Ray Charles - Soul Genius [Live]

Product Description
A spellbinding concert by legendary musical genius Ray Charles. This recording Features Ray Charles with full orchestra performing many of his greatest hits. The enormous scope of Ray’s talent provide something for everyone in this incredible concert performance. Never before released on CD.

Ray Charles - Soul Genius,Ray Charles,Hudson/Street,Blues,Country-Soul,Jazz Blues,Piano Blues,Pop,Pop-Soul,R&B,R&B/Soul,Soul,United States of America,Urban Blues

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Average customer rating: Take this Genius with you In the December of His Life Genius Album It's Genius! Genius loves company a hit with us

Genius Loves Company Ray Charles Manufacturer: Concord Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music Piano | Blues | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Pop | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Ray!: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Feels Like Home Ray Charles: Ultimate Hits Collection The Girl In The Other Room Come Away with Me ASIN: B0002F7I9Y Release Date: 2004-08-31

Tracks:

1. Here We Go Again - Features Norah Jones
2. Sweet Potato Pie - Features James Taylor
3. You Don't Know Me - Features Diana Krall
4. Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word - Features Elton John
5. Fever - Features Natalie Cole
6. Do I Ever Cross Your Mind - Features Bonnie Raitt
7. It Was A Very Good Year - Features Willie Nelson
8. Hey Girl - Features Michael McDonald
9. Sinner's Prayer - Features B.B. King
10. Heaven Help Us All - Features Gladys Knight
11. Somewhere Over The Rainbow - Features Johnny Mathis
12. Crazy Love - Features Van Morrison

Amazon.com

The fact that Genius Loves Company will be Ray Charles's final new album inspires an unavoidable blue feeling. But it's also a happy reminder that the man spent the last months of his life at work doing what he loved. The overall effect of these dozen duets is autumnal and smooth. Brother Ray is on point and cruising here. Fine moments abound--you can hear his delight even in the rather stiff company of Diana Krall and Natalie Cole. His voice sounds a bit frayed by ill health at times, but it also allows for great performances like the slyness behind the ache in his version of the old soul hit "Hey Girl" with Michael McDonald and a grand "Crazy Love" with Van Morrison. Potently, he and Gladys Knight remind us of the continued timeliness of Stevie Wonder's "Heaven Help Us All." Its best moments make Company one more essential purchase for Ray Charles fans. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

Take this Genius with you.......2007-07-16

Good music, great talent. Norah Jones, James Taylor, B.B. King! with past and current stars this CD is totally enjoyable. Willie Nelson's set is my favorite and I can't forget to mention Diana Krall.

In the December of His Life.......2007-06-05

When I was a kid, I was privileged to grow up with great music always playing in the house. From my grandfather I inherited a love for classical, and for country when it was still "country and western." From my dad, though, I inherited my appreciation for Ray Charles.

At the time, I was listening to a lot of soul, like Smokey Robinson and Otis Redding, and rock, like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. After hearing a record of "What'd I Say" and "Hit the Road Jack," I asked my father what kind of music that was. "That's Ray Charles," he told me. I told him I wanted to know what kind of music he was playing. He gave me the same answer.

It took me a while to understand what he was getting at. Charles's music was beyond category; it was his own invention, completely and utterly sui generis.

Take, for instance, his now-classic arrangement of "America the Beautiful." My grade school music teacher actually thought I was unpatriotic because I couldn't stand the standard version of the song. But it wasn't the words I had a problem with--only the juvenile, sing-song meter: I thought the song wasn't fit to be representing my country. Years later, after I left the Army, I saw Charles on television performing "America the Beautiful" before a baseball game. Using a gospel rhythm on his piano and singing off the backbeat, he transformed it into something so magnificently inspired that he made it all his own--and one of my all-time favorites. I guess that's why he's called, not "a genius," but "The Genius."

Charles died in 2004 at the age of seventy-three. His last work, Genius Loves Company, an album of duets, was a labor of love by an incomparable artist who knew his days were numbered. It was in the tradition of other famous duet releases, beginning in 1991 with Natalie Cole's Unforgettable: With Love--the remarkable album featuring studio-engineered duets with her deceased father, Nat King Cole--and followed by star-studded duet albums from Frank Sinatra (1993) and Tony Bennett (Playin' with My Friends, 2001).

Genius Loves Company opens strong, with Charles's country/blues hit from the 1960s, "Here We Go Again"--this time a collaboration with Grammy-winning newcomer Norah Jones. There's a cover with Diana Krall of Eddy Arnold's country classic "You Don't Know Me," which Charles also recorded in 1962. On this take, the lyrics are parsed at just the right points, letting Krall's satiny vocals work off Charles's gravelly blues. For a duet with Willie Nelson on the Sinatra classic "It Was a Very Good Year," the two old-timers barely sing, but rather narrate the lyrics, much like Jimmy Durante, or Walter Huston in his performance of "September Song." On "Sinner's Prayer" B.B. King is along for the ride with his beloved Lucille. With King's scorching guitar work a perfect counterpoint to the staccato rhythms of Ray's chords, and Billy Preston backing up on the Hammond organ, this is the album's strongest cut. A finger-snapping rendition of "Fever" with Natalie Cole and an a cappella gospel take on "Crazy Love" with Van Morrison round out this solid effort.

Although Charles passed away before Genius Loves Company was released, he must have known that he was going out on top. While recording the album, he worked with director Taylor Hackford and actor Jamie Foxx on the biopic of his life story, Ray. At the 2005 Grammy awards Genius Loves Company walked off with all the important trophies, and Foxx took home the best actor Academy Award for his uncanny portrayal of the legendary musician.

Okay, it's a cliché, but it's still true: Ray Charles may be gone, but his music will be with us forever.

Genius Album.......2007-05-25

Ray Charles by himself is genius, but to pair up with some of musics most distinguished artists and provide listeners with a variety of soulful and beautiful music is simply fantastic. The opening track is a great start with Norah Jones. Though I am not much of a country fan the Willie Nelson Duet gives me shivers from its great color and depth. I love all of the tracks and often will grab my partner and dance to the tracks because it is so great!

This is actually my second time purchasing this CD because I had to give it to someone who I new would love the music.

It's Genius!.......2007-03-24

This CD is fantastic and I love the duets of old favorites being given a
new "flavor" by Ray Charles and friends. It's soothing music, and yet it
energizes.

Genius loves company a hit with us.......2007-01-29

Both of us love this Ray Charles CD. We enjoy all the tracks! Each track is a duet with a different performer, and they're all great!

Average customer rating: Ray Charles 50th A Giant Among Musicians A wonderful collection Definitive 5-Disc Collection Plus Detailed Book of Ray Genius

Genius & Soul: The 50th Anniversary Collection Ray Charles Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music Piano | Blues | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Blues | Box Sets | Stores | Music R&B & Soul | Box Sets | Stores | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Box Sets at 30% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Country | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Ray Charles: The Complete Country & Western Recordings 1959-1986 Pure Genius: The Complete Atlantic Recordings (1952-1959) Queen of Soul: The Atlantic Recordings Star Time At the Close of a Century ASIN: B00000343O Release Date: 1997-09-16

Tracks:

1. Confession Blues - The Maxin Trio
2. Baby Let Me Hold Your Hand - Ray Charles Trio
3. Kissa Me Baby
4. It Should've Been Me
5. Don't You Know
6. Come Back Baby
7. I've Got A Woman
8. A Fool For You
9. This Little Girl Of Mine
10. Blackjack
11. Greenbacks
12. Drown In My Own Tears
13. Hallelujah I Love Her So
14. Lonely Avenue
15. Leave My Woman Alone
16. Ain't That Love
17. Swanee River Rock
18. My Bonnie
19. Rockhouse Parts 1 & 2
20. (Night Time Is) The Right Time
21. What'd I Say Parts l & ll
22. Tell The Truth
23. I Believe To My Soul
24. Don't Let The Sun Catch You Cryin'

Tracks:

1. Let The Good Times Roll
2. Come Rain Or Come Shine
3. Tell The Truth
4. Drown In My Own Tears
5. I'm Movin' On
6. My Baby! (I Love Her, Yes I Do)
7. Sticks And Stones
8. I Wonder
9. Georgia On My Mind
10. Them That Got
11. Ruby
12. Hardhearted Hannah
13. I've Got News For You
14. One Mint Julep
15. I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town
16. Hit The Road Jack
17. The Danger Zone
18. Unchain My Heart
19. But On The Other Hand Baby
20. Baby, It's Cold Outside - Ray Charles/Betty Carter
21. Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye - Ray Charles/Betty Carter
22. At The Club

Tracks:

1. Hid 'Nor Hair
2. I Can't Stop Loving You
3. Bye Bye, Love
4. Born To Lose
5. You Don't Know Me
6. You Are My Sunshine
7. Your Cheating Heart
8. Take These Chains From My Heart
9. The Brightest Smile In Town
10. Without Love (There Is Nothing)
11. Busted
12. That Lucky Old Sun
13. Ol' Man River
14. Smack Dab In The Middle
15. Makin' Whoopee
16. Without A Song (Parts 1 & 2)
17. The Cincinnati Kid
18. Crying Time
19. Let's Go Get Stoned
20. I Chose To Sing The Blues
21. Together Again
22. I Don't Need No Doctor

Tracks:

1. Eleanor Rigby
2. Yesterday
3. Understanding
4. Drifting Blues
5. Here We Go Again
6. In The Heat Of The Night
7. Gee, Baby Ain't I Good To You
8. I Didn't Know What Time It Was
9. If It Wasn't For Bad Luck - Ray Charles/Jimmy Lewis
10. We Can Make It
11. Con't Change On Me
12. Feel So Bad
13. Look What They've Done To My Song, Ma
14. Spirit In The Dark (Reprise) - Ray CharlesAretha Franklin
15. Booty Butt
16. I Can Make It Thru The Days (But Oh Those Lonely..
17. Rainy Night In Georgia
18. America The Beautiful/(Hidden Track)Coca Cola Commercial

Tracks:

1. Living For The City
2. Till There Was You
3. Am I Blue
4. How Long Has This Been Going On
5. The Jealous Kind
6. Is There Anyone Out There?
7. Don't You Love Me Anymore?
8. One Of These Days
9. Seven Spanish Angels - Ray Charles/Willie Nelson
10. We Didn't See A Thing - Ray Charles/George Jones
11. Two Old Cats Like Us - Ray Charles/Hank Williams, Jr.
12. Shake Your Tallfeather - Ray Charles/The Blues Brothers
13. I'll Be Good To You - Quincy Jones
14. That's Where It's At - Lou Rawls/Ray Charles
15. A Song For You
16. Still Crazy After All These Years/(Hidden Track)Olympia Beer Commercial

Amazon.com essential recording

If anyone deserves his own section in record stores, it's Ray Charles. Witness this Charles box set, a full five-disc career retrospective that follows smaller packages concentrating on his early R&B (The Birth of Soul) and Blues + Jazz work. In addition to those styles, we get Ray's stabs at Nat "King" Cole/Charles Brown urban blues ("Baby Let Me Hold Your Hand"), handfuls of country songs ("I Can't Stop Loving You"), definitive readings of the American songbook ("Georgia on My Mind," "Come Rain or Come Shine"), and personal claims on the '60s soul he made possible ("I Don't Need No Doctor"). Whether you're a newcomer or a veteran Charles fan, this impeccably selected box is for you. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

Ray Charles 50th.......2007-01-20

A lot of Charles product out there, but this along with Atlantic Box set is one of the best.

A good cross section of old and new Ray Charles including I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts and some hard to find cuts unless you go to the original cd's or albums. Highly recommended if you love Ray Charles. Good pricing at Amazon.

A Giant Among Musicians.......2005-12-31

Ray Charles touched music more than any other artist in history. Of course, this is opinion but I am pretty secure in stating it. He had a feel for music that transcended mere harmony and melody. Mr. Charles put something in his music that made it come alive and really make an impact on all who heard it. His diversity in style was also quite prodigeous. From Soul (which he invented), R&B, and early Rock to Jazz and Country, Ray made songs that were not just hits, but lasting gems that all could adore.

This box set makes a noble attempt at presenting the icon that is Ray Charles. It spans practically his entire career. I will say that it is a good place to start if you are beginning to create your Ray Charles collection. Nevertheless, with such a prolific song writer as Ray Charles, it absolutely is not the only set you will want.

By the way, they need to have an extra star just for Ray, he's a six star in my book, and no one else comes close.

A wonderful collection.......2005-08-15

For fans of Ray Charles, this collection is a must. For those who perhaps know only his music via the movie, Ray, you are in for a real treat.

There is a wonderful book included which details all of his albums and individual recordings as well as commentary by his biographer, David Ritz.

From 1949 - 1993 this set covers every genre of music, and in a way that only Ray can do. No one comes close to this genius of song.

Like many others I had taken him for granted; that he would always be around. I have many albums, concerts on DVD and his autobiography, but this collection is special, covering a nearly 50 year career over these 5 discs, my favorite being the 5th disc. He does those awesome blues ballad standards as only he can: "Till There Was You" and "Am I Blue". Both of these are live performances from a concert he did in Japan in 1975. In my opinion he was at his best in his 40s. I don't go thru a day without some Ray music.

Do yourself a favor and experience the genius of Ray Charles.

Definitive 5-Disc Collection Plus Detailed Book of Ray.......2005-07-20

"Genius & Soul," a compilation of Ray Charles' music, may set the gold standard by which "boxed sets" are judged. While a 5-disc set is not in everyone's budget, it would be fair to say that music fans should consider "Genius & Soul" to be a cornerstone of any CD collection.

First, we are obviously talking about Ray Charles, one of the leading musical talents of the 20th century by virtually any measure. Not only did he span several genres (including those he helped create), Charles dominated over several decades and influenced generations of separate artists. It's hard to imagine another artist who can boast such diverse and definitive tunes as (and this is a small selection -- many other songs could fit this description) as pop/R&B with "What'd I Say," country with "Seven Spanish Angels," rock with a soulful rendition of "Yesterday," and good ole Americana with "Georgia on My Mind" and "America the Beautiful." Unlike other artists, who could start to bore you out of sheer repetition over 5 CDs, Ray Charles captivates, charms, and delights song after song. The quality of the recordings are also excellent.

This CD collection is supplemented by a lengthy book that is part song compilation, part biography, and part testimonial by artists who played with Ray Charles. While at times bogging down in a litany of the songs that Charles performed, for the most part this book is informative and entertaining, most disarmingly so when accomplished artists recall their experiences with this musical dynamo.

Ray Charles has taken his leave of us, but this compilation is a fitting testament to the music this remarkable American artist has left behind for all of us to savor. A definite must-have.

Genius.......2005-07-13

What Can I say about Ray Charles That Hasnt Been Said Before? Great Selection, better off getting this then these flimsy single disc greatest hits albums, well worth the price. Some of The finest music recorded.Great Inro to a new fan, and great add-on to anyones music collection

Average customer rating: Soulful ballads from Ray Charles's breakthrough album The peak One of his best A MUST Have a perfect mix of popular and soul stylings from the genius

The Genius of Ray Charles Ray Charles Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Modern Sounds In Country and Western Music Ray Charles Live Genius + Soul = Jazz/My Kind of Jazz The Complete Atomic Basie The Genius Hits the Road ASIN: B000002I4U Release Date: 1990-01-24

Tracks:

1. Let The Good Times Roll
2. It Had To Be You
3. Alexander's Ragtime Bands
4. Two Years Of Torture
5. When Your Lover Has Gone
6. Deed I Do
7. Just For A Thrill
8. You Won't Let Me Go
9. Tell Me You'll Wait For Me
10. Don't Let The Sun Catch You Cryin'
11. Am I Blue
12. Come Rain Or Come Shine

Amazon.com essential recording

Why you'd want to limit yourself to owning just one Ray Charles album is a question only you can answer, but if that's the case, The Genius is a strong contender for the slot. Half big-band settings of tunes as diverse as "Let the Good Times Roll," "When Your Lover Has Gone," and "Alexander's Ragtime Band" and half string-drenched ballads like "Just for a Thrill" and "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'," this 1959 disc lives up to its title in more ways than there's room here to count. Suffice it to say that the album finds Charles at a peak of musical and emotional energy, working in thoroughly sympathetic settings with perfectly matched soloists like tenor men Paul Gonsalves and David "Fathead" Newman and arrangers on the order of Quincy Jones and Ralph Burns. And the closing cut, "Come Rain or Come Shine," may be Charles's single greatest performance. --Rickey Wright

Customer Reviews:

Soulful ballads from Ray Charles's breakthrough album.......2004-06-11

Ray Charles passed away today and the reason everybody is talking about him as the creator of soul music is because no other musician did more to develop the form. There is no argument that other singers, such as Sam Cooke and Jackie Wilson, were influential in pioneering soul music but it was Ray Charles who merged 1950's R&B with gospel-powered vocals into a new form of black pop music. This 1959 album produced by Atlantic Records lives up to its title, but you have to remember that this was originally a record album. That is not because "The Genius of Ray Charles" sounds old but because there are clearly two distinct sides to the album.

The "A" side has the Ray Charles band being complemented by members of the bands of Count Basie and Duke Ellington (such as David "Fathead" Newman and Paul Gonsalves on tenor sax and Marcus Belgrave on trumpet) playing a half-dozen songs arranged by Quincy Jones. "It Had to Be You" and the old Irving Berlin standard "Alexander's Ragtime Band" are the most familiar songs, but the two best on the first half of the album are "Let the Good Times Roll" and "Deed I Do."

The "B" side consists of six ballads, arranged by Ralph Burns with the backing of a string orchestra. The two standout tracks here are "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'" and the final track, the truly outstanding version of Mercer & Arlen's "Come Rain or Come Shine." With all the orchestration Charles' piano playing is lost in the mix but what stands out is his voice. In terms of the vocal phrasing he displays on these ballads this is really a breakthrough album in terms of the singing.

How good is "The Genius of Ray Charles"? Well, listen to the classic saloon songs of Frank Sinatra's 1958 album "Only the Lonely," and Charles doing "Come Rain or Come Shine" does not suffer in comparison. Of course the fact that Ray Charles was that good is not news to anybody who loved listening to that man sing for almost fifty years. There are lots of hit collections that you can pick up to honor his memory, but there is something to be said for complete albums and in that regard "The Genius of Ray Charles" would be on anyone's short list.

The peak.......2003-07-28

This album boldly declares Ray Charles' genius. I've never heard anybody argue with the appelation. When this came out, he was established as a brilliant R&B singer, songwriter and performer. Here he hooks up (on what was side one) with an all-star jazz big band, featuring players from both Basie and Ellington, to make music that is hard to categorize as anything other than Ray. His piano envelopes the whole group in his R&B style, so while it's a lot of jazz players displaying their jazz chops, the result is something else. Then, on what was side 2, he takes another turn, playing with a small combo and a huge orchestra--pointing the way, with cuts like "You Won't Let Me Go" toward his brilliant take on country & western, and toward his (recently-unearthed) collaboration with Jimmy Scott on his timeless version of "Come Rain or Come Shine."

You can't really review this album, because it puts to shame all the other 5-star ratings I've given on Amazon. Every cut on here is a classic, a pathbreaker, a rich emotional experience, and a swinging time will be had by all.

One of his best.......2001-12-22

Several great musical traditions flow through this album. How many albums have songs by Percy Mayfield as well as Irving Berlin, or big band arrangements by Quincy Jones as well as strings arranged by Ralph Burns? Nobody could bring it all together like Ray Charles; in his hands, it's all just great American music.

A MUST Have.......2000-02-26

this album is solid all the way through.Ray Charles is a Genius he handles all types of styles.he is a true Musical AMbassador.you can hear the Soul&Honesty in his voice.as well in his Piano Playing.

a perfect mix of popular and soul stylings from the genius.......1999-08-30

C'mon - you won't find a better renedering of these standards anywhere than by the greatest ever, Ray Charles. Perfect for an introduction to the artist or as a way to see him capture his smoother side after he invented soul music.

Average customer rating: This Set Gave Me What I Was Looking For & More why there aren't more outtakes on this set Great Music, reasonable price, stupid people!! Nothing wrong with 8th disc? for all the fans...

Pure Genius: The Complete Atlantic Recordings (1952-1959) Ray Charles Manufacturer: Atlantic / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music R&B & Soul | Box Sets | Stores | Music Box Sets at 30% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Jazz | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Ray Charles: The Complete Country & Western Recordings 1959-1986 A Musical History Genius & Soul: The 50th Anniversary Collection The Complete Library of Congress Recordings Talking Heads Brick ASIN: B000A7KL7U Release Date: 2005-09-20

Tracks:

1. The Suns Gonna Shine Again
2. Roll With My Baby
3. The Midnight Hour
4. Jumpin In The Mornin
5. It Shouldve Been Me
6. Losing Hand
7. Heartbreaker
8. Sinners Prayer
9. Mess Around
10. Funny (But I Still Love You)
11. Feelin Sad
12. I Wonder Who
13. Dont You Know
14. Nobody Cares
15. Rays Blues
16. I Got A Break Baby
17. Blackjack
18. Ive Got A Woman
19. Greenbacks
20. Come Back Baby
21. A Fool For You
22. This Little Girl Of Mine
23. Hard Times (No One
24. Knows Better Than I)
25. Blues Hangover
26. Mary Ann
27. Drown In My Own Tears
28. Hallelujah I Love Her So
29. What Would I Do
30. Without You

Tracks:

1. Dawn Ray
2. The Man I Love
3. Music, Music, Music
4. Black Coffee
5. Lonely Avenue
6. I Want To Know
7. Leave My Woman Alone
8. The Ray
9. I Surrender Dear
10. Hornful Soul
11. Aint Misbehavin
12. Joy Ride
13. Sweet Sixteen Bars
14. Doodlin
15. Theres No You
16. Undecided
17. My Melancholy Baby
18. Its All Right
19. Aint That Love

Tracks:

1. Rockhouse Parts 1 & 2
2. Get On The Right Track Baby
3. Swanee River Rock (Talkin Bout That River)
4. Thats Enough
5. Talkin Bout You
6. What Kind Of Man Are You
7. I Want A Little Girl
8. How Long Blues - Milt Jackson & Ray Charles
9. Cosmic Ray - Milt Jackson & Ray Charles
10. The Genius After Hours
11. Charlesville
12. Bags Of Blues - Ray Charles & Milt Jackson
13. Deed I Do - Milt Jackson & Ray Charles
14. Blue Funk - Milt Jackson & Ray Charles
15. Soul Brothers - Milt Jackson & Ray Charles

Tracks:

1. Bags Guitar Blues - Milt Jackson & Ray Charles
2. Yes Indeed!
3. I Had A Dream
4. You Be My Baby
5. Tell All The World About You
6. My Bonnie
7. Soul Meeting - Ray Charles & Milt Jackson
8. Hallelujah I Love Her So - Ray Charles & Milt Jackson
9. Blue Genius - Ray Charles & Milt Jackson
10. X-Ray Blues - Ray Charles & Milt Jackson
11. Love On My Mind - Ray Charles & Milt Jackson
12. The Spirit-Feel (Live, 1958)
13. Blues Waltz (Live, 1958)
14. In A Little Spanish Town (Live, 1958)
15. Sherry (Live, 1958)
16. (Night Time Is) The Right Time (Live, 1958)
17. A Fool For You (Live, 1958)

Tracks:

1. Ive Got A Woman (Live, 1958)
2. Talkin bout You (Live, 1958)
3. Swanee River Rock (Talkin Bout That River)(Live, 1958)
4. Yes Indeed! (Live, 1958)
5. Early In The Mornin
6. (Night Time Is) The Right Time
7. Carrying That Load (Single Version)
8. Carrying That Load (LP Version)
9. Tell Me How Do You Feel
10. Fathead - David Newman
11. Tin Tin Deo - David Newman
12. Bill For Bennie - David Newman
13. Hard Times - David Newman
14. Mean To Me - David Newman
15. Sweet Eyes - David Newman
16. Weird Beard - David Newman
17. Willow Weep For Me - David Newman
18. Tell The Truth
19. Whatd I Say Parts I & II (Mono LP Version)

Tracks:

1. Whatd I Say Parts I & II (Stereo LP Version)
2. Tell Me Youll Wait For Me
3. Come Rain Or Come Shine
4. Dont Let The Sun Catch You Cryin
5. Just For A Thrill
6. You Wont Let Me Go
7. Am I Blue
8. The Spirit-Feel (Live, 1959)
9. Frenesi (Live, 1959)
10. Tell The Truth (Live, 1959)
11. Drown In My Own Tears (Live, 1959)
12. (Night Time Is) The Right Time (Live, 1959)
13. Whatd I Say (Live, 1959)
14. Let The Good Times Roll
15. Alexanders Ragtime Band
16. Deed I Do
17. When Your Lover Has Gone
18. Two Years Of Torture
19. It Had To Be You
20. Im Movin On
21. I Believe To My Soul

Tracks:

1. Rehearsal Session With
2. Ahmet Ertegun (1953)
3. Baby Let Me Hold Your Hand
4. Unknown Title
5. Piano Improvisation & Dialog #1
6. Losing Hand & Dialog #1
7. Little Rock Getaway & Dialog
8. Kentucky Waltz
9. Heartbreaker (Instrumental Version)
10. Heartbreaker & Dialog
11. Piano Improvisation & Dialog #2
12. Heartbreaker (False Starts 12)
13. Losing Hand & Dialog #2
14. Losing Hand & Dialog #3 (W/ Reverb)
15. Losing Hand & Dialog #4 (W/ Reverb)
16. Heartbreaker
17. It Shouldve Been Me & Dialog
18. Nobody Cares
19. Piano Improvisation & Dialog #3
20. Mess Around
21. Funny (But I Still Love You)
22. Sinners Prayer
23. Piano Improvisation & Dialog #4
24. Low Society & Dialog #1
25. Boogie Woogie
26. Low Society & Dialog #2
27. Worried Life Blues
28. Come Back Baby (Walter Davis Version)& Dialog
29. Low Society
30. (Night Time Is) The Right Time (Takes 17)& Dialog
31. Tell Me How Do You Feel (Take 1)
32. Rays Arrangement Suggestions For
33. The Genius Of Ray Charles Album (1959)Dialog
34. It Had To Be You & Dialog
35. My Buddy & Dialog Dialog
36. When Your Lover Has Gone & Dialog
37. Im Beginning To See The Light.
38. Let The Good Times Roll & Dialog

Tracks:

1. Ray Charles On Voice Of America, 1960(Live At The Newport Jazz Festival)
2. Lil Darlin
3. Blues Waltz
4. Let The Good Times Roll
5. Dont Let The Sun Catch You Cryin
6. Sticks And Stones
7. My Baby! (I Love Her, Yes I Do)
8. Drown In My Own Tears
9. Whatd I Say
10. I Believe To My Soul
11. Interview With Ahmet Ertegun

Amazon.com

Jamie Foxx's Oscar-winning turn as Ray Charles could only touch on the musical highlights of the American musical legend's career. But for those further intrigued by Charles' savory musical roots, this seven CD/one DVD anthology of Charles' epochal career at Atlantic Records (who purchased the fledgling star's contract from a small L.A. label for $2500) is the ultimate chronicle. While the singer's recorded output for the label was typically shuffled and jumbled across a series of contemporary albums and compilations, this set offers them up chronologically as originally recorded in NYC, New Orleans and elsewhere, a gambit that allows a clearer insight into the musician's artistic growth and burgeoning confidence as a performer in the bargain. Though focused on the `fervent r&b and soul sides he cut before crossing over into country and pop in the `60s, Charles' Atlantic tenure also includes insightful excursions into small jazz combo work that further underscored the range of his incomparable gifts.

The final CD in the set is a treasure trove of unreleased (mostly) solo performances that range from a lengthy 1953 rehearsal tape to a handful of hotel room-recorded arrangement demos for his 1959 Genius of Ray Charles collection. The set's DVD is another welcome bonus, containing the legend's complete performance at the 1960 Newport Jazz Festival (though he'd just left Atlantic, his repertoire and band for the show are rooted in the era), capped with the modern reminisces of Atlantic founder Ahmet Ertegun. Lavishly packaged in a box that replicates a `50's-era 45-player and featuring a hard-bound liner book that includes reprints of the original albums' liner notes, a comprehensive sessionography and an insightful new essay from noted r&b biographer David Ritz, the collection lives up to its billing at every level: Pure genius, indeed. --Jerry McCulley

Album Description

Ray Charles is an American legend beyond compare. A ten-time Grammy-winning superstar who almost single-handedly laid the groundwork for soul music, Charles proved his mastery with countless jazz, country, R&B, and pop masterpieces as well. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame the first year they gave the honors ('86), and his extraordinary career spanned seven decades. His remarkable life was celebrated in the 2004 biopic Ray-featuring Jamie Foxx's Oscar-winning performance as the artist-and now Ray Charles' musical genius is spotlighted in this comprehensive box of his seminal Atlantic Records era, 1952-1959. As preeminent music writer David Ritz notes inside, "These are the historic years of his creative explosion, the time when he reinvented himself as a musical revolutionary. These records will live forever."

Customer Reviews:

This Set Gave Me What I Was Looking For & More.......2006-08-02

For my taste, there seems to be three phases of Ray Charles' career... 1. His early Swing Time days (when he sounded more like Nat King Cole than Ray Charles) 2. The Atlantic Years (where the sound was raw, cutting edge, and powerful) 3. The ABC Years & Later (where the craft was more refined, instrumentally and vocally). What I had longed for was a compilation or box set that focused on those Atlantic days and drilled down past the standard Ray songs that are on just about EVERY Ray Charles CD you can find. For that, this set is unmatched. In addition to some of the more popular "live" cuts, there are a good 50 songs on here that I had never heard (I'm talking beyond the songs on "Anthology" or the movie soundtrack) that are fantastic and are every bit as much a part of my Ray Charles i-pod rotation as "I Got a Woman" or "Mess Around".

The real treat (in my opinion), is the 30 or so outtakes and rehearsal cuts. Here, you get to hear what it was like in the recording studio with Ray Charles... there is actually an 8 minute track that covers the recording of "Night Time is the Right Time", which allows you to experience how particular Ray was with the sound HE wanted. Knowing from past readings that multiple takes on a song were a pet peeve of his, one can actually hear his tone change with the band and the guys in the booth as the takes begin to add up... great stuff for any Ray fan who has wondered (as I often have), "How in the world does he do that?"

The only reason this set gets 4 stars from me instead of 5 is that there are many (as in 25 or so) instrumental tracks. Don't get me wrong, they are all solid jazz tunes (as good as any other jazz CD I own) but I would have preferred more of Ray's vocals. Still, my rating may very well not be fair. Afterall, it is the COMPLETE Atlantic Recordings.

It's quite a bit of money to put down and I pondered it for quite some time, but well worth it if you're looking for more than what you can find on a Greatest Hits compilation.

why there aren't more outtakes on this set.......2006-05-11

People complained about there not being more outtakes on this set. This might explain some things, since Ray Charles was an Atlantic recording artist:

"One of the most devastating vault losses in modern industry history occurred in February, 1978 in a fire in a non-air-conditioned Atlantic Records storage facility in Long Branch, N.J.

The warehouse fire destroyed virtually all of Atlantic's unreleased masters, alternate takes and sessions tapes by artists who had recorded for the label and its offshoots throughout its classic 1948-1969 first golden era.

Thousands of performances by nearly a hundred of America's most acclaimed r&b, soul, pop and jazz artists were lost in the fire. According to several sources, between 5,000 to 6,000 reels of tape were destroyed or damaged. Just a handful of the artists names reads like a short-form Who's Who in Mid-Century American Music." [...]
(Bill Holland wrote this for Billboard in 1997. I can't post the website this is taken from because A. won't let me.)

Atlantic probably doesn't have any unreleased RC in its vaults. I think the outtakes on this set were saved by one of RC's producers.

Great Music, reasonable price, stupid people!!.......2006-04-10

This set is great as far as it goes. All of the material is typical RC: wonderful. I was surprised that there weren't more out takes, however. If you have any of the other Atlantic sets there's a fair bit of overlap. (added June 5, 2006: I've since learned that pretty near all the older Atlantic material, including alternate takes, was destroyed by a fire where the material was being stored, which explains the lack of out takes and alternate material.) This set, along with the Rhino Ray Charles country music set makes a pretty darn good overview of Ray's spectacular career.
I was really shocked that so many people don't bother to read the label on the eighth disc, which clearly is marked DVD | Video. Naturally, it won't play on CD players.

Nothing wrong with 8th disc?.......2006-03-10

Um... I don't own this, but I was looking at buying it. Looking at the reviews, I see two people complained that disc 8 won't play in their CD players. Disc 8 is listed as a DVD, so it won't play in a regular CD player (try your computer). I have to assume there it nothing wrong with the product, but rather, the user. Just thought I should point that out to anyone thinking of buying this. I am giving it 5 stars just to offset the bad (mistaken) ratings

for all the fans..........2006-03-10

pure genious is a milestone in the story of music, all the people who love music must have one of this. sorry for my english, but i hope that you understand what i say! by the way ... ladies and gentleman ... the one , the only , the genious ... mr. ray charles

Average customer rating: Feel alot of Energy, Emotion and Soul from the Genius The Genius Syndrome Not the same Soul and Emotion!!! Not quite there

Genius & Friends Ray Charles Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music General | Country | Styles | Music Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Country | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Icons | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music Similar Items: Genius Loves Company So Amazing...An All-Star Tribute to Luther Vandross 80 A Time To Love Thanks For The Memory...The Great American Songbook IV ASIN: B000AMPYZY Release Date: 2005-09-20

Tracks:

1. ALL I WANT TO DO with Angie Stone
2. YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE with Chris Isaak
3. IT ALL GOES BY SO FAST with Mary J. Blige
4. YOU WERE THERE with Gladys Knight
5. IMAGINE with Ruben Studdard & The Harlem Gospel Singers
6. COMPARED TO WHAT with Leela James
7. BIG BAD LOVE with Diana Ross
8. I WILL BE THERE with Idina Menzel
9. BLAME IT ON THE SUN with George Michael
10. TOUCH with John Legend
11. SHOUT with Patti LaBelle & The Andrae Crouch Singers
12. SURRENDER TO LOVE with Laura Pausini
13. BUSTED (Live) with Willie Nelson
14. AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL with Alicia Keys

Amazon.com

It doesn't take a lot of marquee names to sell a Ray Charles record, but the Genius proved long before 2004's Genius Loves Company that he was a master collaborator as well as a very natural one. On Genius & Friends, Rhino Records smartly capitalizes on Charles's gift for investing any duet with both backbone and bluesy, velvety soul by rounding up recordings he made in 1997 and 1998 and swelling them with the sounds of artists he inspired. The result is both brilliant and frustrating: brilliant because artists like Mary J. Blige, Gladys Knight, and Patti LaBelle so reliably tread their tracks with care and affection, reining in all that raw vocal power where a song requires it; and frustrating because it would have been incredible to hear each of the very different artists gathered here trading verses with Brother Ray in real time--producer Phil Ramone fused these songs together. (In two cases, we do get the pleasure: "Big Bad Love", recorded in 1994 with Diana Ross for the film The Favor, and "Busted," recorded live in 1991 with Willie Nelson.) To the producers' credit (add Ahmet Ertegun and Quincy Jones to Ramone) the audio wizardry required to make this disc does not once interfere with the sense it conveys that the chosen artists really were Ray Charles's friends. Hear it especially on the Idina Menzel heartwarmer "I Will Be There" and Blige's "It All Goes By So Fast," as silkily convincing as it is bittersweet. --Tammy La Gorce

Album Description

Before the legendary Ray Charles passed away last year, he laid out plans to use a set of recordings produced in 1998 to create an album of superstar duets with some of his favorite contemporary artists. It was among his last requests to his management that the project be completed and released. Now the Genius must be smiling up above as this stunning collection, finding him in tremendously strong voice on a lineup of memorable songs, is released on Rhino. Produced in conjunction with Ray Charles Enterprises and Ray's fellow music legends Ahmet Ertegun and Phil Ramone, Genius & Friends follows on the heels of the phenomenally popular Genius Loves Company, and it shines throughout as Charles and an all-star roster of vocal partners serenade in sublime harmony.

Customer Reviews:

Feel alot of Energy, Emotion and Soul from the Genius.......2006-04-30

This is worth the Price as I mention since I purchase this. Why people say this isn't original or it's not showing Ray Charles more approval? C'mon now. This is not a bad CD or somewhat too overrated or too way outta hand. I mean this is what Ray leftover from 1997-1998 (2 Years back, somewhat like a Yearbook you get @ school, college or high school).

I love everything that Ray Charles does from the Heart. He'll always be remembered. He help put the Industry on top with his tenderly, most-touchable, strongful, and outrageous gift. This Man is a Blessing to the World of Music. Sorry Maxx (or Bro. Max), you seem to be missing some acceptions.

Thank God for Brother Ray.

Back to the Album.

It's full of collabos of some of the most talented people out there on this Disc which was produced by no other than Phil Ramone also noted producers who are additional. Angie Stone, Mary J. Blige, John Legend, Patti Labelle, Diana Ross, Gladys Kinght, Alicia Keys, Willie Nelson, Leela James, George Michael, the list goes on. Bad arrangements, nice work, cool vocals, really touchy, feelin' the air with fire like cookin' Gumbo.

Again this is worth the Price. Don't be too shy or too distasteful. Lemme see if u wanna a touch or taste of some Ray Charles. The last album whom was released posthumously after his death (which went home for 10 Grammys each) was my favorite to top from the Genius. As Frank Sinatra noted on RC, "The only Genius in the business".

They actually didn't note the name of the musicians who play on there. Well overall Good Work and Much Love in Heaven from Ray. We miss you Ray Charles. You're long remembered and unforgotten!
Checkout the Luther tributes i.e. "Forever, For Always, For Luther" and "So Amazing: A Salute Tribute to Luther Vandross" if you Must.

The Genius Syndrome.......2006-03-12

There are sometimes when a duets album can be over the top, and there are other times that a duets album doesn't have what it really had before. That has arguably been the cases with Ray Charles. His previous Genius Loves Company album, was definitely one of the most breathtaking, well-received albums I've ever heard within the last few years. Arguably, when Warner Brothers and Rhino heard about the success of that great pop gem, they decided to make a Charles duets lbum of their own from Ray's older recordings. But does it really deliver what Genius Loves Company was as a sequel?

Ray Charles Genius & Friends, is a compilation of Ray's left over recordings from his life that weren't conjured or released before. The songs here however, don't really seem to have what Genius Loves Company did which is a dissapointment, considering some of the artists came out after Ray's passing like John Legend with Touch and Leela James with Compared To What. Still, there are some brightsides, and well-conjured duets like You Were There with Gladys Knight, Busted with Willie Nelson, and You Are My Sunshine with Chris Isaak. The songs here were mastered well, but the duets don't seem to have the feeling that this is another well-recognized masterpiece.

All in all, Genius & Friends by Ray Charles isn't at all a good buy for anybody who isn't familiar with his music, or even for die hard Ray Charles fans. The feeling on this albumisn't as good as Genius Loves Company was. I honestly suggest you buy that record instead over this one. This duets album shows that the genius isn't what it is cracked up to be.

Album Cover: B

Songs: C 1/2+

Price: C

Remastering & Mastering: B-

Overall: C

Not the same.......2006-01-14

I purchased the original Genius and Comapany and adore it! I thought this CD would be as nice but I was disappointed. Although Ray Charles' voice is engineered to be a bit stronger on this one, the overall product was a letdown.

Soul and Emotion!!!.......2006-01-14

Listening to "Genius & Friends" brought about the emotions and strong feelings. Ray's voice was more pleasant and less wavering than on "Genius Loves Company." Though you could tell the voice was getting older, the blend was better. I commend the producers for following-up on Ray's wishes. It was difficult to keep back the tears. "All I Want To Do","It All Goes By So Fast", and "You Were There", hit me the most. This is the one to buy and preserve.

Not quite there.......2006-01-13

I was a little disapointed in the material selected for this compilation. The singers that joined him are no doubt great, but I just found this album to be lacking in emotion and R&B. If you want a great CD with Ray Charles along with others go right for Ray Charles in "Genius Loves Company." It will satisfy!!!

Average customer rating: Wonderful CD Surrounded by Genius Simply fantastic Very nice ....but... Excellent recording quality...

Ray Charles, Genius Loves Company (Monster Music High Definition Surround Sound CD SUPERDISC) Ray Charles Manufacturer: Monster Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music Piano | Blues | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Music | Monster Cable | Custom Brands | Custom Stores | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics Similar Items: Vince Guaraldi, A Charlie Brown Christmas (Monster Music High Definition Surround Sound CD SUPERDISC) Peter Cincotti, Live in New York with a Bonus CD "On the Moon" (Monster Music High Definition Surround Sound Audio DVD SUPERDISC) David Benoit, 40th Year Anniversary Charlie Brown Christmas (Monster Music High Definition Surround Sound CD SUPERDISC) Givin' It Up (SuperDisc) Telarc SACD Sampler: Sound and Vision ASIN: B000BPFBVW Release Date: 2006-11-28

Tracks:

1. Here We Go Again with Norah Jones
2. Sweet Potato Pie with James Taylor
3. You Dont Know Me with Diana Krall
4. Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word with Elton John
5. Fever with Natalie Cole
6. Do I Ever Cross your Mind? With Bonnie Raitt
7. It Was A Very Good Year with Willie Nelson
8. Hey Girl with Michael McDonald
9. Sinners Prayer with B.B. King
10. Heaven Help Us All with Gladys Knight
11. Over The Rainbow with Johnny Mathis
12. Crazy Love with Van Morrison
13. Unchain My Heart with Take 6
14. MaryAnn with Poncho Sanchez

Product Description

high Definition Surround Soung With in The Band Surround Feature Experiences digital Music Files Encoded With Dolby Music Files That Simulate Surround Sound Through Any Pair Of Headphone each Track Has Been Remixed And Audiophile Mastered Get live Experience

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful CD.......2007-02-08

This High Def Surround Sound CD Superdisc is great. You can really appreciate the fullness of the sound with this process.

Surrounded by Genius.......2007-02-07

I'll admit to being fascinated by anything in surround-sound but the high-definition process used by Monster for the Superdiscs is phenomenal, putting you right there in the recording booth with the artists.

Highly recommended and versatile package includes Dolby and DTS tracks plus something not found elsewhere: digital files for your MP3 player in Dolby Headphone Surround.

You will not find better sound technology than this. A highly recommended album.

Simply fantastic.......2007-01-26

Possuo alguns SACDs e DVDs-AUDIO que já considerava espetaculares, mas este SUPERDISC me agradou muito. A qualidade sonora é surpreendente em qualquer dos três sistemas apresentados. Agora ficarei na espectativa de outros títulos no mesmo formato.
Quem possui um bom sistema de áudio precisa experimentar este SUPERDISC.

Very nice ....but..........2006-12-20

I already have this item as a sacd and it sounds great, I got it to see what was changed as I have a Pioneer Elite receiver and DVD player that can handle everything this disc has. On my home unit there was not much differant from the SACD but there was a little better sound from the SUPERDISC. But the SUPERDISC sounds great on my car, I play the DVD in the car and it sounds great, I can't play SACD's in the car. The 2 additional tracks are no reason to get this disc.

Excellent recording quality..........2006-11-03

The DVD has a lot of extras and the CD is excellent quality. A great buy.

Average customer rating: Another masterpiece from the legendary Ray Charles One good one, one not so good Not Ray at his best Some of Ray's finest and best efforts Nothing But Genius

Genius + Soul = Jazz/My Kind of Jazz Ray Charles Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Genius of Ray Charles Ray Charles and Betty Carter/Dedicated to You The Genius Hits the Road Sweet & Sour Tears Ingredients in a Recipe for Soul/Have a Smile With Me ASIN: B000003424 Release Date: 1997-06-10

Tracks:

1. From The Heart
2. I've Got News For You
3. Moanin'
4. Let's Go
5. One Mint Julep
6. I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town
7. Stompin' Room Only
8. Mister C
9. Strike Up The Band
10. Birth Of The Blues
11. Golden Boy
12. Booty-Butt
13. This Here
14. I Remember Clifford
15. Sidewinder
16. Bluesette
17. Pas-Se-O-Ne Blues
18. Zig Zag
19. Angel City
20. Senor Blues

Album Description

Charles' only all-instrumental LPs on one CD! 1961's Genius + Soul = Jazz is a big band jazz workout featuring the Count Basie Band and arrangements from Quincy Jones. It includes the Top 10 hit "One Mint Julep." The proto-acid jazz of 1970's My Kind Of Jazz contains the funky hit single "Booty-Butt." Digitally remastered for best-ever sound!

Customer Reviews:

Another masterpiece from the legendary Ray Charles.......2004-12-24

What can I say? Ray Charles is kickin' it with my man Quincy Jones on this one. It's full of jazz, blues, funky R&B and a lot of flavor from the big bands. This is more of a jazz/big band album since Quincy Jones 1969-70 classic WALKING IN SPACE.
A must-have.

One good one, one not so good.......2004-10-04

Genius + Soul is fantastic! Ray Charles on the B-3-what more do you need to know? If you do need to know more, it features players like Clark Terry, Thad Jones, Fathead Newman, Frank Foster and Roy Haynes-- in fact, on some of the tracks the band is the then-current version of the Basie band, minus the Count of course --with arrangements by Quincy Jones and someone named Ralph Burns, who is just as good. It rocks. It's too bad Ray doesn't sing more-just on I've Got News for You, I'm Gonna Move to the Outskirts of Town and sort of on One Mint Julip--but still, this is as soulful as jazz gets.

On the other hand, My Kind of Jazz is clearly filler, which Rhino, to its credit, pretty much admits. There are extensive new notes on Genius + Soul written for the 16 page booklet included with this reissue, including comments on every track, but on My Kind of Jazz there are all of two paragraphs (the first paragraph starts "With the added space available in the CD format"-in other words, we had some extra space to fill). It's pretty good if you're a fan of big band music, kinda got a little funk goin' on, although not nearly as much soul or blues feel as Genius + Soul, and other then Blue Mitchell I've never heard of the players (the drummer is listed as "unknown"). But you'd never know this was a Ray Charles album. His piano is low in the mix, and his few solos are undermiked and unusually tentative-sounding. And in general it's a little on the generic side, unlike Genius + Soul, which is Ray all the way, vocals or no.

I still gave it the whole CD four stars because Genius + Soul is just so damn good.

Not Ray at his best.......2000-12-17

I feel bad disagreeing with the other reviewers, who seem to love this album, but I think its pretty uninspired and I don't like it much. The arrangements are often pretty limp, the soloing isn't great, Ray doesn't sing but on 2 songs, which is too bad because his voice is as expressive as his piano playing. This disk sounds to me like Ray Charles trying to cash in on the soul-jazz movement of the mid-to-late 1960's by adopting that style - and given that Charles is an innovator of the first order, his adoption of a style he didn't invent doesn't come off right, to my ears. Don't get me wrong, Ray Charles is a great jazz artist, but I think the place to hear it is on "Soul Brothers/Soul Meeting," his late 1950's teaming with Milt Jackson, or on David "Fathead" Newman's solo records of the 1950's, where you can hear Charles's classic band doing some excellent straight-ahead jazz. Still, it gets three stars because some parts aren't bad, and because its Ray Charles.

Some of Ray's finest and best efforts.......2000-05-18

I love Ray Charles, and out of everything I have that he's recorded, this disc gets played the most. The rich mixture of Latin tempos, big band, jazz orchestra, and Ray's intoxicating organ and lyrics jump out and grab you from the first song to the last. This is music you can't sit still to and just reeks with class and Ray's brilliant musical talent. One listen and you're hooked.

Nothing But Genius.......2000-03-18

Ray Charles gets down with his Homeboy Quincy Jones and they&Ralph Burns make History with this set.Ray is Rocking on the Organ.The Band is Slamming.everything here is on time.a must have.

Average customer rating: Good SACD Mediocre Meant for SACD

Genius Loves Company Ray Charles Manufacturer: Concord Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music Piano | Blues | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Dark Side of the Moon 30th Anniversary Edition The Girl in the Other Room Come Away With Me Concord Records SACD Sampler 1 (Multichannel Hybrid SACD) When I Look in Your Eyes (Sl) ASIN: B0002XEDQM Release Date: 2004-09-14

Tracks:

1. Here We Go Again - Ray Charles, Norah Jones
2. Sweet Potato Pie - Ray Charles, James Taylor
3. You Don't Know Me - Ray Charles, Diana Krall
4. Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word - Ray Charles, Elton John
5. Fever - Ray Charles, Natalie Cole
6. Do I Ever Cross Your Mind? - Ray Charles, Bonnie Raitt
7. It Was a Very Good Year - Ray Charles, Willie Nelson
8. Hey Girl - Ray Charles, Michael McDonald, Michael McDonald
9. Sinner's Prayer - Ray Charles, B.B. King,
10. Heaven Help Us All - Ray Charles, Gladys Knight
11. Over the Rainbow - Ray Charles, Johnny Mathis
12. Crazy Love [Live] - Ray Charles, Van Morrison
13. [CD-ROM Track] - Ray Charles

Customer Reviews:

Good SACD.......2007-03-20

I compare the CD and SACD, and found that SACD sounds a bit better than the CD in stereo. The songs are good also, with many companion of other singer bring nice atmosphere

Mediocre.......2006-11-10

The songs are poor, the recording quality is worse. For some reason no one can duplicate the sacd multichannel quality in Dire Straits or Allison Krause.

Meant for SACD.......2005-04-07

If you have a player that can play SACD then this album really shines.

I cannot do justice to this review, just read the reviews for the regular CD. Last I checked 149 people gave it an average 4 stars.

Average customer rating: Ray Charles at his dead level best. Ray poised for Superstardom It sucks the soul right out of him 1959 REISSUE AND MORE The Genius Does It Again !!!

The Genius Hits the Road Ray Charles Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music Piano | Blues | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Similar Items: Modern Sounds In Country and Western Music The Genius of Ray Charles Ingredients in a Recipe for Soul/Have a Smile With Me Genius + Soul = Jazz/My Kind of Jazz Sweet & Sour Tears ASIN: B000003423 Release Date: 1997-06-10

Tracks:

1. Alabamy Bound
2. Georgia On My Mind
3. Basin Street Blues
4. Mississippi Mud
5. Moonlight In Vermont
6. New York's My Home
7. California, Here I Come
8. Moon Over Miami
9. Deep In The Heart Of Texas
10. Carry Me Back To Old Virginny
11. Blue Hawaii
12. Chattanooga Choo-Choo
13. Sentimental Journey
14. Hit The Road Jack
15. Blue Moon Of Kentucky (Swingova)
16. Rainy Night In Georgia
17. I'm Movin' On
18. Swanee River Rock (Talkin' 'Bout That River)
19. Lonely Avenue

Amazon.com

"What'd I Say" may have given Ray Charles his first top 10 single, but it was this 1960 album that really solidified his commercial standing. It hit the top 10 on the strength of the massive sales of "Georgia on My Mind"; while nothing else here comes close to topping that particular song, there are a number of other fine performances, including "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny," "Basin Street Blues," and "New York's My Home." Charles takes a smooth, supper-club approach to most of the material, but only "Deep in the Heart of Texas" is really too hokey for its own good. Rhino's CD reissue adds several other geographically themed cuts from Charles's career, including "Rainy Night in Georgia," "Swanee River Rock," and a marvelously swingin' take on "Blue Moon of Kentucky." --Dan Epstein

Customer Reviews:

Ray Charles at his dead level best........2005-08-17

This CD/album is one I have had as a 33rpm vinyl record for many years--bought it new when it first came out.Sooo......, was tickled pink when I saw it in CD format.The songs are vintage Ray Charles and include the string/large orchestra that he made several albums w/ in the 70's. Brings these old tunes to life as really no one else could.

Ray poised for Superstardom.......2004-11-26

Thank Rhino for reissuing this overlooked album. This was his first after he split from Atlantic for ABC/Paramount. People like to think that his ABC/Paramount period starts with MODERN SOUNDS, but you can see the "road" Ray's traveling with this album. Most of the orchestration is done with a lot of taste and not syrupy as might plague some later recordings. These cuts sound classic today and not dated -- well, except for the silliness over Deep in the Heart of Texas.

Enjoy this album for more than Ray's signature tune of Georgia on my Mind, Ray's solo on Moon over Miami, for example. The bonus cuts complete the experience. This album will help bridge those who only know Ray from his Atlantic years into the rest of his career - about a 40 year period!

It sucks the soul right out of him.......2002-03-20

The orchestrations and chorus present on all of the regular tracks intended to make him more palatable to a wider audience suck the soil right out of Ray Charles' performances. This is particularly evident when you hear the bonus tracks. The bonus tracks are fabulous, but I'm sure you can find them on another Ray Charles album.

1959 REISSUE AND MORE.......2001-06-18

After awhile, Ray Charles starts sounding like a spokesperson for 'Travel in America' as each 19 songs on this CD speak of hittin' the road and visiting, not the musical road less travelled, but the swinging nightclubs and hot spots where Steve and Eydie Gormet may be the opening act. We're reminded what a great hit single, "Hit the Road Jack", was, an explosion of anger at the heat of a romantic conflict as the vocals scream and demand in two part melody. The first twelve songs are the original tracks from his 1959 album, "The Genius of Ray Charles", and the transfer to CD has left them sounding a little hollow like Charles is singing from another room. One suspects the vocals were sung over at the time this album was compiled. The Bonus Tracks are much better but hey! did I say something negative about this cool laid-back groovy album? You have to hear the half spoken/half vocal call and response of "New York's My Home", as Charles grinds his gravelly voice over his blues/pop piano and wins any argument against New York City. "Georgis On My Mind" is also here and a less grave "Rainy Night In Georgia", where Charles even hiccups over a drink in the fade out of the vocal tracks. Now that's casual.

The Genius Does It Again !!!.......2000-08-10

Theme albums don't always work according to plan. Don't take my word for it. Just listen to Carly Simon's "Film Noir" or k.d.lang's "Drag" and you'll catch my drift. But with the genius plotting the course, it's money in the bank you won't go astray. This album contains some of the absolute swingingest Ray Charles this side of Chattanooga. Dig Ray's heartfelt reading of Moonlight in Vermont or Georgia On My Mind. And wait until you hear him yukin' it up on Deep In the Heart of Texas and my favorite New York's My Home, where he applies just the right amount of gleeful good humor. Hit the road runnin' and pick up on this one. It's a sure fire winner.

Average customer rating: Ray plays straight ahead What can you say? It's Ray Charles! Instumental Ray Late night soporific (no ice)

The Genius After Hours Ray Charles Manufacturer: Wea/Rhino ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Blues | Styles | Music Piano | Blues | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music Classic R&B | R&B | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Rhino Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music Blues | Imports | Stores | Music R&B | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Genius Sings the Blues The Genius of Ray Charles What'd I Say Ray Charles Live Modern Sounds In Country and Western Music ASIN: B000056OZU Release Date: 2001-11-06

Tracks:

1. Genius After Hours
2. Ain't Misbehavin'
3. Dawn Ray
4. Joy Ride
5. Hornful Soul
6. Man I Love
7. Charlesville
8. Music, Music, Music

Album Description

Import only remastered reissue of 1956 album that's out-of-print in the U.S. Digipak. Warner.

Customer Reviews:

Ray plays straight ahead.......2007-03-31

This is a rare opportunity to hear Ray playing straight ahead jazz with legends Joe Harris on drums and Oscar Pettiford walking the bass. Listen to Ray bop along side Joe as he stirs the soup on the brushes during "Dawn Ray". Make no mistake this rhythm section swings hard; after all bop mastro Dizzy Gillespie hired Joe to play drums in his band during the mid 1940's. Enjoy all 38 minutes!

What can you say? It's Ray Charles!.......2007-01-24

The only reason one might not like this would be because they simply don't like Ray Charles and that would be reason enough not to buy it. But if you do like him as I surely do, then this is a must have of his work if you don't have it.

Instumental Ray.......2005-12-17

A lot of folks forget that Ray Charles was a killer jazz-blues pianist. And this CD showcases that side of his talent. An all instrumental set that focuses on his jazz piano style with a heavy dose of the blues!
This is perfect late night listening. An especially nice are the trio cuts, which make up about half of the CD.
Late-night stripped down Ray with a serious case of the blues is what you get here!

Late night soporific (no ice).......2005-08-08

If I was in a quiet bar, enjoying a quiet drink, late at night, feeling mellow and relaxed ... this is the music I'd be listening to. I know nothing about jazz (my wife told me) but even I know a stunning recording when I hear it. Released in 1961, therefore only 38 minutes of music on this album, but hey, it's 1961 right? If you want more, play it twice.

Meditation Music:

1. Revival Time
2. Roxette: The Ballad Hits [Limited Edition] [Import]
3. September Song
4. Smooth
5. Soldier [CD-single]
6. Solid Gold Vol. 10
7. Soundings In Film
8. Sounds of the Circus - Volume 5
9. Spice Up Your Life [UK CD2] [CD-single] [Import]
10. Standing Room Only

Meditation Music

meditation music

Meditation Music

Language [Import]

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas Nos. 11, 13, 14 "Moonlight", 19, 20

Beethoven: Sonatas for piano No21; Sonatas for piano No15

Music: Songwriter Shuffle

Children of the Tsunami (Why the Suffering?)

Da Sound [Import]

Code Name 1 Brother Sun [Import]

Don't Stop Believin' [Import]

Chappo: Live in Hamburg [Extra tracks] [Live]

Beethoven: Piano Sonatas [Box set]

Cat in the Hat [Import]

Boleros Con Amor

Aquellos Grandes Grupos: 20 Exitos, Vol. 2

Charles Gounod: Mireille

Sigil