Sugar Ray and the Bluetones — Seeing Is Believing

Label: Severn Records (release date of October 7, 2016)

Sugar Ray and the Bluetones are consistent as can be. This time, the East Coast-based blues band fronted by harmonica man extraordinaire/vocalist Ray Norcia and featuring Monster Mike Welch (guitar), Anthony Geraci (piano/organ), Michael Mudcat Ward (bass), and Neil Gouvin (drums) make some of the most agreeable emotional declarations ever heard. The album, Seeing Is Believing, is just the latest in the group’s highly praised collection of work over the last 35 years.

The end result of the efforts of these artists who have paid their dues is a classic (as in timeless) treatment of the blues. Everything you ever wanted when you decided to listen to the blues is here, and more. These harmonica-soaked, guitar-driven songs satisfy immensely. In this case, hearing is also believing.

Essential Downloads: “Sweet Baby,” “Keep On Sailing,” “You Know I Love You.”

To preview or purchase this album on iTunes, click here.