They call themselves the HeavyLight Experience, a group of reasonably well known underground poets, singers, and musicians who are keeping their individual identities on the low on behalf of this collective experience, one intent on expressing the musical legacy of soul. Currently touring a tribute show entitled “The Originals,” highlighting the work of the ascended masters Gil Scott-Heron and Oscar Brown, Jr., this program is rocking stages throughout the continental states, including: Durham’s Hayti Center, BAMcafé in NYC and the American International College in New England.
Delivering a personalized take on a very personal song, HLX recently tackled the Gil Scott Heron classic “Home Is Where The Hatred Is” at the BAMcafé Live Series with the assistance of SoulFolk's V. Jeffrey Smith, on flute/guitar, and David Pilgrim, on bass; Entrfied on keys; Granville Mullin HLX' resident drummer; and, Black music legend, pianist Onaje Allan-Gumbs. As if that wasn’t fire enough, HLX decided to remix their cover with Rakiem Walker on sax.
Now the bigger question is, which blaze of HeavyLight do you prefer?
By L. Michael Gipson