Big Al and the Heavyweights

“We last heard from them almost three years ago with their excellent album "Love One Another" (reviewed HERE). The great Al and his Poids Lourds, as the title of their new album "Laissez le bon temps rouler" suggests, have unfortunately lost their longtime keyboardist Wayne Lohr, who passed away on December 29, 2023. They have since refreshed their lineup with Detroit Dangerous harmonica player Dale Robertson and bassist Dennis "The Menace" Cedeno, while thankfully retaining the talented guitarist and singer Marcel Anton, as well as their band leader and spiritual guide, Al Lauro, who continues to lead the group with a firm hand. Based in northern Louisiana, where they tirelessly perform in every venue, these musicians can rightfully claim the region's musical DNA. They infuse their boogie-blues with the unique rhythms of the bayou. The title track, with its sliding guitar and backbeat, pays homage to Lowell George, yet the band continues to deliver high-quality, down-to-earth blues ("If", "Wasted So Much Time With You"). Their repertoire also includes psychedelic zydeco ("Red Line"), rockabilly jump ("Tired of Waiting"), smooth rhythm and blues ("Got What I Like"), vintage New Orleans soul ("Good Bye", "I Want To Know"), and west-coast boogie ("Fast Drivin'"). Fans of Little Feat, Canned Heat, and the Butterfield Blues Band, rejoice: your favorite music lives on!” - Patrick Dallongeville (translated by A Bello)