Ray Charles - The Genius Of Ray Charles (180g 2LP 45RPM Analogue Productions)

The Genius of Ray Charles, his sixth studio album, released in 1959 by Atlantic Records, eschewed the the soul sound of his 1950s recordings, which fused jazz, gospel, and blues, for swinging pop with big band arrangements.

Charles is joined bymany ringers from the Count Basie and Duke Ellington bands for the first half of this program, featuring Charles belting out six songs arranged by Quincy Jones. "Let the Good Times Roll" and "Deed I Do" are highlights, and there are solos by tenorman David "Fathead" Newman, trumpeter Marcus Belgrave, and (on "Two Years of Torture") tenor Paul Gonsalves. The remaining six numbers are ballads, with Charles backed by a string orchestra arranged by Ralph Burns (including "Come Rain or Come Shine" and "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Cryin'"). Charles' voice is heard throughout in peak form, giving soul to even the veteran standards.

Pressed on 180-gram vinyl at Quality Record Pressings, and housed in a tip-on old style gatefold double pocket jacket by Stoughton Printing.

✓ Analogue Productions (Atlantic 75 Series)
✓ Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Atlantic Records!
✓ Rolling Stone list of 500 Greatest Albums 265/500 for 2012
✓ 180-gram 45 RPM double LP
✓ Pressed at Quality Record Pressings
✓ Tip-on old style gatefold double pocket jacket by Stoughton Printing

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