Sugar Ray and the Bluetones – Evening 10.21.11

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Sugar Ray and the Bluetones

Evening

Severn Records

BluesWax Rating: 10

How Can I Go On?

Harp man Ray Norcia was appropriately nicknamed “Sugar” because of his sweet vocals. Between 1994 and 1997 Sugar Ray Norcia was the lead singer and front man for Roomful of Blues. In 1999 he collaborated with James Cotton on the Superharps album. He has been a guest vocalist on countless albums by everyone from Ronnie Earl to Michelle “Evil Gal” Wilson. He more recently recorded two albums in Italy with guitarist Maurizio Pugno. Norcia is also an accomplished bandleader and he fronts his own band, Sugar Ray and the Bluetones.

The Bluetones are one of the most balanced Chicago-based Blues bands. Although former guitarists include Kid Bangham and Paul Size, the guitar spot has for many years been filled by Monster Mike Welch. Welch first made his own mark with the 1996 release of his debut recording, These Blues Are Mine, on the Tone-Cool label. He has seven recordings (some without his “Monster” nickname), the latest being the 2009 import Just Like It Is.

On piano is the formidable Anthony Geraci. Geraci has played with everyone, including Muddy Waters; was a member of Ronnie Earl and The Broadcasters; and has fronted his own band, “Little Anthony and The Locomotives.” He has three albums under his own name, including the brand new, jazzy Serendipity, just released this past August.

Bassist Mudcat Ward plays both electric and standup bass. He has recorded with Sleepy LaBeef and Hubert Sumlin, among others, and also has been a longtime member of both Ronnie Earl and The Broadcasters and Ron Levy’s Wild Kingdom. He has been with Norcia throughout his recording career. Drummer Neil Gouvin has also played with everyone, and has been a member of Ronnie Earl and The Broadcasters.

I have been a fan of Sugar Ray and the Bluetones ever since 1989 when they first released Knockout on the Varick label. This is their seventh album overall and fifth on the Severn Records label. It is truly a band effort.

Norcia opens with “I’m having a Ball,” written by Blues mandolinist Johnny Young, and Geraci’s piano solo is especially nice. Willie Dixon’s “You Know My Love” is also included and it features Welch’s guitar.

“Evening,” the Mitchell Parish/Harry White composition recorded by T-Bone Walker is also re-worked, with Sugar’s chromatic harp playing opening the track. Welch’s solo on this track evokes the passion of the moment. Norcia has included seven originals, including “Dear John” and “Too Many Rules and Regulations,” the latter of which is receiving a significant amount of airplay. Guitarist Welch contributes “Hard to Get Along With You,” while bassist Ward contributes ‘That’s Not Yet One of My Blues.”

This latest from Sugar Ray and the Bluetones is highly recommended. They continue to make fabulous recordings, but there is nothing like seeing them live. Go out and see them.

Richard Ludmerer is a contributing editor at BluesWax. You may comment below.