The Weight Band World Gone Mad
The Weight Band
World Gone Mad
The Weight Band Records
The Weight Band was inspired to carry on the legacy of The Band. Formed in 2013 when Jim Weider (1985 -1999) and Randy Ciarlante (1991 to 1999) both members of the re-united Band decided to form a new group to perform “Songs of The Band” with new original music in the style of the unforgettable rock group. Originally they were rounded out by Garth Hudson, Jimmy Vivino and Bryon Isaacs. Weider and Ciarlante appear on the Band’s last three studio albums 1993’s “Jericho”; 1996’s “High On The Hog” and 1998’s “Jubilation”.
The band lineup on this debut recording by “The Weight Band”, named after the Bands best selling single, includes Weider, guitar, mandolin, and vocals; Brian Mitchell, a former member of The Levon Helm Band, keyboards and vocals; Marty Grebb, keyboards, horns, and vocals; Albert Rogers, bass and vocals; and Michael Bram, drums. Since the recording was released Matt Zeiner has replaced Grebb.
The lead vocal chores are distributed among the band members with them all joining together on the chorus. The title track, “World Gone Mad”, was co-written by Weider and Canadian songwriter Colin Linden; it is sung by Weider. Weider sings again, along with Bram, on the Band’s “Remedy” the song which closes out the album.
Grebb sings lead on both “Fire in The Hole” and “Big Legged Sadie”, the former closely capturing The Band’s signature sound. Rodgers sings on both “I Wish You Were Here Tonight” and “Every Step Of The Way”. Mitchell takes the lead on “You’re Never To Old To Rock ‘N Roll” and on Jerry Garcia’s “Deal”. Bram sings on “Common Man”, on a great version of Bob Dylan’s “Day Of The Locusts”, and shares the vocal with Grebb and Rogers on “Heat Of The Moment”.
I am a bit nostalgic when it comes to the music of The Band and thoroughly enjoyed this recording. Even better however is seeing them “live”. Check out The Weight Band when they come to your town.
Richard Ludmerer
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