Big Al & The Heavyweights

The band started in 1995 as the Unknown Blues Band with founding members Warren Haynes and Al Lauro. Both met in country outlaw David Allan Coe’s band and formed the UBB as a side project because of their love of Roots Music. Big Al and the Heavyweights, got a big break when Dan Aykroyd featured one of the band’s songs, “House Party”, on the House Of Blues Radio Show.  The band has appeared on the show four times.  Big Al & the Heavyweights music can also be found on Mardi Gras Records, “Ultimate Mardi Gras” Cd along with such esteemed artists as the late great Professor Longhair, Rebirth Brass Band, Rockin Dopsie and The Olympia Brass Band. You may have heard the band on the nationally syndicated radio program, “Beale St. Caravan”.  The new cd, “World Full of Trouble” was recorded in Slidell at Suite Mix Studios and produced by George Curreau, noted for his work with guitarist Brian Stoltz from the Funky Meters.  

The band’s new EllerSoul Records release, World Full of Trouble features special musical guests Bob Margolin on guitar (who was a member of the legendary Muddy Waters band and is currently on The Last Waltz Tour) and harmonica superstar and former band mate, Jason Ricci. The recording offers an unconventional performance of American roots music, reflecting the band’s influences of funk, blues, jazz, zydeco, and country. The Cd has been in heavy rotation on XM’s Bluesville and was # 10 on the Living Blues Radio Charts and #6 on The Roots, Rhythm and Music Charts. Recently, XM’s Outlaw Country channel has been playing Real Mother Trucker from the CD.   

The band has built a solid reputation for their no holds barred shows through years of extensive touring. This is one that you don’t want to miss!