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Ray Charles
Ray Charles at Newport
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Brother Ray liked to rip it up on stage, and the Newport Jazz Festival was a bash that gave him a perfect forum for his feverish brand of excitement. From a lustful "Night Time is the Right Time" to the hard-driving "Hot Rod," he rocks the house.
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Ray Charles
Complete Country & Western Recordings 1959-1986
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Connecting the dots between R&B and C&W was tough work in 1962, but in a sage artistic move, Charles figured out that both styles were built on soul. "I Can't Stop Lovin' You" topped the charts, but he had a hell of a way with Hank Williams, too.
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Ray Charles
Genius + Soul = Jazz/My Kind of Jazz
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An R&B singer, sure. But jazz cats respected the hell out of the Genius's adroit spins on classic melodies. This disc flaunts that skill, and illustrates what kind of a big band leader Charles could be. He also uses organ on several cuts - nice.
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Ray Charles
Ray Charles and Betty Carter/Dedicated to You
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Two of America's most individualistic vocalists unite for an indelible session. Carter was a free-flight jazz improviser, and she invited Charles out on the ledge with her. The snowy seduction gem "Baby, It's Cold Outside" defines the date.
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Ray Charles
Standards
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The singer could give new emotional heft to the most done-to-death tune. This string of jewels was compiled from other discs, and though you've heard `em all before, songs like "Makin' Whoopee" are truly revitalized with Charles in charge.
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Ray Charles
The Genius Hits the Road
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Here are 19 tracks with big flashy horns and all sorts of swagger that document a cross-country selection of tunes. "Moonlight in Vermont," "Mississippi Mud," "California, Here I Come" - you get the gist. Contrived, yup. But entertaining as hell.
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Ray Charles
Sweet & Sour Tears
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A concept album about heartache and the stream of sobs that comes with it, this album stretches from "Willow, Weep for Me" to "Cry Me a River." The strings are a bit syrupy in spots, but Charles's natural passion rights the overwrought arrangements.
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Ray Charles
Soul Brothers/Soul Meeting
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With that killer voice, Charles is always considered a vocalist first. This date with jazz vibraphonist Milt Jackson underscored the fact that he was also an impressive pianist. Here's a disc that stretches blues tunes in all sorts of insightful ways.
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Ray Charles
The Birth of Soul
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The bomb, baby, the bomb. He does the mess-around, he spends greenback dollar bills, he drowns in his own tears, he gets on the right track, and he even makes "My Bonnie" seem f-u-n-k-y. Three discs of the early tracks that earned him his rep - yikes!
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Ray Charles
Genius Loves Company
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Everyone wants to touch the hem of his garment - Charles has done loads of duets over the years. But few come off as inspired as those who step up to the mic here. From Norah Jones and Michael McDonald to Diana Krall they fare surprisingly well.
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