James Whiting aka Sugar Blue has played with everyone from Roosevelt Sykes to The Rolling Stones. I am knocked out by this album, as we get to hear Sugar in a multitude of styles. His songwriting abilities reveal a Sugar Blue I had not known before, as much of this album is autobiographical.

Artists have sung about "Krystalline" Cocaine, but few have stated it so well, "a strange white lady...she took all my money, left me shivering alone...she used me and abused me, I thought I die that day, deep down inside, I found the strength to walk away". The frenzied harp attack and funky beat convince the listener that this was indeed a volatile relationship.

Sugar Blue sings about his musical influences on "Chicago Blues". With its Parisian type opening Sugar credits Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Junior Wells, Willie Dixon, Johnny Dollar, Lefty Dizz, Big Voice Odom, Little Walter, Sunnyland Slim, Fred Below, Odie Payne, Eddie Taylor, and Playboy Vincent, as he tells us about his life's journey.

On "Bluesman", Sugar sings "I left my country, my love is strong...I'm a bluesman, I was borne to be, my greatest love is to be free..." This album was recorded in Chicago and Italy. The band consists primarily of Rico McFarland, guitar; Jesse Cross or Ilaria Lantieri, bass; James Knowles, drums; and Damiano Della Torre, keys. Other musicians are also used, but the band is always tight and funky. On "Walking Alone", also with a Parisian sounding harp intro, Sugar croons like Sinatra. "Cold Blooded Man" is about hiding from emotions for the fear that one might end up broken hearted.

"Nola" is an opus about a hurricane ravaged New Orleans. It's about the grief, hurt, and rage one feels after being abandoned, and it has to be heard. "Bad Boys Heaven" is about finding that "safe place" to be, with just the guitar, piano and harp; it's about redemption. "Let It Go" is about forgiveness, and a new beginning. "Shed No Tears" is from that "bottled up" guy inside us. "I Don't Know Why" has got a "folksy" edge to it and on it Sugar sounds like Fred Neil. "High You Can't Buy" is a kind of love song.

The fluidity of notes and funkin' rhythms combine with Sugar Blue's introspective songwriting in a manner which grabs you. Sugar Blue is a bluesman; better believe it.

Richard Ludmerer
Director, The New York Blues & Jazz Society
ricdale2@yahoo.com