The loss of Richie Hayward in 2010 (story) left Little Feat without a drummer.  The search for a stick man to fill the role Hayward had been so rock solid in for decades began and ended close to home.  The veteran group has welcomed Hayward's drum tech as a full time member of the band.  Speaking with Sam Davis of JamBands.com, Feat's Paul Barrere says Gabe, who is a nephew of guitar great Robben Ford, convinced group members quickly that he had what it took to keep the beat for the band, "...we gave him 18 songs to work on. On the second day we said, 'Pack your shit and go home. You're no longer a tech, you're our drummer.' "
Little Feat is finishing up work on the group's first studio album of new, original material in nearly a decade.  Featuring some songs LF keyboard player Billy Payne co-wrote with Jerry Garcia song writing partner Robert Hunter, Rooster Rag is slated for a summer release. Barrere and fellow Feat guitarist Fred Tackett also have a side recording project in progress and Barrere himself has his sights set on doing a new solo album.