I think that it’s about time to include Sugar Ray Norcia in any and all discussions concerning just who are the current day Blues masters. Hands Across The Table is yet another sterling example of the singer, songwriter, harp player’s ability to meld influences from varying realms into a distinctive, satisfying sound. Aside from the obvious Jump Blues and Chicago influences there are hints of classic large ensemble R&B as well as a somewhat pronounced Country influence in there also. He’s got that supple crooner’s voice that wraps around a lyric and is capable of caressing, cajoling and catapulting it into the heavens.

Longtime Bluetones Mudcat Ward(bass), Neil Gouvin(drums) and Anthony Geraci(piano) are joined by ex-Red Devils guitarist Paul Size to provide extra-firm support. These guys know just what Norcia needs and hit all the right notes, no matter which direction the music travels. Doug Jones(saxes) and Carl Querfurth(trombone) add the icing with their spirited horn charts. In the end, however, it’s all about the man up front. There’s wit and want in his lyrics as well as the vocals that convey them. It doesn’t hurt that he can blow the harp with the best of them either. Ray Norcia is a fully matured talent with all his tools in optimum working order.

The title track opener gets things started with a building arrangement that keeps everybody in the pocket, allowing Ray the chance to punctuate his thankful lyrics with joyous, wailing harp. And, things just roll on from there, gathering momentum. Size follows in the recent footsteps of Kid Bangham and Monster Mike Welch with his tasteful Texas tone that keeps things moving while adding just the right lead lines as needed. Everything works from top to bottom. Highlights include the wonderful slow blues, “Dark Roads Calling’” that allows Size to step up and shine. “River Stay Away From My Door,” crosses the country path with wonderful input from the horn section that nicely counterpoints Ray’s bouncing vocals and Geraci’s bounding piano. There’s a warm bass-end present whether it be from Queforth’s trombone, Jone’s baritone saxophone or Norcia’s deep, rich vocals. Ward keeps the bottom end loose and moving with his understated bass lines. If you love the Blues and how they make you feel, Hands Across the table is a full plate of the music’s best ingredients.

Dig in.

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