Not having any particular band mates as a nucleus, I guess you could say that Sugaray's debut disc would qualify as a "solo" release.  However, having twenty three other musicians by his side on "Blind Alley", makes calling this disc a "solo" effort a sure oxymoron.

 

    Listening to a CD with such an abundance and variety of talent is usually an entertaining experience, but it sure creates havoc when it's time to mention them all.  However, since I'm a firm believer in giving credit where credit is due, and since Sugaray did his part in lowering unemployment in the state of California, I'm going to give each and every one of them their recognition.

 

    Joining vocalist Caron “Sugaray” Rayford on "Blind Alley" are: Teddy "Zig Zag" Andreadis, Phil Parlapiano, John "JT" Thomas and Jeff Paris on keyboards; Alvino Bennett, Gary Mallaber, Lavell Jones, Bryan Head and Patrick Caccia on drums; Jimmy Z on harmonica & sax; Allan Walker on sax; Gary Bivona on trumpet; Geoff Nudell on clarinet; Lou Castro, Hank Van Sickle, Ralph Carter and Tim Bogert on bass; Vince Tivadad on upright bass; Chuck Kavooras and Jim King on guitar; and Alicia Morgan, Francesca Capasso and Lisa Foreman on back up vocals.

 

    In spite of the large supporting cast of fine musicians, "Blind Alley" is driven by intense vocals.  Sugaray's Gospel influence can be heard throughout the disc and his deep, compelling and outstandingly soulful voice highlight every track.  All those characteristics are even apparent on a short minute and a half track that doesn't even have any lyrics.  It's a song called "Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground" and it's dedicated to Sugaray's late mother.  On this track, backed up by some incredible slide guitar from Chuck, you'll feel Sugaray's pain as he simply expresses it through howls and moans.  Truly moving.

 

    You'd expect some great guitar work on a B. B. cover and you'll certainly hear it from Chuck on this funked up version of "You Upset Me Baby".  Of course, where there's funk, there's hot rhythm, and Lou, Bryan and Jeff are serving it up on bass drums and keyboards.

        

    It's only 40 seconds long but I promise you that in that short amount of a time you'll hear some very stirring vocals from Sugaray and Lisa on "I've Got to Move".

 

     Feeling a need to let us know, on this track Sugaray explains "Why I Sing the Blues".  As he states here, and as his bio will attest to as well, this blues man has paid his dues.  Being one of the more traditional style of blues songs on the disc, it features straight up story telling lyrics from Sugaray, scorching guitar licks from Chuck and great horn and piano highlights from Allan, Gary and Phil.          

 

    Although it's been done by many, Sugaray's rendition of "Overnight Sensation" is one of the best I've heard.  It's a snappy, jazzed up version highlighted with beautifully played piano and clarinet from Teddy and Geoff, tight rhythm from Vince and Patrick on the upright bass and drums, and well sung, really raspy, yet very articulate vocals.  Excellent track.

 

    Other tracks on "Blind Alley" include: "Nuthin' I Wouldn't Do (For A Woman Like You)", "Death Letter", "Blind Alley, "I Let Love Slip Through My Fingers" and "You Can't Win For Losing". 

 

    To learn more about the man with this amazing voice -  Caron “Sugaray” Rayford - simply go to www.sugarayblues.com.  From there you'll be able to pick up a copy of "Blind Alley" and, of course, tell Sugaray the Blewzzman sent ya.

 

Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro  

Blues editor @ www.Mary4Music.com