Information/Write-up
A high-octane fusion of psychedelic hard rock and heavy blues firepower, Heavy Cruiser is an underground classic conceived during the recording sessions for Mama Lion. Spearheaded by Neil Merryweather, one of Canada's most fearless and inventive rock musicians, the project featured the same core lineup as Mama Lion: Coffi Hall, Rick Gaxoila, and a then-young keyboardist named James Newton Howard (later a world-renowned film composer).
While working on Mama Lion material at Hollywood Spectrum and Paramount Studios, producer Artie Ripp gave Neil creative freedom to jam and develop new material. The result was Heavy Cruiser, a heavier, more experimental counter-project where Lynn Carey took a backseat, occasionally contributing vocals and lyrics.
The album bursts with energy, from the blazing garage covers of “C’mon Everybody” and “Louie Louie” to trippy originals like “Don’t Stop Now” and the wild psych epic “Miracles of Pure Device.” Despite the strength of the material, Ripp withheld the musicians’ names from the original cover, fearing it might distract from Mama Lion's commercial positioning. The same anonymity occurred on the follow-up Lucky Dog.
Originally released on Family Productions in Canada and the USA in 1972, the Heavy Cruiser album flew under the radar for decades. I first posted both Heavy Cruiser albums to CitizenFreak.com in February 2011, and shortly after, Neil Merryweather contacted me personally to share his memories and the story behind the sessions. An unauthorized German vinyl reissue followed in 2013 via Lucky Pigs Records. In January 2025, it received its first official vinyl reissue, sourced from the original master tapes and released by Spanish label Guerssen as a deluxe edition with original artwork, liner notes, and high-quality audio.
When I was lucky enough to connect with Neil Merryweather, he generously shared the untold story behind the Heavy Cruiser sessions, from the jam-based origins to how the acetate ended up catching the attention of Famous Music in New York. Neil also expressed how proud he was to be a Winnipegger and a Canadian, and how that spirit carried through everything he did. Sadly, Neil passed away on March 29, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada, after a short battle with brain cancer. Thanks to his vision, and Artie Ripp’s willingness to let the band experiment in the studio, we now have this raw, experimental, and unforgettable slice of early '70s hard rock.
-Robert Williston
Neil Merryweather: vocals, bass, acoustic guitar
James Newton Howard: organ, piano
Coffi Hall: drums, percussion
Rick Gaxoila: guitar
Produced by Neil Merryweather
Engineered by Bruce Albertine and John LaSalle
Album Design by Neil Merryweather
Photography by Maria del Ré
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