Little Feat @ Bears Den (Inside the Seneca Niagara Casino), Niagara Falls, New York 1-5-13

The small, intimate setting of The Bear’s Den, is the perfect venue to enjoy an evening with Little Feat. Throughout the show, they engaged in conversation and bantering with everyone there. Whether it was a request from the audience, or a story told about a song, they made it feel as if you were invited, not simply attending a show.

They opened their set with “Down on the Farm,” and by the time they followed it up with “Candy Man Blues,” people were dancing and strutting in the aisles. Paul Barrere and Fred Tackett took turns jamming after Bill Payne got things started on the keyboard. As they finished up, they received a standing ovation; the first of many.

I have to admit, I’ve never been a fan of “jam bands,” but watching these guys play together is certainly a lot of fun. The skill and chemistry they have is just plain impressive.

My favorite part of the show was during the song “Dixie Chicken.” Bassist Kenny Gradney and Drummer Gabe Ford were left on stage to showcase their talents. Gradney dazzled the audience with an incredible solo, which ranks as one of the best I’ve ever seen, earning yet another standing ovation.

When the band rejoined them, they wrapped up their set with “Tripe Face Boogie,” then gathered at center stage, took a quick bow, and exited.

Returning to yet another standing ovation, they closed out the night with a one song encore of “High Roller.” They again gathered at center stage, acknowledged the final ovation, and took a bow. They then handed guitar picks and set lists to a few lucky fans. Keeping with the personal feel of the night, they even stepped off the stage to shake hands and mingle with their fans, walking with them as they exited the showroom.

Set List:

Down on the Farm
Candy Man Blues
Red Streamliner
Spanish Moon
Jamaica Will Break Your Heart
Rag Top Down
Fat Man In The Bathtub
Willin’ (inc. Don’t Bogart That Joint)
Rooster Rag
Dixie Chicken
Tripe Face Boogie