Chinese Work Songs

Chinese Work Songs 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 Dixie Chicken) 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. --Steven Stolder