Little Feat jamming to Viper Alley

In 1969, Frank Zappa encouraged guitarist Lowell George to leave the Mothers of Invention because he was too good to be a sideman and should start his own band. He did, and took bassist Roy Estrada with him.

Little Feat, a tongue-in-cheek moniker, still maintains its loose jam-based style and offbeat sense of humor, as George made sure the group would continue as an entity following his departure nearly a decade later. Their stellar musicianship and “good time” songs will fill the intimate Viper Alley club setting for a Wednesday, July 13, show.

“We love playing a small room because it's a great listening experience, as opposed to some large arena or outside,” said lead guitarist Paul Barrere, during a phone conversation. “You set your sound for the room, and what you get is like being in a studio ... definitely better than some other places we've played in Chicago.”

The current lineup includes Barrere, Bill Payne (keyboards), Fred Tackett (guitar, trumpet), Kenny Gradney (bass), Gabe Ford (drums) and Sam Clayton (percussion). But the band has gone through various incarnations with the late charter members George and Richie Hayward, as well as singers Craig Fuller (Pure Prairie League) and Shaun Murphy passing through the ranks.

“Music is the one thing that's constant; the jams, and the songs, are the base,” said Barrere. “Each song played is not to replicate the record and the moments of improvisation enable you to be a musician. That's the hook. You have to have joy, almost a zen thing where the reward is in the doing. Something about the creative process gives satisfaction, and keeps you young.”

The result, he said, keeps songs like “Dixie Chicken,” “Sailin' Shoes,” “Willin'” and “All That You Dream” sounding fresh. Fans have also found another reason to enjoy the music, as the band is one of the few that allows their shows to be taped for sharing.

“Lowell used to go crazy with bootlegs, when he was alive ... that it was cutting into record sales. We took a page from the Grateful Dead, if you please, instead. By allowing taping, you attract the audiophiles that buy the recordings anyway, and they share the files. If you put out a CD, it's on umpteen different Internet sites the next day, so what's the difference?”

Taping of classic shows was also done by the band, and may yet see a release. “We have footage with Lowell from 1978, him and Emmylou (Harris), and footage from the Lowell George Tribute. It's in the locker, however signing off releases by doctors, lawyers, relatives, and the multiple artists is tricky.

“Right now, we're working on a Little Feat blues record with original and cover material. We recorded eight basic tracks, and hit the road for this tour, so it'll be out in September.”

After more than 40 years of touring, there is an eagerness for this summer jaunt. “The time on stage is magic. Hours and hours of getting to the place, sleeping, not sleeping ... the payoff is the stage and playing incredible music,” he said. “Music fills the soul. And in a good, small venue like this, it's a treat to come out and enjoy.”

<b>Little Feat</b>

<b>When: </b>8:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 13

<b>Where: </b>Viper Alley, 275 Parkway Drive, Lincolnshire, (847) 499-5000 or <a href="http://www.viper-alley.com" target="_blank">viper-alley.com</a>

<b>Tickets: </b>$35