Press
GOLDMINE — REVIEW
“Insightful, provocative, soul-blues that just might actually make you think, as well as groove.”
Popmatters — Sugaray Rayford Wants You to Think and Be Inspired on ‘In Too Deep’
“Sugaray Rayford’s new album, In Too Deep has roots in late 20th century blues, soul, gospel, and funk, but hints of the 21st century are revealed in the lyrics”
The Alternate Root— Review
“Rayford digs deep into a sound that shares indelible strains of Stax, Motown, Gospel, and rural Blues, all infused with both grit and groove”
Twangville — SXSW 2022 – The Sounds, Part 2
“Backed by a six piece band, he OWNED the stage as he belted out some glorious blues and R&B.”
Gonzookanagan — Hot Wax Album Reviews by the ROCK DOCTOR - 4 stars
“In Too Deep is a collection deep soul grooves with gritty lyrics that take you well beyond the dance floor, its pulsing rhythms underpinning Sugarray’s gospel and blues influences to deliver a funk baptism with timely messages that will stay with you.”
Making a Scene — Sugaray Rayford In Too Deep
“Few singers possess Rayford’s vocal power and even fewer can credibly assume this mantle.”
American Blues Scene — Sugaray Rayford Pulls Us ‘In Too Deep’
“When it comes to classic soul melodies infused with R&B grooves, a touch of funk, and raw blues power, you gotta love Sugaray.”
Americana Highways — REVIEW: Sugaray Rayford “In Too Deep”
“it’s obvious SR has the goods with his genuine soulfulness that emanates from a very deep place in his clearly audible well-fueled pipes.”
Blues Rock Review — Sugaray Rayford: In Too Deep Review 9.5/10
“…a fun album of soul blues that allows the pair to show how serious rhythm and blues can also feel like a party.”
“In Too Deep is a singer in his prime, with Rayford’s rich vocals leading sophisticated arrangements through songs that are pure soul hooks. Not a sound is out of place.”
Glide Magazine — Sugaray Rayford Mixes Old and Contemporary Soul Sounds on ‘In Too Deep’ (ALBUM REVIEW)
“In Too Deep by Sugaray Rayford is a powerful record that you can’t help but feel deep in your soul. It is a good mix of old and contemporary soul sounds with thought-provoking lyrics.”
No Depression — ALBUM REVIEW: Sugaray Rayford Moves Bodies and Souls on ‘In Too Deep’
“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.”
Living Blues — ‘In Too Deep’ Review
“Rayford is musically up top, out front, and in command throughout In Too Deep. But praise for the album’s undeniable appeal should also be directed toward Forty Below founder Eric Corne. His role in the making of In Too Deep is expansive: Corne produced, engineered, and mixed the album. He also wrote eight of the album’s ten tracks (the other two are co-writes with Rayford). But In Too Deep remains Rayford’s showcase. The lyrics and music are all in service of his formidable talents as a vocalist.. His enthusiasm and energy are matched by his skill at getting across the emotional content of his material.”
Rock & Blues Muse — Review: Sugaray Rayford ‘In Too Deep’
“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.”
“Sugaray Rayford has definitely arrived with In Too Deep.”
Urban music scene — Sugaray Rayford | In Too Deep
“What makes ‘In Too Deep’ a joy to experience is that the blues according to Rayford strays far from a down and out mood while boldly addressing what is pertinent to humanity. Four and three-quarter stars out of Five.”
Blues Blast Magazine Review — Featured Blues Review
“Sugaray Rayford is a force of nature singer who is equal parts showman, preacher and serious thinker and this album delivers all those aspects of his talent. Watch out for this one in those end of the year “best of” lists!”
Philly Cheeze’s Rock & Blues Review — Sugaray Rayford - In Too Deep
“Sugaray’s brand of hot buttered soul makes me feel alive with each and every listen.”
American Songwriter — Sugaray Rayford Recognizes “Miss Information” on Explosive New Single
“Rayford’s voice emerges with a depth that few can replicate. Spiritually, Rayford’s lyrics lean into his gospel and blues influences while embracing today’s sentiments.”
Soul Tracks — World Premiere: Sugaray Rayford finds the “Invisible Soldier”
“'Invisible Soldier' is a musical expression of the battles that our troops fight long after the guns fall silent."
Michael’s Music Log — In Too Deep review
“Albums like this lead me to think that hatred, ignorance, dishonesty, and hypocrisy can be defeated by music.”
American Songwriter- Sugaray Rayford Recognizes “Miss Information” on Explosive New Single
American Blues Scene - Sugaray Rayford Cuts Through All the ‘Miss Information’
“Rayford delivers a tour de force performance like only he can, making some heavy points while keeping it fun.”
LA Weekly - Music Pick
“Texas electric blues artist Sugaray Rayford released his fifth studio album, Somebody Save Me, last year and it earned him a Grammy nomination. It should have kickstarted what was already an impressive career — given him the sort of next-level bump that he needed. But then the world effectively ended, putting everything on hold. So Rayford is bringing those soulful, gospel-influenced blues tunes to you.”
Albumism - Premiere of “You and I”
“A sound that’s undeniably fresh and inspired...When "Somebody Saves Me" arrives next month, nobody will be able to save Sugaray Rayford from the widespread success that his music so rightfully deserves.”
GOldmine Magazine
"Dude sings like Otis Redding and Muddy Waters yet can dance like James Brown."
Elmore
“Sit back and listen to one of today’s best blues-soul singers. Even better, attend one of his live performances where his energy can totally galvanize an audience.”
PopMatters- Premiere of The Revelator"
“A true badass... marrying the funky soulfulness of classic R&B records while acknowledging contemporary sensibilities.”
Soul Tracks - Premiere of “Time to Get Movin’”:
“The album features a killer band and was recorded live, giving a sweaty, urgent vibe that is tough to capture, but magic when it happens.”
Rock & Blues Muse
“Sugaray Rayford has the vocal chops to die for, but he’s got something else - it’s called star power and charisma. This guy’s got “It.”
Living Blues
“Sugaray Rayford is a soul singer who brilliantly weaves blues, jazz and gospel inflections into his soaring songs.”
Soul & Jazz & Funk
"Think back to, say, the Golden days of Chess and people like Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters; then factor in the sound of classic soul men like Solomon Burke and add a sprinkle of the big voiced icons like Teddy P and you're getting near to the sound of Sugaray Rayford. Float that over an authentic soul backing in the manner of Daptone and Stax and you're getting near to the sound of 'Somebody Save Me'."
Americana Music Association
“You and I is a love laced R&B gem”
Blues & Soul
“stonking, funking, soulful blues.”
Rock and Blues Muse
“Singers like this don’t come along every day...He’s the real deal.”
BluesEnthused.com
“So here’s a question for you folks. When was the last time you heard a singer announce, before a note has been played, that “We’re gonna get butt naked about 10 songs in”? Not an everyday occurrence is it? But what this gig demonstrates is that Sugaray Rayford is not your everyday live performer. Oh no. He’s a colossus.”
Soul & Blues Magazine
“The irrepressible Sugar Rayford dismantling the London Blues Week performing here at the 100 Club. A stonking band who ripped into the place like a soul tsunami, taking no prisoners - to hell with dry January this was inspirational!”
UKVibe.org
“Big buzz on this from our editor in chief, Steve Williams, so you have to pay attention immediately and quite rightly too, from the outset this is serious black soul music with hints of the blues, not one for the faint hearted this.
So you think you’re into soul music, well this will put you to the test with real instruments, a voice that sounds like it’s been nurtured in smoke-filled, whiskey fuelled bars for decades, not unlike Little Milton in places which is right up my street. I have to keep reminding myself that this is a brand new 2017 release, and not some unissued album from back in the day. Of course, if like me you search for new product on a daily basis, then the fruits of your labour are there, St, Paul & The Broken Bones, Charles Bradley, Lee Fields etc. Well Sugaray is now sharing the stage with these icons. I kid you not.”
SOUL and JAZZ and FUNK
“The 10 tracker [The World We Live In] is named for a steady slow rumble with a killer hook in the chorus but what makes the cut so attractive is Rayford’s world-weary, lived in soul vocal and Sapio’s authentic, Golden Age soul backdrop – all recorded in analogue (of course!).”