Season 3, Episode 6: Little Feat’s Bill Payne

The highly influential keyboardist also spoke about a memoir he has in the works as well as Feat’s future recording plans.

By Team JamBase Jul 21, 2023 • 10:13 am PDT

Season Three of The JamBase Podcast rolls on. This week’s episode features a discussion with Little Feat founding member and keyboardist Bill Payne. JamBase’s Nate Todd recently spoke with Bill about Little Feat’s Sailin’ Shoes and Dixie Chicken deluxe editions as well as the legendary band’s touring plans around the reissues, festivals and more.

Todd caught up with Payne via a video call shortly after the Sailin’ Shoes and Dixie Chicken reissues arrived in late June. The deluxe packages boast a bevy of rare demos and outtakes which led to a discussion of how some of the beloved songs on both albums evolved. The deluxe reissues also feature two previously unreleased live concerts from the era and Bill shared some memories of the shows. Payne also told Nate he’s writing a memoir and that Little Feat are working on a new blues album fronted by longtime percussionist and vocalist Sam Clayton.

The chat also touched on Little Feat’s Boogie Your Summer Away Tour with the current leg seeing support from Bill’s old friends Leftover Salmon. Payne talked about his relationship with LoS as well as collaborations fans can expect on the tour. This fall, Feat kick off The Albums Tour, which will see the band delivering two-night stands, performing Sailin; Shoes and Dixie Chicken a night a piece along with other favorites. Bill shared some insight on what fans can expect from the performances.

As Season Three of The JamBase Podcast focuses on festivals, Payne had some great advice on what to check out at Jazz Fest. Bill also related a humorous story about the band’s experience at the Pinkpop Festival in The Netherlands and gave previews of Little Feat’s own festival, Feat Camp, and an upcoming cruise the band is taking part in which will see ports of call in New Orleans and Mexico among others.

Hear this installment and other past episodes of The JamBase Podcast via all major podcast services including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher and Google Podcast.