THE EDITED PRESS RELEASE: “Two of Little Feat’s best releases — Sailin’ Shoes and Dixie Chicken — have been newly remastered for deluxe editions that will introduce unreleased live and studio recordings that capture peak Feat.
Released in 1972, Sailin’ Shoes was the second studio album from the founding quartet of singer-guitarist Lowell George, drummer Richard Hayward, keyboard player Bill Payne and bassist Roy Estrada. Ted Templeman produced the record, which was the first to feature artwork by illustrator Neon Park, who created covers for nearly all of Little Feat’s subsequent albums.
Sailin’ Shoes Deluxe opens with a newly remastered version of the original album, which introduced signature tunes like Easy To Slip, the title track, and an updated version of Willin’, a song that first appeared in 1971 on the band’s eponymous debut. Several outtakes from Sailin’ Shoes’ recording sessions make their debut in this edition, including alternate versions of Cold, Cold, Cold, A Apolitical Blues and Willin’.
The magic that Little Feat conjured in concert takes center stage in the new set via a newly discovered, previously unreleased show recorded L.A.’s Palladium on Aug. 28, 1971. This live set marks the only multi-track recording in existence to feature the original lineup of the band. The performance features songs from both Sailin’ Shoes (Tripe Face Boogie, Teenage Nervous Breakdown) and Little Feat (Hamburger Midnight, Snakes On Everything). The set also comes with illustrated liner notes by David Fricke.
Dixie Chicken, the band’s third studio album, emerged in 1973 and introduced fans to Little Feat’s evolving sound and new lineup. The group’s shift toward New Orleans-style funk was accompanied by the arrival of three new members: Guitarist Paul Barrere, percussionist Sam Clayton and bassist Kenny Gradney (who replaced Estrada). Dixie Chicken Deluxe contains the newly remastered album, which features classics like Two Trains, Fat Man In The Bathtub and the title track. Several unreleased session recordings debut in the new set, including alternate versions of Roll Um Easy, On Your Way Down and Juliette.
The unreleased live show was recorded at Paul’s Mall in Boston on March 1, 1973. It features songs from Dixie Chicken (Two Trains, Walkin’ All Night) and the band’s earlier albums (Willin’,” Got No Shadow). The illustrated liner notes were written by author Dennis McNally, who got his start as The Grateful Dead’s publicist.”
