Customer Reviews

Genius Sings the Blues

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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.

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.

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.

I'S TRUE...'THE "GENIUS" SINGS THE BLUES'.....AS ONLY HE COULD DO!! Awesome Blues, Soul, County, Ballads, Gospel - whatever he did - HE DID IT BETTER!! One of my "idols" - growing up in the 60's!! You'll never go wrong buying any of Ray Charles "works"....GUARANTEED!! TAKE IT FROM ME...I HAVE EVERYING HE'S EVER DONE!!! AND CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF HIS "WORKS"!!

Great service! I had the CD I ordered within 2 days. product in new condition. just what I expected. Thanks

My dad was a huge Ray Charles fan, him and Frank Sinatra, he loved them both and he infected me. "Hard Times," the second song on this record is what the blues are all about. Ray sings his heart out, desperation dripping from his voice. Then, when he seques into "The Midnight Hour," his voice changes, sadness fills it, in a way he almost sounds like Randy Newman here, years before Randy would ever sing a note. These two songs alone would make this one of the best ten records of 1961 for me.

But there's more. "Feeling Sad," will rip your heart out. Ray's blues will pierce you to the soul as well "Mr. Charles Blues." Here Ray is accompanied by a thumping bass along with his piano and the effect is hypnotic, this is the real deal, this is the blues. And it gets better. You haven't heard the blues, till you've heard Ray Charles sing, "Some Day Baby." There is a reason why they call Ray Charles the Genius and that's because it's true.

the Blues is where Ray Charles got His Center base&took his foundation along with adding other elements&Ingrediants to His Musical Stew. His Blend with His various Musicans over the years enhanced His vibe."Night time is the right time" is timeless.Ray kept it raw but also but so much feeling into His songs.this collection is a must have.strong arrangements&productions.Ray's Vocal Instrument is Strong here.