Big Al and The Heavyweights

World Full Of Trouble

Eller Soul Records

Big Al Lauro, who is from The Big Easy, started recording his original Louisiana based roots music around 2001 with the release of both Big Al and The Heavyweights “Hey, Hey Mardi Gras” and “Ultimate Mardi Gras”; and followed up with 2002’s “Late Night Gumbo Party”. In 2004 Bruce Iglauer produced the independently released “Nothin’ But Good Lovin’”. The band became a favorite on Dan Aykroyd’s syndicated radio show; and Chef Emeril Lagasse’s house band on his television show. Their last album was 2013’s “Sunshine On Me” produced by Anders Osborne. This is the band’s seventh recording.

Over the years there have been some personnel changes. Currently the Heavyweights are Big Al, drums; Dean Galatas, bass; Wayne Lohr, piano; Destin Thibodeaux, harmonica; Lance Ellis, sax and clarinet; and John Lisi and Lance Younger, guitars. The vocalists are Younger and Lohr. Guest musicians include Bob Margolin, guitarist; Dwight Breland, steel guitar; Greg Shatz, piano and accordion; Jason Ricci, harmonica; Glenn Sears, percussion; and background vocalists Donna Slater and Cathy Pace. The songs are written by Big Al and Lohr. The album was recorded by these New Orleans’ natives at the Suite Mix Studios in Slidell, La.

The title track, “World Full of Trouble”, opens this Gumbo party. Sung by guitarist Younger, while Thibodeaux blows harp, we are treated to spicy solos by Margolin and Lohr. On “Fool For You” Lisi is on guitar, with Ellis on sax; the vocal is from pianist Lohr. Margolin is featured again on “Love So Fine”.

“Spanish Moss” features Ellis on multiple horns. On “Mother Trucker” the addition of Breland’s steel guitar gives the band an “Asleep At The Wheel” type of sound. My favorite track just might be “Two Wrongs Don’t Make A Right” featuring Thibodeaux on a chromatic harp and some additional percussion from Sears.

The Blues Music Award winning harmonica master Ricci is heard on “Bayou Life”, “Millionaire Baby”, and again on “Crazy About You Baby” where he duels with Thibodeaux.

If you like your blues infused with Jambalaya this Louisiana rue by Big Al and The Heavyweights is the album for you.

Richard Ludmerer