Chinese Work Songs

Chinese Work Songs

<i>Chinese Work Songs</i> illustrates the strengths that Little Feat has maintained through thick and thin. With founding member Bill Payne and Paul Barrere (who signed up with 1973's classic <i>Dixie Chicken</i>) leading the charge, the seven-member ensemble demonstrates impressive instrumental prowess, in the process providing a reminder that the Grateful Dead weren't the only classic-rock group to have a mighty impact on modern jam bands. (They give a tip of the hat toward their descendants by adeptly covering Phish's "Sample in a Jar.") In general, the band has better luck with covers than originals, with the Band's "Rag Mama Rag" kicking things into gear with elbow-swinging gusto. Bands with three decades behind them can either settle into a stupor or hone their sound into something that's focused yet flexible. Fortunately for Little Feat followers, this gang falls into the latter bunch. <I>--Steven Stolder</I>