Big Al and the Heavyweights with PhiL Hall at the Harvester
11.14.2024 - A shroud of clouds and mist covered the central business district of our lovely hamlet on Thursday and as I approached the alley way between The Harvester and Casablanca, I stood for a memento as I peered through the window into The Flatwoods Stage: the lights were all aglow, patrons were streaming through the main entrance, and I could smell the tamales emanating from the kitchen. On stage was a powerhouse of veteran musicians cranking out some amazing tunes with what was their final soundcheck. How blessed I am to be part of this scene...the sound was drifting down the street accompanied with an old school groove as I continued to bask in the moment. What unfolded later in the night was an amazing explosion of blues music that captured the audience and did not let go as the revelers and music lovers paid their tabs and eased out into the night. The Harvester audience is focused on the stage and guilty appreciate the talent we bring and the musician likewise responds because this crowd truly appreciates what they do…which is bring JOY.
The blues might have been born in the delta of Mississippi, but the blues in its matured 2024 iteration arrived at a rare Bert’s on Thursday production at the Harvester Event Center, located in Historic Downtown Smithville, Tennessee, on Thursday evening.
If you happen to be a newbie to the blues, you would have benefited in your pursuit of that genre by catching Phil Hall’s opening set. Utilizing his standard electric and resonator guitars, Phil led the early birds at the Harv through some modern blues grooves, some originally-composed blues, and some very authentic original Muddy Waters type covers. Phil’s a Cumberland Plateau native, and has entertained audiences for years around the area–it’s good to see him still honing his craft! Be sure to check out his new Few Miles On album, set to be released in the next few weeks.
During the stage introduction for Big Al and the Heavyweights, it was mentioned that this particular group of musicians probably represented some of the best professionalism and soulful musicianship that we have witnessed on the Harvester stage. Having seen how these seasoned pro’s intuitively knew exactly what the Harvester crowd wanted, and then proceeded to deliver their personal tried and true blues knockout punch to the assembled blues lovers, I certainly stand by that proclamation.
In an exploded version of Phil’s opening single blues vibe, Big Al & the Heavyweights did about a 6-minute jam with no vocals that spiraled with the rhythm section locked into an old school groove, especially with the addition of TWO excellent blues harmonica players, Dale of Detroit and special guest, Rougie Ray LaMontagne (yes, father of singer Ray LaMontagne). Turns out that Al got his start with Rougie in the 1980’s in Nashville. Al also played in another outfit called “The Unknown Band” along with a keyboard player named Moe Moerschel – Moe was also a longtime friend who also was a player with our very own Lee Solomon back in the day. Moe passed recently and Lee inherited some of his belongings that included photos, CDs, and other memorabilia. After a moment of reflection, it turns out that inside the green room inside the Casablanca building was a 8 x 10’ glossy of Alan Moe from the Unknown Band from the 1980’s - WOW mind blown…Big Al and the Heavyweights have never been to Smithville and Lee just dropped off the box of goodies a few weeks ago. Thus, a friendly reminder that Smithville, 37166, is the crossroads of the universe and I am thrilled to be from here. Big Al and The Heavyweights, made up of band leader Al Lauro from Louisiana on drums, Marcel Anton, also from Louisiana, on lead guitar, Dale Robertson from Detroit on harmonica, and Dennis Cedeno from Brooklyn, New York. They rocked the house at the Harv! Halfway through the set Big Al was joined on stage by Roguie Ray who blew the roof off with his harmonica style and passionate singing along with another Brooklyn native who lives here in Smithville…Johnny Cats…turns out that Dennis Cedno frequented Johnny’s family’s pizzeria in Brooklyn. Again, Smithville, TN, “Crossroads of the Universe“.
Not only are these players VERY talented, they’ve been around the world and played with just about every blues/rock musician of merit, and guess where they were on Thursday night? That’s right, at the Harvester! Musician/Entertainer Secret exhibited by Big Al & the Heavyweights: “Always leave ‘em wanting more”.
That’s exactly what they did–in case you didn’t make the show, and you’re wondering how strong it was...these guys are the REAL Blues Brothers.
Mucho thanks to Lala’s Tamales and Tacos Company for the great authentic food and of course, Quarter Spring Farm for their display, and the ever-superlative Harvester security and service staff Ross and David, Carrington and Ava behind the bar, Phil Stafford & Mike our sound engineers and most of all to YOU, our loyal friends and neighbors who appreciate and support the effort required to keep doing what we’re doing - we love YOU, and we love what we’re doing - onward/upward in 2025!
Don’t miss our last show of 2024, Patrick Sweaney and the Tiger Beats on December 7th, with three (3) great blues bands on that special evening. Joey Fletcher, Ghalia Volt, and The Tiger Beats.
Come with us as we finish 2024 with our 3rd Annual Holidays at the Harvester with the Tiger Beats, Ghalia Volt, and The Joey Fletcher Band on Saturday, 12/7, followed by Advent Service at the Harvester on Thursday, 12/12 - free and open to the public, all ages welcome. And mark your calendar for Saturday, February 8, for an afternoon of exploring and networking with others in the industry as you tour our fantastic facility at our Wedding and Event Planners Reception in Downtown Smithville - more details coming this week! Stay up-to-date with all the events in the Bert Driver Network (Nursery, Burlap Room, and the Harvester) by signing up for our ‘The Local Vibe’ Newsletter - released the first Tuesday of the month , straight to your inbox! And don’t forget the Harvester is for rent: corporate events and parties, weddings, receptions, graduations, baby showers, or whatever you’re celebrating, we host ‘em all! Contact us for more information, and check us out on Wedding Wire or The Knot!
