Big Al and the Heavyweights
Hey! Hey! Mardi Gras
(Bluziana Records 2664464)
Big Al and the Heavyweights: Hey! Hey! Mardi
Gras (Bluziana Records 2664464) Hey! Hey! Mardi Gras is the second release for Nashville
based Big Al and the Heavyweights. With Louisiana native Albert "Big Al" Lauro
on drums and Texan Tim Wagoner on guitar and lead vocals, the music served here is
definitely "blues gumbo" (as Big Al calls it). With a mix of styles and guest
musicians, this all original CD brings to mind several well known blues artists such as
The Nighthawks and Robert Cray, but throughout they sound like Big Al and the
Heavyweights. These guys are having fun serving their recipe for the blues and it shows
through. Opening with "Bound By Love," an upbeat lament about the dark chains of
love, Big Al lays the rhythm down thick and never lets up. "Wrestlin" comes
shufflin' in from Chicago and before you know it, you're down in Louisiana with the lazy
title track, "Hey Hey Mardi Gras." With great slide guitar by Tim Wagoner, this
song is almost a 'chant' to Mardi Gras and to having a good time. I know they have fun
with "Hey Hey Mardi Gras" when they play it live. Slowing down on "Make It
Rain," Roguie Ray grinds out low down harmonica, and gives great support to Tim
Wagoner's blue wailing. Changing it up yet again, "Cheatin Blues" reminds me of
the Allman Brother's "Statesboro Blues" and is a real houserocker. It's back to
the bayou for "Cajun Roux." This song is a Cajun 'blues rhumba' with slide
guitar from guest Fred James. "Cajun Roux" sort of sums up their approach to
Hey! Hey! Mardi Gras: take all different kinds of ingredients, mix them all together, sit
back and dig the gumbo. Hey, and that's just the first half of the CD. Throughout all
eleven songs, Big Al and Tim Wagoner keep their songwriting very solid and consistent,
while at the same time, each song is individual and can stand on it's own. Marty Stein's
production is straight ahead and captures the spirit of Hey! Hey! Mardi Gras: eat more
crawfish, have a party, and have a good time! There's just enough spontaneity here to keep
it interesting and fresh each time you here it. Just like good Louisiana gumbo, there's
nothin' fancy here, just good food for the soul.
- Pete Barbeck -
Southwest Blues CD Review - May 1999
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