"Blues is human emotion conveyed through a simple form of music. Everybody can relate to that."

Sugar Ray Norcia: New England's Tones

Sugar Ray Norcia is a soul blues singer and harmonica player. He is best known for his work with his backing band, The Bluetones, with whom he has released seven albums since 1980. Norcia started to play his harmonica based blues at high school. Once Norcia had relocated to Providence, Rhode Island, he formed the Bluetones which secured a residence as the house band at a local nightclub. They backed touring acts, such as Big Walter Horton, Big Mama Thornton, Big Joe Turner and Roosevelt Sykes in nearby clubs. During the latter part of the 1970s, the band backed Ronnie Earl before he departed to join Roomful of Blues. Norcia's solo recordings included the EPs Sugar Ray and the Bluetones (1979); Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters featuring the Sensational Sugar Ray (1982), plus a couple of releases on Rounder Records, Knockout (1989) and Don't Stand In My Way (1991). Don't Stand In My Way was the first release by the Bullseye Blues label. The Bluetones also backed Miki Honeycutt on her initial album, Soul Deep. In 1991 Norcia himself joined Roomful of Blues as their lead vocalist. They issued three albums with Norcia and undertook extensive touring duties. Norcia also undertook work away from the group. He appeared on a Bullseye Blues album from trombonist Porky Cohen, Rhythm and Bones, (1996) and on the LP Little Anthony and Sugar Ray: Take It From Me, (1994). Also in 1994 Norcia appeared on Otis Grand's Nothing Else Matters album.

(Sugar Ray Norcia / Photos © by Yves Bougardier)

In 1998 Norcia exited from Roomful of Blues, and issued Sweet & Swingin', which featured songs written by Hank Williams, Arthur Alexander and Big Walter Horton; plus a guest appearance from The Jordanaires. In 1999 Norcia participated with James Cotton, Billy Branch and Charlie Musselwhite, on the Grammy Award nominated album, Superharps. Norcia contributed his harmonica playing on records by Pinetop Perkins and Doug James, in addition to touring along with the 'Sugar Ray Norcia Big Band'. The Bluetones released on Severn Records their albums “Evening” (2011), "Living Tear To Tear" (2014), and “Seeing Is Believing” (2016). Sugar Ray Norcia was inducted into Rhode Island’s Music Hall of Fame. In 2020, released on Severn Records the album “Too Far From The Bar”, produced by Duke Robillard, who also adds his tasty guitar licks to four tracks. The core band for the recording sessions was comprised of Sugar Ray Norcia (vocals and harmonica); Charlie Baty (guitar); Anthony Geraci (piano); Michael Mudcat Ward (acoustic bass); and Neil Gouvin (drums). The album marks one of the last recordings from beloved/acclaimed guitarist Charlie Baty. Sugar Ray and the Bluetones released a new album called “Blues From Sibculo”(2025) from the Natural Records label in Sibculo, Netherlands, where it was recorded, mixed and mastered with Sugar Ray Norcia on vocals and harmonica; Rusty Zinn on guitar and vocals; Mudcat Ward on stand up & electric bass; and Neil Gouvin on drums.

Interview by Michael Limnios

How has the Blues and Swing/Jump music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

It’s nice to always be reminded that there are people in every corner of the world who love and appreciate the same kind of music that I have dedicated my life to. I travel to many different parts of the globe and I always find that people are simply just people and music is the universal language.

How do you describe Sugar Ray Norcia sound and progress? What characterize your music philosophy?

I am more of a crooner than a blues shouter. I like melodies and songs that might tell a story. Above all, I have fun writing, and playing music!

What do you learn about yourself from the blues? What does the blues mean to you?

In life I sometimes keep feelings to myself, BUT when I write and perform I find it is easier to express myself.

What experiences in your life make you a GOOD BLUESMAN and SONGWRITER?

You just have to deal with what life throws at you. Sometimes things are good and other times not so good.

“I’ve always believed that feelings and emotion are so much more important than just technical prowess, but of course if one has the ability to have both virtuosity and soulfulness then all the better. That being said, there are so many harp players out there who can play rings around me as the saying goes but to compare is to dispare. I really on playing with feeling and reaching into peoples souls on a level that is both personal and beautiful.” (Photo: Sugar Ray Norcia)

You've one more release with The Bluetones. How did the idea of band come about? What keeps a musician passionate over the years in blues music?

Yes I play with a great guitar player Ton Ferraro, while I’m home in the USA and when we travel abroad, I play with my ole pal Rusty Zinn on guitar. We were recently on tour in Europe with Rusty in the spring of 2025 and we had a couple of dates cancelled, so we took the opportunity to go into the recording studio while in The Netherlands. We recorded a new CD with the intention of having some fun and also to keep the European fans aware that we are still recording, playing and touring. The passion is always there, because blues music gets ahold of you and won't let go!

Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album “Blues From Sibculo”(2025) and single "Bloodstains on the Wall"? What musicians have continued to inspire you and your music?

We are all on the same page musically, so although the new recording was a last minute idea, we brought it all into fruition quickly. The material just came together one song after the other. I used to play and even already recorded some of the tunes off of the new CD such as Lazy Lester’s "Bloodstains On The Wall", so we brought back some of the older material on a whim. Also, the studio and record company we recorded at in Sibculo, Netherlands called Natural Records was a fabulous experience. We were in the countryside and graciously hosted by the owners of the record company, Bo Brocken and his lovely wife, Vera. We garnered so much inspiration from their lovely property and fantastic studio that we all vowed that we would return there again. The musical ideas seem to flow when you are treated in such a nice way not to mention the fantastic home cooked meals prepared by Vera each day.

How do you think that you have grown as an artist since you first started making music? What has remained the same about your music-making process?

Well with age and experience, we all hopefully grow wiser and more mature musically. I personally have been fortunate to have experienced many, many different musical situations, both vocally and playing harmonica. I suppose, when I started playing music professionally, I was more concerned with closely emulating all the great artists that I would listen to on recordings and from seeing live shows, but through the years I have come to realize the truth, and wisdom of the saying "Just be yourself. There's only one of you".

“I still listen to the same ole blues recordings, that I have always listened to and it never gets old. When I write songs, I try to keep that connection with the artists that I’ve always admired, but of course, I integrate my own personal life experiences.” (Photo: Sugar Ray Norcia on stage with Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Ray Allison, Phil Guy, and AC Reed)

What has been the hardest obstacle for you to overcome as a person and as artist and has this helped you become a better blues musician?

The hardest obstacle to overcome on a personal level has been being away from home so often. I live a double life. One is as Sugar Ray Norcia, the vocalist harmonica playing three time Grammy nominated, world touring artist and the other and more important side of me, is the stay at home in the country, living in my cabin with my wonderful wife while being surrounded by nature and tranquility. I have made both worlds work, but of course with some sacrifices.

As a veteran harmonica player, what's the balance in music between technique and soul?

I’ve always believed that feelings and emotion are so much more important than just technical prowess, but of course if one has the ability to have both virtuosity and soulfulness then all the better. That being said, there are so many harp players out there who can play rings around me as the saying goes but to compare is to dispare. I really on playing with feeling and reaching into peoples souls on a level that is both personal and beautiful. It's so gratifying to experience that connection with people. As a musical performer, one has the privilege of instant gratification as you share your soul, with others while hopefully receiving positive feedback in return.

Your work is known for creatively reimagining blues tradition. How do you balance respect for the roots with experimentation?

I still listen to the same ole blues recordings, that I have always listened to and it never gets old. When I write songs, I try to keep that connection with the artists that I’ve always admired, but of course, I integrate my own personal life experiences.

You've worked in many different countries (Europe & USA) and settings, from clubs and studios to open air festivals and bars. How do you navigate between these different worlds?

Pretty much all the same to me. Sometimes, it seems easier to play for thousands of people, rather than to perform in a small intimate setting. I like to think that my gigs are such that I play with the same intensity and give it 110% whether it's a small nightclub or a huge music festival. Always have played that way, always will!

"It’s very rare for a traditional blues band (or any band for that matter) to have been together for so many decades. We are all like brothers who mainly stick together no matter what, through thick and thin and through good times and bad times. We have always stuck to our conviction of playing unadulterated music in its true form and we don’t compromise. A lot of fans and especially some of our musical peers appreciate that fact." (Sugar Ray Norcia, Charlie Baty, Anthony Geraci, Duke Robillard, Michael Mudcat Ward, and Neil Gouvin / Photo © by Tom Hazeltine)

How do you describe your previous album “Too Far from the Bar” (2020) sound and songbook? What do you loved most from Little Charlie Baty?

My album “Too Far From The Bar” represents a culmination of many of the various forms of blues and jazz that I’ve always loved. Charlie Baty loved the very same kinds of roots music that I love. This includes Jump Blues, Chicago Blues, Kansas City Blues, West Coast and East Coast Blues, low down blues and also swing, jazz, Western Swing, traditional country music and more! You can hear a lot of that on this CD.

What touched you from album's covers: “Bluebird Blues”, "Can’t Hold Out”, "My Next Door Neighbor", and  ”What Will Become of Me”?

I lean towards slow, meaningful blues. That’s why it’s so natural for me to cover tunes like “Bluebird Blues” and “Can’t Hold Out”. My band and I have always gotten a kick out of Jerry McCain’s song “My Next-Door Neighbor” so it was time that we recorded our version of it. I really, really got a chance to sing directly from my heart on Otis Spann’s “What Will Become Of Me”. It just may be my favorite moments from this recording session.

Why do you think that Sugar Ray and the Bluetones continues to generate such a devoted following, since 1980?

It’s very rare for a traditional blues band (or any band for that matter) to have been together for so many decades. We are all like brothers who mainly stick together no matter what, through thick and thin and through good times and bad times. We have always stuck to our conviction of playing unadulterated music in its true form and we don’t compromise. A lot of fans and especially some of our musical peers appreciate that fact.

Are there any memories from Big Joe Turner, Roomful of Blues and Roosevelt Sykes which you’d like to share with us?

There are so many great memories of performing and hanging out with Joe Turner, Big Walter Horton, Roomful of Blues and countless others. One that sticks out in my mind is playing with Roosevelt Sykes back in the late 1970’s when Ronnie Earl was in The Bluetones. Mr. Sykes asked us where he could find our recordings and we told him that we had never made a record. He suggested that we get busy and get into a recording studio because he thought we sounded so good! That was the catalyst and inspiration for us to begin our recording career. Not long amer those words of advise we went in the studio and recorded our first record. It was an EP (extended play 45 RPM) on The Baron Record Label that included the Johnny Guitar Watson song “Oh Baby” and my very first published original song called “Bite The Dust”.

"It’s nice to always be reminded that there are people in every corner of the world who love and appreciate the same kind of music that I have dedicated my life to. I travel to many different parts of the globe and I always find that people are simply just people and music is the universal language." (Sugar Ray Norcia, New England soul blues singer and harmonica player / Photo © by Stefan Meekers)

Why did you think that the Blues music continues to generate such a devoted following?

Blues is human emotion conveyed through a simple form of music. Everybody can relate to that.

What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I have to admit that I’m a bit closed minded when it comes to my preferences concerning todays blues music. I like simple music with emotion. The blues music of today sometimes incorporates too much funk and rock for my personal tastes. I basically tend to get the greatest pleasure listening to my old records of blues, jazz and country.

Which memory from the late great bluesman Big Walter Horton makes you smile?

We once played a gig during the day for a junior high school with Big Walter Horton. My son was with me. He was only about 4 years old at the time. Walter sat my son on his lap and said to me...”I’ll take care of the boy, now you go get me a half pint.”

What are the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music? What is the impact of Blues on the racial and socio-cultural implications?

Blues is the music of the African American culture but I have always felt accepted by my blues heroes like Muddy Waters, Otis Rush, Big Walter, Jimmy Rogers, Hubert Sumlin and many more these people were always kind and supportive to me...As long as you represent blues music with a sincere depth of feeling and honesty then there are no racial barriers as far as I’m concerned.

Do you know why the harmonica is connected to the blues? What are the secrets of?

The harmonica was available to the slaves and field workers in the late 1800’s after the civil war. It was inexpensive and emulated the human voice so it is a very expressive instrument.

"For some unknown reason New England has been a breeding ground for great blues and jazz players."

(Photo: Sugar Ray Norcia)

Which is the most interesting period in your life? Which was the best and worst moment of your career?

In the 1990’s I spent 7 years as front man for Roomful of Blues…. A horn driven jump blues Band. We played about 250 dates a year, all one nighters! At the time is sometimes a very grueling schedule but looking back on those days I realize it was a fantastic experience.

What’s the best jam you ever played in? What are some of the most memorable gigs you've had?

Sitting in with Muddy Waters was really great. After the show we were all in the dressing room and Muddy said to me” now son that’s how the harmonica is supposed to be played! “I was thrilled.

Which meetings have been the most important experiences for you? What is the best advice ever given you?

Early in my career we backed up a lot of great bluesmen like Big Walter, Joe Turner, Otis Rush and many others. Rooselvelt Sykes was the first to really encourage us to make recordings.

From the musical point of view what are the differences between: New England from the other local scenes?

For some unknown reason New England has been a breeding ground for great blues and jazz players. I could list dozens of musicians from this area who have made a mark in the jazz and blues world.

Let’s take a trip with a time machine, so where and why would you really wanna go for a whole day..?

I might like to be sitting in with a swinging band in some juke joint in say Kansas City in the 1940’s or 50’s . Then again, it would be cool to be sitting at a front table somewhere in Chicago watching Little Walter play his hits and he’s on fire!

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(Sugar Ray Norcia / Photo © by Frank Nielsen)