Showing posts with label Big Al & The Heavyweights. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Big Al & The Heavyweights. Show all posts

Sunday, February 2, 2025

Big Al & The Heavyweights - Blues Power

Album: Blues Power
Size: 95,2 MB
Time: 40:57
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2025
Styles: Blues
Art: Front

1. Big Freight Train (4:54)
2. Blues Power (3:35)
3. IF (3:40)
4. Red Line (5:23)
5. Tired Of Waiting (3:25)
6. Wasted So Much Time With You (4:00)
7. Got What I Like (4:09)
8. Good Bye (3:16)
9. I Want To Know (5:26)
10. Fast Drivin' (3:04)

Big Al and The Heavyweights are the acclaimed touring band hailing from South Louisiana. Having absorbed the rhythms and cultural diversity of the region this new album is their eighth recording of original music. With the tragic loss of longtime keyboard player and vocalist Wayne Lohr, the band has returned to it’s original lineup of harmonica, guitar, bass and drums. The album was recorded at Suite Mix Studios in Slidell, Louisiana and was engineered, mixed, and mastered by George Cureau, Jr. The band is really clicking as it has been infused with energy from its new members. Dangerous Dale Robertson on harmonica, and Dennis the Menace Cedeno, bass; as they join up with guitarist and vocalist Marcel Anton and spritual leader drummer Big Al Lauro.

The album opens with “Big Freight Train” with Robertson’s harmonica, as guitarist Anton sings “I’m a big freight train rollin’ down the track…I left my woman in Georgia, I ain’t never lookin’ back”. On the title track “Blues Power” Anton sings “I got to have my blues power, all my friends are there and nothing can compare”. “If” includes the lryric “we both know what’s on your mind…” as Anton reaches for those high notes on this fabulous vocal. “Red Line” is an infectious zydeco tune and an example of the band’s dance hall bayou soul “I went on to the airport to watch the sun go down…make that red line”. “Tired of Waiting” includes more great guitar from Anton, and harp from Robertson, as Anton sings “I get home and everything should be alright but all you want to do is fuss and fight…I’m tired of waiting on you, you’re mean and miserable, evil thru and thru”.

“Wasted So Much Time With You”, is performed as a ‘call and response’, “I know you got the best of me…I wasted so much time with you…wasted so much time with you, you couldn’t wait to take me down”. “Got What I Like” features some great bass from Cedeno and the lyric “your style and grace, your body and face, you got what I want”. “Good Bye”, “I know we’ve got to say goodbye…I’m gonna miss your tender touch…I’m gonna miss you, my baby and your sweet lovin’ sound…I know when you walk out that door, there will be tears in my eyes…I know we got to say goodbye”. “I Want To Know” features more great harp and guitar as Anton sings “too many nights I spent thinking about you…I want to know what’s on your mind…you seem so cold…I think I’m dyin’.” On the closer, a fast grinding blues, Anton shouts “I’m drivin’ just as fast as I can…I’m driving in my mustang as fast as I can”.

Big Al and The Heavyweights “Blues Power” is truly a fine representation of the pure power of American Roots music. From greasy funk to grinding blues mixed with some dance hall bayou soul and infectious zydeco. Let Big Al and The Heavyweights “Blues Power” carry you there; Laissez les bons temps rouler!; Let The Good Times Roll!” /Richard Ludmerer, Making A Scene

Blues Power mc
Blues Power gofile

Friday, October 14, 2022

Big Al & The Heavyweights - Live Crawfish

Size: 160.8 MB
Time: 68:38
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2000
Styles: Louisiana Blues, Zydeco
Art: Full

01. Cajun Roux ( 4:01)
02. Bound By Love ( 4:25)
03. Wrestlin' With The Blues ( 4:34)
04. Cheatin' Blues ( 5:12)
05. Make It Rain ( 8:07)
06. Zydecoco/Mardi Gras Mambo ( 6:50)
07. Red's Nuts ( 3:52)
08. Hey, Hey Mardi Gras ( 3:51)
09. Shout For More ( 4:38)
10. What Makes You Think ( 3:31)
11. House Party ( 3:10)
12. Eat More Crawfish ( 5:06)
13. Honda Wanda (11:16)

With an eclectic mix of styles and infectious sense of groove, Big Al and the Heavyweights have made a name for themselves as a top-flight act. From the opening bars of "Cajun Roux", it?s apparent why fans of the band are fondly referred to as "Gumbo Heads". Big Al and crew deliver a healthy serving of down home, Cajun flavored blues on their first live CD. Recorded at the W.C. Handy?s Blues Club of the Year, Bourbon St. Blues and Boogie Bar, "Live Crawfish" is remarkably crisp and demonstrates the musical party the band throws every time they take the stage. Like a good gumbo, these guys blend together and complement each other?s contributions to make a real tasty dish.

Guitarist and vocalist, Tim Wagoner and George Heard (a.k.a. Harmonica Red) respectfully play off one another, trading tasteful and never over ?bearing lead fill licks. Wagoner?s raw, consistently powerful vocals stand out; on "Cheatin Blues" he scats back and forth with his own guitar before his vocals relinquish center stage to a solo that starts off warm and subtle, and progresses to pure explosive power. Drummer and bandleader, Albert J. Lauro (a.k.a. Big Al) and bassist Calvin Johnson sit nicely in the pocket while Wagoner and Harmonica Red dress each song from its foundation. "Make It Rain" is among the disc?s best tracks. Harmonica Red shows why he is considered one of the best in the business on the instrumental harmonica showcase "Red?s Nuts". He shows off his vocal prowess on the tale of "Honda Wanda", the transvestite queen of New Orleans and on the festive "Zydecoco/ Mardi Gras Mambo". Other picks include, "Bound By Love", "wrestling With The Blues, "What Makes You Think" and "Eat More Crawfish" which is indicative of the raucous, party time feel of this fine disc. "Live Crawfish" serves up over 70 minutes of superior Louisiana, rockin blues. If you like your blues with a Cajun/ New Orleans flavor, this CD is for you.

Live Crawfish MP3
Live Crawfish FLAC

Friday, February 11, 2022

Big Al & The Heavyweights - Love One Another

Size: 140.1 MB
Time: 59:31
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2022
Styles: Electric Blues, Blues Rock
Art: Front

01. Love One Another (Feat. Luther Dickinson & Jason Ricci) (2:45)
02. I Need A Fix (5:05)
03. Sweet Louise (4:38)
04. Wild Tchoupitoulas (3:27)
05. Guardian Angel (5:14)
06. Alright With Me (3:55)
07. Stop This Messing Around (3:19)
08. What Can I Say (Feat. Jason Ricci) (4:41)
09. I'm Your Man (5:55)
10. Too Cold (5:11)
11. Hurricane (2:45)
12. Everybody Needs Somebody (4:37)
13. Underground (4:18)
14. Zydeco Love (3:35)

Big Al and the Heavyweights originally formed in 1996 as the Unknown Blues Band, with founding members Al Lauro, Warren Haynes (Allman Brothers Band and Gov't Mule), and pianist Rick Gergen (Sweethearts of the Rodeo). Although, Warren is no longer in the band , Big Al has formed a solid array of musicians and has consistently toured and been featured at venues and festivals throughout the US. The band has released six critically acclaimed CDs of original roots music. Recently, their original compositions "Bound By Love" and" World Full of Trouble" hit 1k plays on Apple's iTunes. The current band features Louisiana Music Hall of Fame piano player vocalist, Wayne Lohr along with guitarist vocalist extraordinaire Marcel Anton and solid bassist vocalist Mark Parsons.

The latest CD "Love One Another" includes guest artists Luther Dickinson and Jason Ricci.

Big Al and the Heavyweights' live performances are family oriented, energetic and most of all fun. This is a show you don't want to miss!

Love One Another MP3
Love One Another FLAC

Saturday, March 16, 2019

Big Al & The Heavyweights - World Full Of Trouble

Size: 101,4 MB
Time: 43:16
File: MP3 @ 320K/s
Released: 2018
Styles: Louisiana Blues, Blues Rock
Art: Front & Back

01. World Full Of Trouble (3:52)
02. Fool For You (3:13)
03. Love So Fine (4:27)
04. Testify (3:32)
05. Bayou Life (3:39)
06. Big Old Rusty Car (3:16)
07. Spanish Moss (3:38)
08. Mother Trucker (3:17)
09. Millionaire Baby (3:34)
10. Crazy About You Baby (3:37)
11. Two Wrongs Don't Make A Right (2:30)
12. Something Got To Change (4:35)

Originally formed in 1993 as the 'Unknown Blues Band' with founding members Warren Haynes and Big Al Lauro.

The is our 7th cd of original Louisiana Roots Music. It reflects our love of so many musical styles from blues to rock, zydeco to jazz and even country. This is truly one of my favorites because I finally have a cd that features my long time friend,harmonica virtuoso and ex Heavyweight band member, two times in fact, Jason Ricci on several tracks( Bayou Life, Millionaire Baby, Mother Trucker , Crazy About You Baby). Jason and I always wanted to have a recording together now it's here. I'm also a huge Muddy Waters fan and we are blessed to have legendary long time Muddy Waters guitarist , Bob Margolin on World Full of Trouble and Love So Fine. The Cd was recorded at Suite Mix Studios in funky Slidell, LA. It's our 2nd recording here. This is the studio that longtime Funky Meters guitarist, Brian Stoltz has used for so many years. There's a real good reason. George Cureau Jr is an excellent producer, engineer who just creates a super vibe that makes it all so easy.

Can't say enough about Louisiana Music Hall of Fame member, long time Heavyweight and co writer on these tracks, Wayne Lohr who is an excellent keyboard player and immensely soulful vocalist. He contributed so much to this project. Also, Destin Thibodaux who was one Jason's students and was instrumental in making this happen. He's an excellent arranger, harmonica player and even plays bass on Crazy About You Baby. If you're a guitar fan, we have the great John Lisi who plays in Jason's band and super soulful vocalist guitarist Lance Younger. Lance is featured vocalist on World Full of Trouble, Testify, Bayou Life, Mother Trucker and Two Wrongs. All in all if you are a fan of roots music with a soulful southern flair. this is it !

World Full Of Trouble

Friday, January 26, 2018

Big Al & The Heavyweights - Late Night Gumbo Party

Year : 2002
Bitrate : Flac
Total Time : 55:50
Total Size : 290 MB
Styles: Blues, Zydeco
Scans: Full Covers

01. Hey, Hey Nanette 2:54
02. Flavor of the Month 4:27
03. Walk On 4:55
04. Love Take Your Time 5:37
05. Late Night Gumbo Party 4:28
06. Take Me Back to New Orleans 5:05
07. Real Good Time 4:03
08. I Should Have Loved You 6:38
09. You Own Me 5:23
10. Love Recall 4:11
11. Why Must I Cry 4:19
12. No Stranger to the Blues 3:51

Personnel:
Big Al - Drums,Backround Vocals
Tim Wagoner - Guitar,Dobro,Lead and Backround Vocals
Harmonica Red - Harp
Calvin Johnson - Bass
GUEST MUSICIANS:
Fred James - Slide Guitar
Billy Earheart - Piano,Organ
Tom "The Hitman"Cerone - Percussion

Rock & blues with a Louisiana flavor, better known as "Gumbo Blues"
Great party music,a combination of Blues, Zydeco and soul. It has something for everyone.
Your toes will tap. You will smile. Heck, you may even dance.
These guys have had their songs cut by everyone from C J Chenier, Michael Burks , Johnny Jones and Sherman Robinson.
The guy on the harmonica is great, the vocals are great, the entire band is the bomb!

Late Night Gumbo Party

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Big Al & The Heavyweights - Hey Hey Mardi Gras

Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:15
Size: 99.0 MB
Styles: New Orleans blues, Electric blues
Year: 1998
Art: Front

[4:20] 1. Bound By Love
[4:06] 2. Wrestlin
[3:40] 3. Hey Hay Mardi Gras
[2:54] 4. Where's My Baby
[7:18] 5. Make It Rain
[4:09] 6. Cheatin Blues
[3:17] 7. Cajun Roux
[4:37] 8. Why Can't We Be Alone
[3:23] 9. What Makes You Think
[2:16] 10. Eat More Crawfish
[3:09] 11. One More Mile

All you have to know about these guys is the fanatical following of "Gumbo Heads" that numbers in thousands.They drive hundreds of miles to get a serving of Big Al and the Heavyweights musical gumbo.

You see, Big Al and the Heavyweights is an unconventional original music band that hails from New Orleans, LA.Why Big Al himself is from The Big Easy. That is where he grew up, surrounded by the sounds of New Orleans music - Jazz, Blues, Zydeco, Cajun, Rock, and Swamp Pop. It is these influences that make Heavyweights music so accessible and fun. Big Al and the Heavyweights will be on the road 240+ days this year, and it is this regimen of hard touring for the last six years that has made them one of the most well known, unsigned original bands in any musical form.

Hey Hey Mardi Gras mc
Hey Hey Mardi Gras zippy

Thursday, January 8, 2015

Big Al & The Heavyweights - 2 albums: Sunshine On Me / That Ain't Nice

Album: Sunshine On Me
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 39:00
Size: 89.3 MB
Styles: Louisiana blues
Year: 2013
Art: Front

[3:07] 1. Don't You Want Me
[3:45] 2. What's Up With That
[3:43] 3. Sunshine On Me (Feat. Warren Haynes, Anders Osborne)
[6:04] 4. Money Matters
[2:35] 5. Won't You Dance With Me
[2:57] 6. Pass A Good Time (Feat. Anders Osborne)
[3:11] 7. What Was I Thinking
[3:20] 8. Midnight Train To Memphis
[3:30] 9. Peaches
[3:28] 10. So Many Women
[3:14] 11. Zydeco Boogie

When the CD cues up and the first cut “Don’t You Want Me” starts, it’s obvious that Big Al and the Heavyweights are serious about their brand of blues. These seasoned road veterans hit it tight and hard from the get-go, and the intensity never lets up. Their sound is tried and true Chicago blues with little Westside saxophone and a taste of South Louisiana bubbling up with some frattoir and accordion. Drummer Big Al Lauro plays the blues shuffles like he was born with the drum sticks in his hand, and John “The Colonel” Fuhrman’s harmonica threatens to go completely off the rails but never quite takes it that far. This is roadhouse music, music for a dancing up a good time with a cold one never far away from one’s hand. There’s a humorous why-you-got-to-be-like-that-woman tune in the vein of Sonny Boy’s “Don’t Start Me Talkin’” called “What’s Up With That.” and the deep funk of the title cut with special guest Warren Haynes slinky slide guitar over a Meters-esque beat. The Heavyweights vary up the South Side sound with some zydeco two steps spread throughout the disc so that they don’t get bogged down in the blues. Even though the band’s playing is hard and committed, a couple of the songs delve too much into blues cliché. No one needs to do a song about a midnight train to Memphis in 2013. Aside from that, Sunshine On Me brings on a need to shake a tailfeather and sip an ice-cold beverage, and do that all night long.

Sunshine On Me mc
Sunshine On Me zippy

Album: That Ain't Nice
Bitrate: MP3@320K/s
Time: 40:11
Size: 92.0 MB
Styles: Louisiana blues,
Year: 1996
Art: Front

[4:40] 1. A Man Out Of Love
[3:43] 2. That Ain't Nice
[3:16] 3. Shout For More
[2:53] 4. House Party!
[3:53] 5. King Of The Blues
[3:24] 6. Walk That Walk
[2:48] 7. Designated Fool
[3:19] 8. Ten Most Wanted List
[2:45] 9. Zydecoco
[2:41] 10. The 'fess
[3:21] 11. Every Day Of My Life
[3:22] 12. Santa Wants To Play The Blues

Big Al & the Heavyweights have garnered ecstatic reviews for this disc, especially from Blues Brother, Dan Ackroyd, who featured it on his syndicated House of Blues Radio Show. In fact, he selected the Louisiana party anthem, "House Party" as the Blues Breaker of the Week. The CD was also nominated for a Blues Album of the Year Award by the NEA (Nashville Entertainment Association).

From start to finish, the band will keep you toe tapping and booty shaking through this obviously crowd pleasing set of original blues tunes. Fine axe handling and vocal talents are clearly displayed by Michael Holloway and are balanced by the aggressive harmonica playing of Roguie Ray. Opening with the musically vivacious "Man Out of Love" and grooving through the tribute to Albert King, "King of the Blues", this CD has it all. Check out the blues rocking shuffle of "Walk That Walk", and the R&B sound of "Designated Fool" and "Every Day of My Life". Louisiana music fans will be moving to "Zydecoco" and the Professor Longhair inspired "The ‘Fess". There is even some Yule Tide spirit in "Santa Wants to Play the Blues".

The mood is exuberant and the groove never stops with cuts like "Shout For More" and the title track "That Ain’t Nice". Big Al & the Heavyweights deliver with knockout strength.

That Ain't Nice mc
That Ain't Nice zippy