Search - Ray Charles :: Genius Sings the Blues

Ray Charles 1930-2004. One of our gods is gone now

JEAN-MARIE JUIF | BESANCON France | 06/13/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It's a very sad year.Since last April,Claude Williams,Barney Kessel,Elvin Jones,Rick Henderson,John LaPorta,Steve Lacy and Ray Charles are gone.
How could I write about such a legend as Ray Charles ? Of course he was a "child" of Nat "King" Cole;of course,he was influenced by Charles Brown;of course,he was influenced by many other great black musicians,but mostly,he was Ray Charles,just like Duke,Trane,Monk,Armstrong or Billie were; just a giant in the history of music;just an incredible musician who mixed a lot of different influences,including Nat Cole,T.Bone Walker,Big Maceo,Count Basie,Duke Ellington,and many more.
This outstanding CD from the great Atlantic recorded works by Ray Charles is completely dedicated to the blues,and each and every track is a marvel,even if "Mr Charles blues" isn't a Ray Charles original,but a T.Bone Walker's one;same thing for "Some day baby",who was written by the very great Big Maceo Merryweather (1905-1953),one of the most terrific blues piano players;who used to play during the fourties with the slide guitar wizard,Mr Tampa Red ( Hudson Whittaker ).
You should,no,you have to own this album only for Ray Charles' version of the immense "some day baby" ;nobody ever gave such a tribute to Big Maceo.Without him,and a handful of other musicians,including Tampa Red,and the very underrated Robert Nighthawk,(maybe the most magnificent bottleneck player with Tampa),the Chicago blues wouldn't have existed."Some day baby" really is an incredible highlight in Ray Charles' career.This is really very great black music.The blues is everywhere,and Ray Charles' piano and voice are absolutely amazing.Essential."

Love Ray, Hate This CD

E. Carpenter | 11/05/2006

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Totally disappointed in the quality of these recordings. It says "remastered". Maybe so, but not in a good way. Sound level varies from song to song, but always low. Staticky with lots of noise. Difficult to hear vocals. I should have known better than to buy an $18.99 album with so few songs, that is not available for preview."

The title says it all!

Lee Blair | West Orange, NJ USA | 02/16/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There really isn't much to say here. This is Ray at the height of his powers. His next phase into Country seems a little strange if you only heard his Blues and R&B work. But this collection is a wonderful representation of Ray's first love, the Blues. If you can only afford one CD of Ray Charles, this would be the one to purchase."