Sugaray Rayford is a man with a message and a larger than life personality and voice to deliver it. Working with producer, songwriter Eric Corne for the past 3 albums, the soul-blues powerhouse has crafted an incendiary sound and narrative, combining classic soul melodies and funky R & B grooves with raw blues power.
The pair's first collaboration, Somebody Save Me, earned Rayford a 2020 Grammy nomination. Later that year he took home Blues Music Awards for 'Soul Blues Male Artist' and 'B.B. King Entertainer of the Year.' Rayford’s follow up In Too Deep won a plethora of awards including the Blues Music Award for ‘Soul Blues Album of the Year’.
Rayford’s new release is entitled ‘Human Decency’. The title track is a simple reminder that our similarities are stronger than our differences and in the end, there is no black or white or left or right, there are only hearts and minds.
About the leadoff single, “Run For Cover” a song that takes no prisoners, Q Magazine declares, “The bluesey soul of Rayford comes on full steam with this powerhouse single.”
“We’re calling people on their bullshit but we’re having fun with them. That’s my way. I’m gonna tell it to you straight but with love in my heart. I always bring some suga with the salt!” says Sugaray, bellowing with laughter.
An all-star cast lent their talents to the album, including guitarist Rick Holmstrom and singer Saundra Williams who are both from Mavis Staples’s band, along with bassist Taras Prodaniuk (Lucinda Williams, Merle Haggard).
CRITICAL PRAISE
"A southern soul classic, featuring a powerful performance by both band and singer." - Soul Tracks
“The bluesey soul of Rayford comes on full steam with this powerhouse single.” - Q Magazine
“In Too Deep is arguably a stronger album than (the Grammy nominated) Somebody Save Me, as fine as that was.” - AllMusic (Editor’s Choice)
“Rayford’s voice emerges with a depth that few can replicate.” - American Songwriter
“Sugaray Rayford’s the total package — brilliant songwriting, energetic performances, inimitable vocals — and In Too Deep reveals every facet of his marvelous gifts to us.” No Depressionr.