Customer Reviews

Ray Charles - In Concert

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

What can I say? Ray Charles is a jewel in the crown of American music. I saw him do a similar show in Kansas City with their symphony. Seventy-three and performing circles around artists one-third his age. An excellent performance and excellent sound. Do yourself a favor - BUY IT!!

I have never been much of a Ray Charles fan...just not my era. But given Ray's classic rendition of "America the Beautiful" I decided to check this DVD out. Boy, I found out what I have been missing! I was mesmorized! The DVD quality is great, the song selection is excellent, the orchestra is superb, and even my three year old daughter loves Ray's rendition of America! It is truly awe inspiring and definitely worth having in a DVD collection.

You love music? You love rhythm and blues? You love Jazz? You love Gospel? Ray Charles - Mr. Music - created an instant classic with this great performance. You will love this concert! This DVD is also great without the TV. Wonderful background for you next dinner with your spouse....

A short and sweet comment: We lost a national treasure in the recent passing of Ray Charles. Here's a suggestion for a cold or rainy weekend. Take in the fine new film 'Ray' and then come home, light a fire, a candle or something else and play this dvd. Stunning video and sound, Ray at his best, Diane Schuur at hers, and an overall selection and pacing that both highlights his artistry and control. Rest in Peace Ray. Thank you.

I'm sorta at a loss with this concert. First off, the sound is only dolby 2.0 ... not what I was expecting for a DVD released this recently. Secondly, Ray seems a little out of it ... I had to strain to hear the words to several of the songs. I found several of the songs simply boring. Don't get me wrong .. I'm a huge fan of Ray. This concert just left me ... well ... blah.

This may be the concert of a lifetime. A 73 year old artist who is in his "prime". The riches of Rays' vocal interpretation, as well as his spiritual commitment to each song, makes this a rare offering. Here is an old, seasoned veteran that uses all his tricks without overstatement at any level.
The stunning orchestra and beautiful lighting, set an impressive and unforgettable scene.
For those who know Ray's life, the songs are an articulation of the high and low moments of his career. "This Songs for You" is filled with pathos. One senses Ray singing it to his wife. In many ways, this offering is his final testament.
For those who know the young Ray, this offering of the older Ray will distance them from that immature and searcing voice, and make them wish for more of the old Ray. Wow. Buy two. One to play, and one to keep for your grandchildren.

I sort of agree with the reviewer who was forced to use the word "blah." The musical numbers aren't those I'd prefer to see/hear again. Even the version of "Georgia" is a bit bland. The CD from the film "Ray" is great, by the way - it has a lot of great Ray Charles - the original recordings. I'm also looking forward to another DVD of Ray Charles that I bought - haven't seen that yet, though.

I've been a Ray Charles fan since my college days, but this was not worth the effort.The concert was given to help the blind, had a huge orchestra to back him up, but he lacked the backup singers he always used. Without them, forget it....like "Hit the road Jack" wasn't even there. He did some of his famous tunes, notably the one he received most honors for(Georgia on My Mind), including the president of the U.S. but you could hardly hear him. He did one number with Diane Schurr which I thought was terrible.

Had he some backup singers like the old days, I would have liked it 90% more, but he didn't.

Still, I'm glad to have it, but just as a souvenir. I couldn't even watch more than 3 or 4 tunes. But if you're expecting the old Ray Charles, forget it. This is one DVD I'll never watch again.On second thought, I WILL send it back.

Since I became a Ray Charles fan every since growing up in the 90s, I soon realize that this one nearly changed my life and it's one of my favorite taped concerts ever since it first premiered on PBS. There's no question or deninement saying about this live concert taken here in Miami, Florida. Ray Charles packed up with a real live and massive orchestra to bring all the goods to use. He also at one hand plays alto sax on one number. Can't you believe when you read his biographys that he plays both alto sax, clarinet and trumpet in addition to the piano? What's shocking to me is they never show another side of him playing the sax either on the documentary Genius of Soul [VHS] or the 2004 movie Ray (Full Screen Edition).

There's still not much discussing about it, but it has to be heard today. If you hear R&B, country, blues, funk, jazz, rock, its all right here by the guidance of Brother Ray under the direction of the orchestra conducted by Victor Vanacore. He also sits down a few duets with the legendary Diane Schuur which is beautiful. If you love strong music with a melange of classical, jazz, opera, easy-listening and other genres mixed together in one. Get this because it helps me and it can for you too.

Also check out other concerts that are amazing too that been re-released on DVd and/or never made to DVD yet: Ray Charles- Live 1991: A Romantic Evening at the McCallum Theatre [VHS], The Willie Nelson Special With Special Guest Ray Charles, Ray Charles Live - In Concert with the Edmonton Symphony, Ray Charles: Soul of the Holy Land - The Lost Concert.

This is an absolutely spectacular concert by the legend, Ray Charles. It has all of his great hits, an amazing orchestra, and the cinematography is wonderful. Even if you're just a casual fan of Ray Charles you will love this concert.