BIG AL & THE HEAVYWEIGHTS Love One Another (CD)

(Vizztone) 14 tracks, digisleeve

New Orleans-born drummer Al Lauro joined the band of outlaw country star David Alan Coe (who nicknamed him Big Al) in the late '70s. He became good friends with the band's guitarist, Warren Haynes, and they formed a side project called the Unknown Blues Band, which performed on and off for several years. Next came Big Al and the Heavyweights, who quickly became a popular touring band. Love One Another, their seventh album since 1998, was recorded in Slidell, Louisiana, and produced by the band and George Curreau.

Special guests include guitarist Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars) and harmonica virtuoso Jason Ricci. From start to finish, this album is the band's most adventurous and eclectic recording, full of blues, roots rock and a little country, well-crafted songs and dynamic performances.

The Heavyweights currently include Lauro on drums, pianist/vocalist Wayne Lohr, guitarist/vocalist Marcel Anton and bassist/vocalist Mark Parsons.