Blues Power
VizzTone, 2025
9/10
The South Louisiana outfit Big Al And The Heavyweights pay tribute to their longtime keyboard player and vocalist, Wayne Lohr, who passed away, with these powerful and raw tunes.
The robust and thumping “Big Freight Train” opens the listen with Marcel Anton’s driving guitar and gritty pipes guiding the rugged climate, and “Blues Power” follows with Dennis Cedeno’s playful bass adding much to the flowing grooves.
Landing in the middle, “Tired Of Waiting” will get you on the dance floor via its infectious energy and Big Al’s animated drumming, while “Wasted So Much Time With You” bops and shakes thanks to Dale Roberton’s spirited harmonica and Anton’s powerful pipes.
Arriving near the end, “I Want To Know” is an intimate moment of careful song craft that’s soulful and touching, and “Fast Drivin’” exits with all 4 players contributing their inimitable talents with timeless and dynamic blues rock that we could never tire of.
A first rate effort that also uses funk, dance hall and zydeco bouts, the band suffered a tremendous loss with Lohr, but their new members, Robertson and Cedeno, sure don’t disappoint.
Travels well with: Amanda Fish- Kingdom; Chickenbone Slim- Damn Good And Ready