New Orleans-based drummer Al Lauro joined the touring band of Southern Rock star David Allan Coe in the late 70s. During his six years with Coe he acquired the nickname Big Al, and became good friends with the band’s guitarist, Warren Haynes. He and Warren started a side project called the Unknown Blues Band, which played off and on for a few years, after which Big Al decided to form his own band, Big Al and the Heavyweights.
Big Al and the Heavyweights became an acclaimed touring band and released six albums since 1998. The Heavyweights currently include Al Lauro on drums, Louisiana Music Hall of Fame piano player/vocalist Wayne Lohr, guitarist/vocalist extraordinaire Marcel Anton, and rock solid bassist/vocalist Mark Parsons.
Their new album, Love One Another, was recorded at Suite Mix Studios in Slidell, Louisiana, and produced by the band and George Curreau, noted for his work with the Funky Meters, and features special guests guitarist Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars) and blues harmonica virtuoso, former bandmate Jason Ricci.
Premiering exclusively on ABS is the video for “Alright With Me” by Big Al and the Heavyweights featuring Jason Ricci – a rousing representation of the album’s well-executed, swinging blues and rock and roll.
Jason Ricci tells us:
Beyond excited to have come full circle 20 plus years later and reunite with my first boss and mentor who gave me my first real break on the National Blues Circuit and introduced me to New Orleans music, food and culture. Hope y’all love the record and video as much as we did making it!
Director and cinematographer J.B Lawrence adds, “Big Al & The Heavyweights really deliver an exceptional performance with this song and music video. We wanted our focus visually to offer a vintage feel to the frame, through color, smoke, light, and wardrobe. Our swing dancers shined with their authentic moves. It was important that we thrust the audience back to the time when swing and big band were plentiful.”
