Review: Sugaray Rayford ‘In Too Deep’

Sugaray Rayford

By Martine Ehrenclou

Soul-blues powerhouse vocalist and songwriter Sugaray Rayford is set to release his newest album In Too Deep on March 4 via Forty Below Records, produced by Eric Corne. Rayford’s last album, Somebody Save Me (2020), also produced by Corne, was nominated for a Grammy Award. Rayford won Blues Music Awards for “B.B. King Entertainer of the Year” and “Soul Blues Male Artist of the Year” and is nominated for more BMAs in 2022. It’s safe to say he just might win again.

This isn’t just a modern soul record—In Too Deep blends funky grooves, rocking blues and R&B with Rayford’s raw power as a vocalist and entertainer. His vocals are unmistakable—full bodied and incredibly soulful. Sugaray is a force. He welcomes listeners into his world, guided by Corne’s skilled songwriting/producing hand. In Too Deep is part insight and reflection and part party time jubilee.

Several of the songs on In Too Deep are about love and hope for a unified world with respect for everyone. How refreshing to hear lyrics rooted in integrity, good values and decency. The social issues in others are wrapped in danceable rhythms so if you’re moved by groove, you might miss the poignant topics. There’s more to these tunes than you might expect.

Corne enlisted some serious heavyweights to help him orchestrate the strings and horns on the record, with violinist Eric Gorfain (Dionne Warwick, REM) and Rayford’s current band saxophonist Aaron Liddard (Amy Winehouse.) Also on hand are three mainstays of Corne’s studio work, Taras Prodaniuk (Lucinda Williams), Matt Tecu (Jacob Dylan), and Sasha Smith (Priscilla Ahn,) along with Rayford’s live musical director Drake “Munkihaid” Shining. The production by Corne is superb.

Album opener is the moving “Invisible Soldier” about Rayford’s struggle with insomnia from PTSD. A ten-year Marine, Rayford reminds us that our cities are full of veterans dealing with the after-effects of war, their service behind them in name only. Amidst a compelling funky, R&B/soul tune with a brilliant horn section and catchy guitar hook, the dynamic Sugaray tells his story of struggle as well as those of other forgotten soldiers. Coming from a veteran, this song has singular impact.

Part of Sugaray’s appeal on In Too Deep is his accessibility as a vocalist and performer. If you’ve seen him live, you know exactly what I’m talking about. He’s all about inclusion, inviting everyone to join the party. And this record is no different.

“In Too Deep” is a bluesy, edgy number co-written by Rayford and Corne with catchy guitar and foot-stomping rhythm. He sings, “Never been devout, But I’m on my knees…Never have my handout, Gon’ earn my keep, Keep tryin’ to climb out, But I’m in too deep.” There’s so much feel-good groove that I almost missed the anguish in the lyrics. Keb’ Mo’ does the same thing—a meaningful message delivered with an upbeat groove.

Rayford grew up singing in the church and turned to blues music when he was 12. Years later and a string of well received releases to his name, he joined The Mannish Boys in 2011. Their album Double Dynamite won ‘Best Traditional Blues Album’ at the 2013 Blues Music Awards.

Sugaray slays it on the knockout gospel song, “Please Take My Hand,” accompanied only by a spare bass drum, handclaps and cowbell. What a song. And with the instrumentation so lean, it packs a wallop—the focus is on his voice—beautiful and resonant. Rayford calls to those who have struggled and persevered and invites everyone to join him at his side regardless of color, race or religion. Almost acapella, Sugaray digs deep. If ever there was a song we need now, it is this one.

Album closer “United We Stand,” co-written by Corne and Rayford, lifts you out of reverie with an up-tempo R&B party tune about hope and joining together.

Sugaray Rayford has definitely arrived with In Too Deep.

“Please Take My Hand”