Big Al & The Heavyweights - Live Crawfish (2000) [CD Rip]

With an eclectic mix of styles and infectious sense of groove, Big Al and the Heavyweights have made a name for themselves as a top-flight act. From the opening bars of "Cajun Roux", it?s apparent why fans of the band are fondly referred to as "Gumbo Heads". Big Al and crew deliver a healthy serving of down home, Cajun flavored blues on their first live CD. Recorded at the W.C. Handy?s Blues Club of the Year, Bourbon St. Blues and Boogie Bar, "Live Crawfish" is remarkably crisp and demonstrates the musical party the band throws every time they take the stage. Like a good gumbo, these guys blend together and complement each other?s contributions to make a real tasty dish.

Guitarist and vocalist, Tim Wagoner and George Heard (a.k.a. Harmonica Red) respectfully play off one another, trading tasteful and never over ?bearing lead fill licks. Wagoner?s raw, consistently powerful vocals stand out; on "Cheatin Blues" he scats back and forth with his own guitar before his vocals relinquish center stage to a solo that starts off warm and subtle, and progresses to pure explosive power. Drummer and bandleader, Albert J. Lauro (a.k.a. Big Al) and bassist Calvin Johnson sit nicely in the pocket while Wagoner and Harmonica Red dress each song from its foundation. "Make It Rain" is among the disc?s best tracks. Harmonica Red shows why he is considered one of the best in the business on the instrumental harmonica showcase "Red?s Nuts". He shows off his vocal prowess on the tale of "Honda Wanda", the transvestite queen of New Orleans and on the festive "Zydecoco/ Mardi Gras Mambo". Other picks include, "Bound By Love", "wrestling With The Blues, "What Makes You Think" and "Eat More Crawfish" which is indicative of the raucous, party time feel of this fine disc. "Live Crawfish" serves up over 70 minutes of superior Louisiana, rockin blues. If you like your blues with a Cajun/ New Orleans flavor, this CD is for you.