Customer Reviews

Standards

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Popular music just doesn't get any better than this--"the Genius" not merely interpreting but re-creating some of the last century's greatest songs. What Ray does with these standards is pure alchemy. Here you'll find not only the definitive version of Hoagy Carmichael's "Georgia on My Mind" but also probably the best recorded versions of Harold Arlen's "Come Rain or Come Shine" and Gershwin's last song, "Love Is Here To Stay". Considering the competition out there (Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, etc.) it's nearly unbelievable that Ray is able to make so many of these great songs *his*--but there it is.

The album would really be more than worth the price for the three above-mentioned songs alone, but you also get other such outstanding performances as "It Had To Be You", "Am I Blue", "Ruby", "Stella by Starlight", "That Lucky Old Sun", "Willow, Weep for Me", and an absolutely terrific, smile-on-your-face version of Richard Rodgers' "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'". (Amazing that such a classic recording was made in 1977 at the same time as the punk invasion and the disco craze.) Ray's "Ol' Man River" isn't the powerhouse that William Warfield's incredible recording is, but it's another standout, mournful and full of soul.

It's impossible to categorize the music on this album--it's a perfect blend of classic pop, jazz, and r&b. Like Ellington or Gershwin, Ray Charles is simply "beyond category", an American original. His voice is of course an absolute marvel--soulful, sandpapery, moving effortlessly from the heartrending to the exhilarating. His range of shadings and expression is like that of a great jazz instrumentalist. And you have to love his little additional touches, like the sly "ha-ha" toward the end of "Beautiful Mornin'". His innate talent is just beyond belief and totally unique, and here he gets to exercise it on some truly first-class lyrics and melodies.

The arrangements can superficially sound a little dated, but the more you listen to these recordings, the more integral they become. The ones for the earlier tracks provided by Ralph Burns (who had worked for Woody Herman) are particularly good. The bands play very well, and the instruments sometimes blend perfectly with Ray's voice to create expressive effects, notably the "dirty" sounds on "Come Rain or Come Shine". And Ray's piano playing (I do wish he cut loose with it a little more!) shines on "Love Is Here To Stay", simply one of the all-time great interpretations of a standard.

A great collection, full of joyful, inspired music-making.

This would be a great way to introduce somebody to Ray's distinctive voice and style, especially a person who might not respond to his '50's R&B sides at first. Can't fault Ray's work here, but some tracks have "backing vocals" popular in the late '50's which really don't suit today's tastes. Look at the song list, read some other reviews, search your budget. Everybody needs at least one Charles disc in the collection, and this is a good choice. Ray's version of "Oh What a Beautiful Morning" from "Oklahoma" will make you sit up and take notice, and most of the other songs are worth hearing many times more than once.

These are some of his early cuts,and if you think you have heard Ol' Man River,you haven't until you hear it sung by the Master.All of these cuts are perfect.Buy this.You already know you love him,anyway!

What can I say about Ray Charles? As much as I really enjoy his original songs, he has a way of taking standards and making them his own. There is something about his voice that is so amazing that I cannot do anything else while listening to him--I just have to sit back and give him my full attention. Ray's version of That Lucky Old Sun is worth the price of the CD. It is so beautiful and moving that it chills me to my very soul. You won't regret buying this CD. It will further help you appreciate some already great songs.

I like to put this cd on after a long, tiring day. Every song is great, and sung as only Ray can sing them. The live version of Makin' Whoopee will make you laugh, you can tell Ray had a grand time with his audience. I wish I'd gotten to see him perform live, especially in the 50s & 60s when he was really in his prime. This album comes highly recommended, especially for Ray Charles fans.

Genius, pure genius! "Makin' Whoopee" is sex dripping from Ray's tongue, a fact that Ray obviously revels in; "Margie" is not at all far behind. In selections such as: "Without a Song," "Ol' Man River," or "Am I Blue" Ray's voice breaks your heart and if you listen to those cuts without shedding a tear...well, let's put it this way: something is definitely wrong with you! A sunshine rendition of "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'" brings this incredible CD to a terrific close.

I had been looking for Ray Charles' version of "Ruby" Could not find his version on the web sites where I usually buy music.
Finally discovered on Amazon and found it on the CD "Standards"A
terrific album. Some of my most favorite ballads on this one. If you like Ray Charles it's a great collections of songs. Gertrude

So Brother Ray is tackling the Great American Songbook - that really shouldn't be any surprise as GEORGIA ON MY MIND can ONLY be called a standard by any means.

Yes, Ray perhaps lacks the depth of phrasing and nuances found in Sinatra's or Nat King Cole'; but singing underneath lush strings on the ballads and a swinging band on the uptempo numbers, Ray inflects his own unique style of blues, gospel etc and makes all the songs his own.

The arrangements are superb and never get in Ray's way but support him!

This perhaps is my favorite side of Ray - combining the standards with his unique style - IT'S A WINNER!

I was pleased to find this album at a very good price. received it fast and enjoyed the sound well recorded.Thank you .will shop again

to many Pop Music CD's, unless they have a special uniqueness,wonderousness, so I may be a stingy reviewer. Also, I'm not that hooked by his raspy vocal style. But this is still my favorite Ray album,mainly since it has top of the line songs,some of which are not over-recorded. MARGIE and LUCKY OLD SUN are both terrific, and his famous GEORGIA ON MY MIND and RUBY also still sound fine. Most of the others have been done better by others (especially Sinatra,Armstrong,even Chad and Jeremy). And the final melody, OH WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING, is one every Boomer probably knew as a kid, but this version puts it well beyond the standard Broadway show-tune(from OKLAHOMA). Hard to belive there are so few reviews of this CD, close to an essential record!! BTW, some informative linear are included too!