RAY CHARLES
Genius Loves Company (Concord)
Reviewed by Rusty Pipes

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Although Ray Charles appeared on many other artists' records over the years, this is the first where other vocalists duet on one of his records. Of course the range of styles is spectacular, this is RAY we're talkin about! He's rightfully called the Father of Soul but he did so many other styles as well. Here the songs run from country ballads, through R&B and electric blues, to gospel and to lush orchestral numbers that would have been at home on Broadway. The guests include Norah Jones, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Elton John and Johnny Mathis. Sometimes he sings a song of theirs like the only live track, Van Morrison's "Crazy Love;" sometimes it's a new cover of something he did long ago like "You Don't Know Me" with Diane Krall. Ray clicks best with B. B. King on "Sinner's Blues," and with Gladys Knight on "Heaven Help Us All."

Recorded mostly in 2003, this is the last album Ray worked on before he died back in June, but it would qualify as a museum exhibit regardless because it has some truly fine work. He is in strong voice and plays keyboards on most tracks, and all his friends seem to have a sense of history about them. The release is complimented by strong liner notes detailing the musicians on eack track, too.

Genius Loves Company is hugely satisfying and a must for Ray Charles fans, but I'd still recommend solo performances like "Hit The Road Jack," "Busted" and "I Got A Woman" to those who want to hear why Ray was called a genius in the first place.

© 2004 - Rusty Pipes