Big Al And The Heavyweights

Love One Another

VizzTone, 2022

8/10

Listen to Love One Another

The New Orleans resident Al Lauro sure knows his way around a set of drums, and here along with The Heavyweights, i.e. Wayne Lohr (piano, vocals), Marcel Anton (guitar, vocals) and Mark Parsons (bass, vocals), as well as many guests, a truly diverse blues formula unfolds with precision and adventurousness.

The title track opens the listen with soulful backing vocals, Luther Dickinson’s spirited guitar and Jason Ricci’s harmonica acrobatics populating the warm blues, and “I Need A Fix” follows with thumping drums and gritty singing amid some charming gospel hints.

Further down the line, “Alright With Me” offers smooth vocals and fluid melodies thanks to the bouncy bass lines and crisp percussion, while “Stop This Messing Around” flows with sharp guitar work, powerful pipes and a dynamic rhythm section anchoring the anthemic blues tune.

Near to the end, “Too Cold” recruits some playful funk moments and no shortage of rhythm, too, and “Zydeco Love” exits the listen upbeat, irresistible and full of a dance-friendly energy thanks to Gina Forsyth’s fiddle.

Lauro has made 6 albums since 1998 under this moniker, and this version of The Heavyweights is certainly one of the best, as evidenced by this truly unique and memorable effort.

Travels well with: Louisiana Red & Bob Corritore- Tell Me ‘Bout It; Chickenbone Slim- Serve It To Me Hot