With strong Louisiana home-base elements, Big Al & the Heavyweights also combine Texan and Chicago features in their musical gumbo with Hey, Hey Mardi Gras. With twists of rock, R&B, Delta and Cajun music, Big Al and company lay down a heavy beat that is impossible to ignore.

Opening with the musically vivacious "Bound By Love" and grooving into "Wrestlin’ With the Blues," Big Al and the Heavyweights take charge with rockin’, blazin’ blues fit for a king. Showing much more a strong rock influence than any regional flavor, these blues cook with interesting percussion, dynamite guitar lines, and beefy arrangements that are top shelf.

With a little humor thrown in on cuts like "Eat More Crawfish" and lovelorn cuts like the shufflin’ "Where’s My Baby" and "Cheatin Blues," Big Al leads his crew through the paces with outstanding results. Blues don’t get any deeper than tunes like "Make It Rain" – a real stop/look and listener.

Born and raised in New Orleans, drummer/vocalist and bandleader Big Al (Albert J. Lauro, Jr.) is accompanied by his musical partner and co-writer Tim Wagoner, who contributes the earthy lead vocals and smart guitar action. It is the splendid slide guitar of Fred James that is heard on "Cajun Roux." The movin’ accordion sound is from Eddie Blakeley, who also contributes background vocals. What makes the CD so special is the band’s ability to infuse Cajun with blues and rock.

Hey, Hey Mardi Gras is the perfect record to be played LOUD at your next cookout. The mood’s exuberant and the groove never stops. Big Al & the Heavyweights deliver with knockout strength!