Sugar Ray Norcia, the ex-vocalist for "Roomful of Blues" and leader of his own group, Sugar Ray and The Bluestones, had broken up this band when he joined "Roomful" and it was a natural for him to get them together again. Vocally, Sugar sounds sweet and he is comfortable with a big band but when surrounded by his own foursome he can get into a deeper blues or a raunchier romp. He is also one of the best harp players on the scene today. On their last two Severn Records albums "Rockin' Sugar Daddy" (with Kid Bangham, guitar), and "Sugar Ray & The Bluetones featuring Monster Mike Welch" (guitar) they firmly re-established themselves. This is his third album since reuniting with his rhythm section of Michael "Mudcat" Ward, bass and Neil Gouvin, drums. Keeping a guitarist may be problematic but currently the job is artfully filled by Paul Size. The result is their best yet.

Sugar Ray has written eight of the thirteen songs, the songwriting is exceptional and vocally he shines. "Hands across The Table" is the opening track and its promise of love is fulfilled as Sugar takes several harp solos. The letdown, "I Done Got Wise", is next but he's still got some harpin' to do. That theme is explored further in both "Dark Roads Calling" and "Livin' a Lie". Sugar's tone both vocally and harmonically add emotion to the songs. "Cloud Cover" is an instrumental. "Say You Love Me Before I Hang Up" is about a soldier going off to war and one of the best new blues I've heard. "I Won't Leave Home No More" features a terrific guitar solo by Paul Size. "Won't somebody please write The Last Blues Song" is a song for better times, but just give me more Sugar Ray and The Bluetones, thank you.

Michael "Mudcat" Ward contributes both "I'm Gonna Break into Folsom Prison" and ""End Time". Paul Size contributes "I Wanna Marry You Girl". Sugar Ray has included for us two chestnuts that date back over fifty years each. "That's My Desire" was written by Helmy Kressa and Carol Loveday and first recorded by Louis Armstrong and His Allstars in 1947. "River Stay 'way From My Door" was written by Mort Dixon and Harry Woods and popularized by Kate Smith with The Guy Lombardo Orchestra. Sugar Ray reprises these two classics and his vocals are stunning.

The Bluetones are a versatile bunch capable of accompanying Sugar Ray should he decide to switch genres. Here they include Anthony Geraci, piano and special guests The Providence Horns with Carl Querfurth, trombone and Doug "Mr Low" James on tenor sax. Sugar Ray & the Bluetones "Hands Across the table" is a fine new release from a great singer and band.

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

(c)2005 Richard Ludmerer