Human Decency
Artist: Sugaray Rayford
Label: Forty Below Records
Released: 2024
Number of Tracks: 9
Duration: 37:00
Website: https://sugarayrayford.com/
Review by Mixmaster Linc, Programmer, KKFI 90.1 FM Community Radio Station
The email touted, “The new album from Grammy nominated artist and 4x Blues Music Award winner Sugaray Rayford”, and I was excited. However, as I listened to the nine cuts on this new release, I found it somewhat of a mixed bag.
The opening cut, “Failing Upwards”, is reminiscent of the 1970’s era Little Milton when he was struggling to stay relevant as blues record sales were dropping. I mean, it’s okay, but it’s not “must have” music.” It is followed by the title track, which just seems like a filler track on a soul album; nothing you would immediately put on your playlist. The third track, “Stuck Between,” definitely picks things up though. Still not blues music, but who can turn down a good funk song, and this one is good. “Strawberry Hill” follows with a traditional R&B feel and is much fatter than the first two cuts. “Run for Cover” keeps the energy up like its predecessor, and is an enjoyable song, but we still haven’t seen the blues appear yet on the album.
The sixth cut “Dirty Rat” finally starts to bring some blues into the mix, with a downbeat number in which the entire band shines and is followed by a punchy horn-driven blues number called “Ain’t That a Man.” The second to the last song is an organ-drenched blues shuffle called “Hanky Panky Time” and the final cut is a straight blues number called “Aha.” All four of the blues numbers at the end of the album are solid and definitely worth a listen. If you’re looking to stretch your blues budget, I would recommend going digital on this one and cherry picking the individual tunes you like.
I’m giving this album 2 ½ or 3 stars out of 5.
Hear for yourself: Listen on Youtube
