Cargo & The Heavy Lifters – Live At Jammin’ Java | Album Review

Cargo & The Heavy Lifters – Live At Jammin’ Java

www.cargoheavylifters.com

self release

9 songs time – 47:14

Randy McCargo(Cargo) And The Heavy Lifters from Virginia cover rock favorites and a few blues numbers in this live set with a basic singer, guitar, keyboard, bass and drums line up. They are an above average bar band featuring two talented guitarists with one of them doubling on keyboards. The rhythm section offers up tight support. Cargo’s gruff voice fares better on the rockers. The guys are good, but this kind of music goes over better in a live setting.

Cargo’s husky voice does a fine version of Fats Domino’s “Hello, Josephine”, that includes some cool organ playing from Jim Wilson. He plays more latter in the album. I could of went for even more. Dave Mason’s “Feelin’ Alright?” is given a good workout featuring Jim’s piano and John Sterling’s fine guitar skills. The old AM radio chestnut “Vehicle” stays close to the original with the keyboard “horns” not sounding out of place.

The Allman Brothers Band “Don’t Want You No More/Not My Cross To Bear” features guitar that would make the brothers proud. Cargo’s graveling voice fits in just right on this number. They turn in an ok treatment of John Hiatt’s “Feels Like Rain”, but Cargo’s voice isn’t quite flexible enough to pull this one off. John O’Connor turns in a nifty bass solo. Buddy Guy’s “What Kind Of Woman Is This?” is funky with a dual guitar attack and a bit of wah-wah.

John Mayer’s “Gravity” is an ok bit of light and soulful pop music. Willie Dixon’s “Let Me Love You Baby” breaks out a bit of that organ on a lively rendition. Elmore James’ “The Sky Is Crying” gets a blues-rock guitar treatment to good effect.

Feel good music by a crack bar band, what’s not to like? Cargo’s vocals work 95% of the time. Let’s see…two good guitarists, great keyboard man and a super tight rhythm section. From the crowd reaction they seem to be a local favorite. Crack open a couple of cold ones and make them one of your favorites as well.

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