Big Al and the Heavyweights originally formed in 1996 as the Unknown Blues Band, with founding members Al Lauro, Warren Haynes (Allman Brothers Band and Gov't Mule), and pianist Rick Gergen (Sweethearts of the Rodeo). Of course, Warren is no longer in the band but Big Al has formed a solid array of musicians that features guitarist vocalist extraordinaire Marcel Anton, Dennis “the menace” Cedeno from Brooklyn NY, and harp player, vocalist from Detroit Dangerous Dale Robinson.
The Heavyweights has featured an amazing revolving cast of musicians, including — harmonica players: Roguie Ray LaMontagne, Jason Ricci, George Heard (a/k/a Harmonica Red), Destin Thibodeaux, and (currently) Dangerous Dale Robertson; guitar player/singers: Mike Holloway, Tim Wagner, Elvin Killer Bee, James Bass, Lance Younger, Marcelles Farris, and (currently and for the past 5 years) Marcel Anton; (Luther Dickinson who played on the title track of Love One and Warren Haynes who performed a searing slide solo on the title track of Sunshine On Me. Anders Osbourne produced the recordingand played on several tracks); bass players: Dr. Dave, Kevin Wilson, David Robertson, Lenny Jornes, Dean Galatas, Mark Parsons, and (currently) Dennis Cedeno; and keyboard players included the late great Moe Denham, the B3 master who performed for many years with Gatemouth Brown and their one, irreplaceable keyboard player, Wayne Lohr, who played with the band for 15 years until his untimely passing in 2023.
Over the ensuing years Big Al and the Heavyweights kept releasing records, all favoring roots music and cajun blues rock with a distinct Louisiana flavor. They partnered with the VizzTone label group in 2022 for LOVE ONE ANOTHER, and are following that up with their eighth album, BLUES POWER.
