Search - Sugar Ray & The Bluetones :: My Life, My Friends, My Music

Classic, swingin' big band blues with terrific vocals...

R. F. Cooney | Cranston, RI United States | 07/04/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"At last, the 4th release on Severn Records from the great Sugar Ray and the Bluetones. This CD, unlike the last, "Hands Across the Table," offers up more of a big band sound (reminds me more of Ray's great release from 1998, 'Sweet & Swingin' on Bullseye Blues and Jazz). Sugar Ray once again wrote 7 of the 15 generous tunes, and includes long standing bandmates Michael 'Mudcat' Ward on acoustic bass, Neal Gouvin on drums, and Anthony Geraci on piano, all in top form, including of course Ray on his harp.



What truly makes this a special CD, with incredible musicianship, is having the likes of the great Duke Robillard playing guitar on 8 of the tracks (what took so long for these 2 New England greats to get together)? and the outstanding 'Monster' Mike Welch on the other 7 songs (has Mike matured as a player and a singer, or what)?



Then, the coup is having 4 (yes, four) wonderful Roomful of Blues alumni (one still current) along to provide that inspiring big band sound. Doug 'Mr. Low' James on the baritone sax, Greg Piccolo on the tenor sax, the incomparable Carl Querfurth on the trombone, and one of the original members of Roomful, still playing an awesome trumpet for them, Mr. Bob Enos. I ask you folks, does it truly get much better than this? Give a listen and decide for yourself...mesmerizing, toe tapping music.



'Oh Babe' is a swinging, rollicking shuffle with great horns that will get you moving from the get-go. 'Little Green Frog' again features wonderful horns and reminds me a bit of a long lost Commander Cody and his LPA tune. 'I Want to be With You' is an opportunity for Ray to really display his incredible baritone -- great ballad/love song. 'You Better Change Your Ways' is another example of Ray's ability to use his voice to grab the listener, while 'Money Taking Mama' features great harp, piano and lyrics that will bring a smile to your face. The same is true of 'Shut Your Face,' a Sugar Ray original with all of the horns and guitar and lyrics to make you chuckle and nod your head in agrement...'I Don't Know' is a true catchy tune, while 'No Sorrow No More' exhibits excellent harp while expressing the sentiments of peace at last. 'The Last Words of a Fool' is a classic blues tune...other favorites (although I cannot honestly say that there are any weak songs on this CD) include 'My Last Affair,' 'Oh, Oh, Oh Pretty Baby (great harp and horns), 'Do You Remember'(great harp).



Bottom line is that this is a must have for all fans of Sugar Ray and the Bluetones. Moreover, any blues fan can't help but love and enjoy the ability of all of these outstanding musicians to play together, egos set aside, to create a truly masterful CD. Definitely worth the wait...



There are liner notes by both 'Mudcat' Ward and Sugar Ray. Mudcat sums it up well by stating, "...you'll find yourself thoroughly transported, by blues playing professionals, and finding multiple joys in the journey." Sugar Ray notes that "this collection represents the culmination of my past musical endeavors, a never-ending musical pilgrimmage." Let's all hope that it continues for many years to come...



If you're looking for hard pounding blues guitar then this CD is not for you. This is big band, blues, jazz, great vocals combined, often reminiscent of days past. If you like stellar musical performances with outstanding vocals, this one's a must have, a true keeper...the CD is fun to listen to, there is no need to skip any songs, so just sit back and let Sugar Ray and the Bluetones, Duke Robillard, Mike Welch, and as Ray notes a "killer" horn section entertain you with one of the top blues releases of 2007. Pick it up, and enjoy! And by all means if they are in your area, get out there to see/hear them -- they are as good live, maybe even better. And they are always avaialble to chat, sign autographs, etc. Don't skip/miss the opportunity to see and hear "some of the best musicians on this planet"...buy the CD, enjoy it, share it with friends. Yes, it's that good..."

Great music

Paul C. Murphy | PENN USA | 09/20/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"THIS ALBUM ROCKS MY HOUSE.BUYING ALL OF SUGAR RAYS & BLUETONES ALBUMS,THIS IS A KEEPER,EVERY CUT ON THIS CD IS NOTHING BUT GREAT MUSIC."

Sugar Ray Swings Again

Dennis LaBarge | Kissimmee, FL | 04/06/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've seen Sugar Ray and the Bluetones live several times. His most memorable performance has been when I've seen the group with a full horn section, playing old swing standards. This album has a number of original pieces but Sugar Ray is smooth as ever."