The Sugarman 3
Quick Info
- Genres: retro soul, jazz funk, funk, soul jazz
- Years Active: 1996–present
- Spotify Popularity: 31/100
- Followers: 13,895
Biography
The Sugarman 3, sometimes styled as The Sugarman Three, is a retro-funk and soul-jazz band formed in New York City in 1996 by tenor saxophonist Neal Sugarman. Sugarman, originally from the suburbs of Boston, developed his musical foundation at Berklee College of Music before immersing himself in the New York jazz scene and later spending formative years gigging in New Orleans. His experiences in these vibrant musical communities shaped his desire to create music that was both soulful and danceable, steering away from the more academic side of jazz.
Upon returning to New York in the mid-1990s, Sugarman assembled a trio with organist Adam Scone and drummer Rudy Albin, both of whom brought deep roots in soul and jazz. The group quickly became known for their energetic live performances and authentic throwback sound, which drew inspiration from classic soul-jazz and boogaloo. Their debut album, 'Sugar’s Boogaloo,' released in 1998 on Desco Records, was met with critical acclaim and established them as leaders in the modern funk revival. Subsequent albums like 'Soul Donkey' and 'Pure Cane Sugar' further cemented their reputation, and their partnership with Gabe Roth led to the founding of Daptone Records in 2002, a label that would become central to the soul revival movement.
The Sugarman 3’s music is characterized by its grooving Hammond organ, punchy saxophone lines, and tight rhythm section, blending elements of 1960s soul, funk, and jazz. Their sound avoids clichés, focusing instead on raw, dancefloor-friendly grooves. The group’s legacy is closely tied to the resurgence of vintage soul and funk in the 21st century, and they have played a pivotal role in launching the careers of other artists within the Daptone family.
Fun Facts
- The Sugarman 3’s debut album, 'Sugar’s Boogaloo,' was so convincing in its retro style that many listeners initially believed it was a lost classic from the 1960s.
- Neal Sugarman co-founded Daptone Records, which became a major force in the global soul and funk revival.
- The group’s music has been widely sampled and licensed for use in film, television, and advertising, thanks in part to its authentic vintage sound.
- Drummer Rudy Albin’s background includes playing with legendary jazz and soul artists, bringing deep authenticity to the group’s rhythm section.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Brother Jack McDuff - Rudy Albin, Sugarman 3's drummer, previously played with this legendary organist, bringing his influence into the group’s sound. (Live performances, stylistic influence) [Pre-1996]
- Papa Lou Donaldson - Rudy Albin also played with this iconic jazz saxophonist, further shaping the group’s approach to soul-jazz. (Live performances, stylistic influence) [Pre-1996]
Key Collaborators
- Adam Scone - Founding member and Hammond organist, integral to the group’s sound on all major albums. (Sugar’s Boogaloo, Soul Donkey, Pure Cane Sugar, What the World Needs Now) [1996–present]
- Rudy Albin - Founding drummer, contributed to the group’s early recordings and live performances. (Sugar’s Boogaloo, Soul Donkey) [1996–early 2000s]
- Coleman Mellett - Guitarist who joined the group early on, expanding the trio’s sound. (Early live performances and recordings) [Late 1990s]
- Gabe Roth (a.k.a. Bosco Mann) - Co-founder of Daptone Records with Neal Sugarman; producer and bassist, frequent collaborator on Daptone projects. (Pure Cane Sugar, Daptone Records releases) [2002–present]
- Sharon Jones - Collaborated closely as labelmates on Daptone; Sugarman 3 opened for Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings and contributed to the soul revival movement. (Live shows, Daptone Records projects) [2002–2016]
- Lee Fields - Recorded multiple singles together on Daptone Records, blending Fields’ vocals with the Sugarman 3’s instrumental backing. (Shot Down, You Don’t Know What You Mean, Stand-Up) [2000s]
- Charles Bradley - Collaborated on the single 'Take It As It Comes' for Daptone Records. (Take It As It Comes) [2000s]
Artists Influenced
- Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings - Sugarman 3's members and Daptone Records co-founders were instrumental in launching and shaping the Dap-Kings' sound. (Dap-Dippin' with Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings) [2002–2016]
- Daptone Records artists - The Sugarman 3's authentic approach to funk and soul set the template for many acts on the label. (Various Daptone releases) [2002–present]
Enhanced with Perplexity AI research
Sources: Source1, Source2, Source3, Source4
Source: Wikipedia
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| What the World Needs Now | 2012-05-15 | Album |
| Sugarman 3 & Co: Pure Cane Sugar | 2002-10-15 | Album |
| Soul Donkey | 2006-04-17 | Album |
| Sugar's Boogaloo | 1998-01-01 | Album |
| Deux fils (Bande originale du film) | 2019-02-13 | Album |
| What The World Needs Now | 2012-05-15 | Album |
| What the World Needs Now | 2012-05-15 | Album |
| What the World Needs Now | 2012-03-06 | Album |
| What The World Needs Now | 2012-03-06 | Album |
| Sugar's Boogaloo | 2008-04-01 | Album |
| Soul Donkey | 2006-04-17 | Album |
| Sugarman 3 & Co: Pure Cane Sugar | 2002-10-15 | Album |
| Pure Cane Sugar | 2002-03-13 | Album |
| Pure Cane Sugar | 2002 | Album |
| Soul Donkey | 2000 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Rudy's Intervention (What the World Needs Now)
- Jealous Moon (What the World Needs Now)
- Bosco's Blues (Sugarman 3 & Co: Pure Cane Sugar)
- Got to Get Back to My Baby (What the World Needs Now)
- Pure Cane (Sugarman 3 & Co: Pure Cane Sugar)
- Funky So-and-So (Sugarman 3 & Co: Pure Cane Sugar)
- Down to It (Sugarman 3 & Co: Pure Cane Sugar)
- Stand Up (Daptone Gold)
- Your Friendly Neighborhood Sugarman (What the World Needs Now)
- So Long Donkey (Soul Donkey)
External Links
Heard on WWOZ
The Sugarman 3 has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 22, 2025 | 08:57 | jealous moonfrom what the world needs now | The Morning Setw/ Stuart Hall |