Courtesy of Little Feat Net

 

They were a matchless combination of a great American songwriter and a great American rhythm section: Lowell George and Little Feat. When Kenny Gradney assumed the bass chair from ex-Mothers of Invention player Roy Estrada for Dixie Chicken (1973), this versatile LA based ensemble commenced a groundbreaking run of albums and tours which uninhibitedly fused rock ‘n’ roll, blues, New Orleans funk, gospel, soul, jazz, and every variation thereof like no other band before – or since.

 

A prolific studio player as well, Gradney also waxed sides with Delaney & Bonnie, Chico Hamilton, Robert Palmer, Carly Simon, and Bob Weir, among others.

 

His greatest performance on record, to my ears, can be found on one of the greatest concert slabs ever committed to tape – Little Feat’s Waiting for Columbus (1978).

 

On the classic Feat slabs, Kenny’s weapon of choice was the Fender Precision. He’s also used Gibson and Kubeki instruments over the years.

 

Kenny Gradney Sound & Vision…  

 

With Little Feat:

 

“Oh Atlanta” https://youtu.be/osuvybCkK4g

 

“Hate to Lose Your Lovin’” https://youtu.be/Cva6Es9igz4

 

“Let It Roll” https://youtu.be/9IyRNKleyyg

 

“Rock and Roll Doctor” https://youtu.be/NLFkSJr-PBE

 

“Spanish Moon” https://youtu.be/o6ljNi7RRmE

 

“Dixie Chicken” with special guests  https://youtu.be/3z-GwdaKrn8

 

Kenny’s solo break “Dixie Chicken” circa 2009 https://youtu.be/hKUiovvXOIs

 

Chico Hamilton: “One Day Five Months Ago” https://youtu.be/C_deCJTjc3Q

 

Delaney & Bonnie: “They Call It Rock and Roll Music” https://youtu.be/qhIDFhkZxe4

 

Robert Palmer: “Trouble” https://youtu.be/qhIDFhkZxe4

 

Carly Simon: “Cow Town” https://youtu.be/jSGyTbS7rdY