Stir Crazy
Slammin’ Media, 2021
9/10
The Heavyweights Brass Band consists of John Pittman (trumpet), Paul Metcalfe (saxophones), RJ Satchithananthan (trombone), Tom Richards (tuba) and Lowell Whitty (drums, percussion), and together with a couple guests they bring us a fun mix of originals and covers on this fantastic 4th album.
“Sweet Polly’s Boogaloo” starts the listen with bright brass, punchy drumming and an energy you won’t be able to sit still to, as Joel Visentin’s well timed hammond C3 organ makes a big impression, and “Feel Like Makin’ Love” follows with Pittman’s soulful trumpet complementing the rest of the brass amid a cautious yet playful climate.
The middle tracks are among the best, and include the dynamic horn interaction and lively pulse of “Manipogo”, while “Rehab” turns the Amy Winehouse song into a swift jazz rocker thanks to Tom Richards’ vision, and he also plays trombone on the interpretation, too.
“Georgia Pine” lands near the end and showcases Aline Morales on triangle as a very busy display of upbeat and glorious big band sounds unfold, and the band’s version of “Black Hole Sun” exits the listen and retains all the beauty of the original, in a dreamy, attentive and very creative finish.
Heavily influenced by the rich history of New Orleans and certainly not lacking in grooves, The Heavyweights Brass Band have been playing together for over a decade now, and their chemistry sure does seem like it, where power, energy and an infectious execution will have you seeking out the nearest dance floor.
Travels well with: Avataar- Worldview; Jonathan Bauer- Sings & Plays