Sailin' Shoes, Hey Julia, Sneakin' Sally

[bravedave]

I have had these tunes kicking around my brain for almost a week. More than obsession - it was a plague. I had the phone in my hand several times to request them on RM, but didn't follow through. Today, to my great pleasure, they came on the local "alternative" radio station.

What a treat.

Does anybody know the back story about Little Feat, Robert Palmer et al?
Wasn't Palmer on Island Records? (May explain the Toussaint, Hibbert connection.) Was Chris Blackwell the guiding hand behind that medley?

What a fine contribution to popular music. It really made my day.

(Think Jimmy will ever cover it? LOL)

[Jahfin]

Little Feat backed several artists up back in those days. In addition to Robert Palmer, there was also Tret Fure. For more info go to http://www.allmusic.com and look up the Palmer album where he was backed by the Feat.

[phjrsaunt]

A little knowledge. A little history. The day is complete.

[bravedave]

Here's what Allmusic has to say on the subject:

Before becoming a slick, sharp-dressed pop star in the 1980s, Robert Palmer was a soul singer deeply rooted in R&B and funk. Those influences are on full display on his debut album Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley. With a backing band including members of Little Feat and the Meters, the music has a laid-back groove whether Palmer's covering New Orleans legend Allen Toussaint (the title track) or singing originals ("Hey Julia," " Get Outside"). While the music is tight and solid, it is Robert Palmer's voice that is revelatory — he sounds supremely confident among these talented musicians, and they seem to feed off his vocal intensity. Fans of the Meters or people who want to discover the funky side of Robert Palmer should check this one out.

Thanks for the link, Jah. Glad to have the information.
(First time I've heard about the Meters connection...)