Colors was written and recorded on four continents: it reflects the constant research of sounds and emotions that drives Sugar Blue’s creative force. The songs are diverse in the concepts and eclectic in the delivery. The opening track is a tribute to Bo Diddley co-written with Nick Tremulis (Rick Danko/The Band). Guitar work by the usual suspect: Rico McFarland (James, Cotton, Lucky Peterson, Albert King, Tyrone Davis), a long-standing member of the Sugar Blue Band and instrumental in the funk and soul sounds throughout the album.
“Day Tripper” (The Beatles) delivered Chicago-style, with an arrangement inspired by the late great harmonica Maestro Junior Wells.
“Dirty Ole Man” is a classic blues and a rebuttal of toxic masculinity. Drummers Brady Williams and Yan Boodhoo provide the rhythm foundation with bassists Ilaria Lantieri (co-writer and arranger on some of the tunes) and Maestro Johnny B. Gayden, a legendary member of the Albert Collins band and historical session man.
“Bass Reeves” is the tale of the Lone Ranger from the famed TV show… a liberated slave turned U.S. Marshall.
Finger-picking maestro Max De Bernardi provides the fine guitar work on “Good Ole Days,” New Orleans’ own Washboard Chaz is in charge of the rhythm. A song of hope, “We Will Be Alright,” features Afrika Riz, a young choir from Soweto, South Africa.
Talented Damiano Della Torre (Pavarotti, Miriam Makeba, Tom Jones) is in charge of piano and organs. “Shanghai Sunset” is a soulful ode to a vibrant metropolis and features the ‘Sheng’ …an ancient Chinese reed instrument from which the harmonica descends.
“…the foremost harmonica blower of our time” – Rolling Stone
