STLBlues Reviews :: Live On The Levee

By Big Dave

Madahoochi and Little Feat
Live On The Levee – July 18, 2009

The St. Louis Riverfront provided a spectacular backdrop for a night of music and fireworks, another of the Live On The Levee concert series. As a beautiful sunset framed the Gateway Arch, and a balmy 75 degree evening beckoned them, thousands of music fans gathered for two of the best bands in the land. Local favorite Madahoochi opened up with their unique, original sound, to a very loyal local following. Following them to the stage was Little Feat, a iconic band that began in 1969 when songwriter, performer, multi-instrumentalist, and all around colorful character Lowell George, formerly of Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention, set out to form his own band -- at Zappa’s suggestion.

It was an amazing evening of music down on the St. Louis Riverfront. There's even more to come, as part of the Live On The Levee concert series! Click here for the schedule.

Madahoochi continues into year twelve, igniting fans with a heavy dose of rock and roll energy. The band creates an original sound that incorporates the texas rock of ZZ Top, the precise songwriting of Steely Dan, the power of Led Zeppelin, and the soul of the blues to create an original independent sound that eludes description.

Currently the band is working on their fifth CD, as well as a concert DVD. Playing more than 250 shows a year, Madahoochi tours constantly throughout the Midwest, taking side trips to visit fans in the Rocky Mountains and the Northeast.

Madahoochi is:
Beto Moreno, bass - Shawn Hartung, keyboards & vocals - Scott Rockwood, guitar & vocals - Joe Winze, drums & vocals

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Little Feat

In his preface to a recent Little Feat retrospective compilation, the band’s Paul Barrere wrote, ”It’s almost 33 years ago exactly since Mr. [Lowell] George came to the front door of the Laurel Canyon house I was livin’ in, with that beautiful white ”p“ bass in hand, and asked if I wanted to try out as bass player for his new band. As most who know the story’s end can tell you, as a bassist I make an excellent guitarist, and 3 years later-- when I finally began my stint in Little Feat-- I would never have guessed that I would be here writing these liner notes to yet another chapter in the now storied life of a band that has been my life, and a true labor of love.“

Truth is, there really is no story’s end yet, and Little Feat have indeed led a storied life ever since they formed in 1969. From then on, their unconventional signature of earthy, organic appeal and polished, first-rate musicianship wrapped around eclectic and memorable songs--clearly delivered as an authentic labor of love--has been a lasting fixture on the musical landscape. As American as apple pie--and rock ‘n roll itself--Feat’s music transcends boundaries, a freewheeling fusion of California rock and Dixie-inflected funk-boogie. In the mix as well are strains of folk, blues, rockabilly, country and jazz, inventing a hybrid sound that is truly Little Feat’s own.

Little Feat is: