaGA_mp3.rar

Also, check out my other Little Feat posts here. I am in the process of upgrading them to better resolution, and will post a couple more Feat shows soon.

Paul Barrere - 2019