One Clear Moment

The Zoo Crew is spinning "One Clear Moment" by Little Feat from their 1988 album Let It Roll, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing to its soulful groove. This track, co-written by new band member Craig Fuller, features a standout contribution from guest vocalist Linda Ronstadt, whose harmonies add a rich layer to the song’s reflective tone. Fans on platforms like Rate Your Music have praised "One Clear Moment" for its emotional depth, with one reviewer noting it as a personal favorite due to Ronstadt’s involvement. The song’s introspective lyrics and smooth blend of Southern rock and pop make it a gem in the album’s lineup, which marked a triumphant comeback for the band after the loss of their founding member, Lowell George.

Another tidbit about "One Clear Moment" comes from the album’s production at The Complex, a studio owned by Earth, Wind & Fire’s Maurice White. The recording process, as described in a Moving the River retrospective, leaned into a polished AOR sound, with drummer Richie Hayward drawing inspiration from Manu Katché to elevate the track’s rhythm. While some longtime fans missed the quirky edge of George’s songwriting, the inclusion of guest stars like Ronstadt and Bonnie Raitt brought fresh energy. A fan on Amazon shared that the song’s tender vibe makes it a perfect fit for moments of quiet reflection, a sentiment echoed across Little Feat fan groups on Facebook.

Little Feat began in 1969 in Los Angeles, sparked by the creative partnership between Lowell George and Bill Payne. George, a former member of Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention, brought his slide guitar mastery and eclectic songwriting, while Payne’s virtuoso keyboard work laid the foundation for their unique sound. Joined by bassist Roy Estrada and drummer Richie Hayward, the band fused rock, blues, country, and New Orleans funk into a style that was distinctly their own. Their debut album, Little Feat, featured the now-classic "Willin’," setting the stage for a cult following. After Estrada’s departure, Paul Barrere, Kenny Gradney, and Sam Clayton joined, solidifying the rhythm section that powered hits like "Dixie Chicken" and "Fat Man in the Bathtub."

The band’s early years were marked by George’s vision, but tensions arose as Payne and Barrere pushed toward jazz-fusion, a direction George resisted. By 1979, George’s tragic death led to the band’s temporary disbandment. Reformed in 1987 with Craig Fuller and Fred Tackett, Let It Roll became a turning point, earning gold status and rekindling their fanbase. Today, Little Feat continues to tour and release music through their own Hot Tomato Records, maintaining a loyal community of fans who connect via platforms like the Little Feat Fan Group on Facebook and fan-run sites such as littlefeat.net.

You can keep up with Little Feat on their official website, where they share tour dates, music, and merch. They’re active on Facebook, posting updates and engaging with fans, and on Instagram, where they share behind-the-scenes moments. On X, they interact with Zoo Freaks and others, sharing news and memories. Fan communities thrive in spaces like the Little Feat Fan Group and littlefeat.net, where devotees discuss everything from "One Clear Moment" to the band’s storied history.