Customer Reviews

Ray Charles Live - In Concert with the Edmonton Symphony

5 star:		(1)
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After reading the reviews and looking at the song list, I had high hopes for this disc. The picture quality was good and Ray's energy as he bounced onto the staged was also promising. However, from the very first song, the recording is a disappointment. In the first song, the audio mix is so far off that you can't even hear his piano. This is eventually corrected, but throughout the performance we all felt that it was a bit hollow - lots of surface flash, but none of the true depth of soul for which Ray Charles is legendary.

This is a 1981 concert for ITV with the Edmonton Symphony, so there's strings on Georgia on My Mind and America the Beautiful. At 48 minutes it's brief, but it's Ray in his prime. Highly recommended, especially if you find it discounted.

Ray Charles "Live with the Edmonton Symphony" is a terrific hour of music with the inimitable Ray. The orchestra sounds fantastic (who is that lead trumpet player??. Holy smokes!) and Ray performs like he was having a ball. It is fun to watch him and his back up ensemble perform, and great music was made that night. I have lent this out to many people and all have enjoyed this concert. Most have picked up a copy. I finally got my copy back, and I will enjoy watching this again. Hard to find used, but if you can locate one snap it up quickly for your library. You too will become a fan of Ray Charles.