Big Al And The Heavyweights – Blues Power
10 songs time – 41:05
The latest effort from South Louisiana’s veteran blues-roots band finds them with two new members in Dangerous Dale Robertson on harp and Dennis the Menace Cedeno on bass. Stalwarts Marcel Anton on vocals-guitar and namesake and spiritual leader Big Al Lauro on drums carry on their legacy. All of the songs are band originals. Their sound is blues based while letting other influences creep in, including funk and the inevitable Louisiana vibes.
Although Marcel’s vocal is a bit too harsh, train effects via guitar, harp and drum locomotion are used to good effect on “Big Freight Train”. His voice is better suited to the slide guitar groove and the prominent bass line of “Blues Power”. He achieves kind of a Johnny Winter vocal sound. “If” is slow in tempo but mighty in sound. “Red Line” is a catchy upbeat shuffle with group vocals. Dale Robertson takes a rhythmic harmonica solo followed by a guitar solo by a stinging guitar solo in which he briefly quotes ‘Over The Rainbow”.
Now for a bit of jump blues where Dale puts his harmonica chops on full display along with one of Marcel’s speed defying guitar solos on the energetic “Tired Of Waiting”. “Wasted So Much Time With You” charges full steam ahead. A very soulful vocal graces the slow bass-infused “Got What I Like”. “Good Bye” is a classic New Orleans Rhythm & Blues ballad that contains some amazing guitaring. “I Want To Know” features a second vocalist with a shredded voice, yikes! More heartfelt guitar on this one. “Fast Drivin'” chugs to the finish line with hard charging harmonica.
Gritty harmonica-guitar blues infused with Louisiana style. These four musicians make quite a moving joyful noise. A top notch rhythm section hold up the forceful guitarist and harmonica ace. High energy supplemented by a few slowed down numbers. We have a winner!
