Sugaray Rayford (from the album Human Decency

Sugaray Rayford (from the album Human Decency

Sugaray Rayford (from the album Human Decency available on Forty Below Records) (by Lee Zimmerman)

Sugaray Rayford is a certified soul man, and all it takes is a cursory listen to his new LP, Human Decency, to prove the point. His sound is a toss-back to an earlier era when Stax Records ruled the airwaves and crossover appeal was practically a given. Rayford clearly lives up to that legacy, but like many of his forebears, his desire to sing the Blues was spawned from genuine emotion. He was born into poverty and raised by a single mother whose bout with cancer found the family struggling to survive. Now all these years later, that experience continues to inform his sound, leaving no doubt as to his unfettered emotion. When Rayford wails, the sentiment shows.
 
As a result, it’s little surprise that he’s received the highest levels of recognition and accreditation. His 2020 release, Somebody Save Me, was nominated for a Grammy. That was in addition to the five Blues Music Awards he’s won — for B.B. King Entertainer, Vocalist, Soul Blues Album (for his earlier effort In Too Deep), and Soul Blues Artist.
 
That, of course, makes for an impressive resume, and so it’s little wonder that the new album boasts with such insight and expression. Indeed, the songs share themes that resonate with both humor and humanity. The former quality is especially prominent on the song “Hanky Panky Time”, courtesy of a soulful strut and a playful posture. The latter comes through in the title track among others, a solid statement about the need to show tolerance and understanding to one another, despite apparent differences in background or opinions.
 
So too, producer Eric Corne brings out the best in Sugaray Rayford, allowing his stirring vocals to come center stage, while the robust arrangements effectively frame Rayford’s searing delivery. The organ flourishes which are so predominant on “Failing Upwards” and the riveting horns adding to the old school sound of “Strawberry Hill” ensure an insistent sound, part of a riveting regalia that’s so consistent throughout.
 
In short, Human Decency is a powerful and propulsive effort that not only stirs the spirit but reminds us of what can occur when honesty and authenticity find common ground. Human decency has never been more effectively expressed.
(by Lee Zimmerman)
 
Listen and buy the music of Sugaray Rayford from AMAZON
 
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