The Super Group that was, “Little Village”
There are all kinds of “super groups” in music. It can be Jazz, Rock, blues, Country, you name it someone has done it. C,S,N,Y is a good example. How about “The Highwaymen” or “Asia”. Let me tell you about “Little Village” a roots rock supergroup made up of John Hiatt (guitar, vocals), Ry Cooder (Guitar, Vocals), Nick Low (bass, vocals) and Jim Keltner (drums and percussion).
They were all working together on the 1987 John Hiatt album “Bring The Family”. In 1991 someone got the great idea (probably at a bar) “Hey, lets start a band. We all can write together and record an album and tour behind it.”
I first heard of this recording from a musician friend of mine named Kevin Jones. He was doing a show in town and played “Big Love” from the Little Village album. At that point I was hooked and had to hear more.
I would call Little Village a “Roots Rock” super group. Blues, Rock, Rockabilly, and possibly a little bit of Country all mixed together. The recording starts out with “Solar Sex Panel”, a rally cry for all bald men everywhere. The recording still holds up after all the years and it is still go to music when I'm driving.
The songs are good, the rhythms are deep, and it’s just fun music. Please check out Little Village.