Ray Charles - Genius Loves Company
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Free Music Notes for Genius Loves Company
Free Music Review: True Beauty, Pure Genius!
Hit: 5 Stars
Here written are many magnificent Kudos for this CD and I would just like to add a few comments from the casual listener who has always enjoyed Ray Charles from the living room armchair with much awe and many goose-bumps. As the final work of this great artist whose name is synonymous with greatness, I am hard pressed to find a single flaw in this collection. On many occasions I have popped this CD into the home or car player and just let it run its course as many as two or three times without changing it out. The recordings have a dynamic sound that fills your body and soul with music of the spheres, whether it's orchestra, choir, or bald-faced blues guitars and jazzed up Pie-Anna's. Every supple nuance and phrase of every note is captured rich and pure by the producers and engineers, and Ray's voice and those of his guests have never sounded more real, more up close and personal and standing in your living room. Some folks say digital doesn't sound "real". Well the staff at HEAR Music and Phil Ramone and John Burk in particular have made sure this experience is as real as it gets. I give Production on this CD album a whopping "10" for perfection!
And now to the music:
Of particular note I'd like to call out Here We Go Again with Norah Jones, Sinner's Prayer with BB King and Heaven Help Us All with Gladys Knight. On all three tracks, Billy Preston fills in every gap and wash with that glorious Hammond B3, most especially Here We Go Again where Ray calls on him for a standout solo piece. The holy keyboard trinity of Ray, Norah, and Billy, interchanging their delights on this track is well worth the price of CD alone. It welcomes you into the program, slaps you in the face with loving licks, and sets you down for an evening of joyful entertainment. On Sinner's Prayer, Ray reminds us once again that he could blues- and jazz-jam on the piano like no one else. To the very end, Ray never lost his touch and his piano answers every blues-guitar lick that BB can dish out, and answers it with the polish and splayed-finger amazement that only Ray was capable of. Lastly, if it isn't enough having the TRUE pop diva herself, Gladys Knight, exchanging prayers with Ray Charles, on a disc; if that isn't enough for you, glory and bask in the glow of Gladys' tremendous gospel choir, accented at every step with the Reverend Billy Preston giving us what God Gave him! Ray and Billy are together right now tickling the keys in eternity and awaiting the Glory Band of this generation.
Those three were my "Holy" tracks but someone else might revel in the delight of James Taylor and Ray delivering up JT's Sweet Potato Pie with funked up brass and lead guitar jabs back and forth by Ray's amazing band. Or you might just want to bathe in Diana Krall's sultry You Don't Know Me, I wonder if Ray got the miracle of sight on that one! Ray and Elton John exchange piano leads and stanzas on Elton's immortal Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word, but when Ray and Natalie Cole get the Fever, it's blistering!
My favorite track after the three I mentioned above initially is Do I Ever Cross Your Mind with Bonnie Raitt. Bonnie's slide and Ray's piano work together to form a pure piece of art that captures the heart and soul of both artists. While Ray and Diana found vocal compatibility and sensuality on You Don't Know Me, Ray and Bonnie get down and dirty instrumentally on this track, and Bonnie gets downright "wicked" (read the liner notes folks) sliding through Ray's accompaniment.
If you are hard core Ray Charles fan you won't be reading this, but if you are a casual fan, or even a sometimes fan, take note: as a whole product, this is one of the best "albums" Ray ever made and he has made tons.
This is not your usual run of the mill obligatory get some stars together with a big name and slop the hogs for some cash "duets" album (like quite a few I can name). This album was made with loving care, at the invitation of Ray himself with the artists he cared about and deeply wanted to collaborate with. This project was close to his heart and was not a slick-product for the marketing monkeys. So if you are holding off because you have had enough of those "Duets" titled CD's and are sick of picking out two or three winners from the dozen or more songs proffered, then hold off no more. Just look at the artists listed, if they are to your liking, you will get nothing but their best performances here. If you love Ray, but are iffy on the partners involved, let me tell you, they were great with Mr. Charles, each and every one of them. The CD runs the gamut from soft and sentimental orchestral Ray (Johnny Mathis and Willie Nelson) to finger-snapping pop-jazz Ray (JT and Natalie Cole) to Motown Ray (Michael McDonald) to Smooth Ray (Norah, Diana, Van Morrison) to signature blues Ray (BB King, Bonnie) and gospel Ray (Gladys) and tearful Ray (Elton). If variety is the spice of your life and you like excellently produced and recorded music, Genius Loves Company will be your cup of tea. It is pure Genius!
Free Music Review: In the December of His Life
Hit: 5 Stars
When I was a kid, I was privileged to grow up with great music always playing in the house. From my grandfather I inherited a love for classical, and for country when it was still "country and western." From my dad, though, I inherited my appreciation for Ray Charles.
At the time, I was listening to a lot of soul, like Smokey Robinson and Otis Redding, and rock, like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. After hearing a record of "What'd I Say" and "Hit the Road Jack," I asked my father what kind of music that was. "That's Ray Charles," he told me. I told him I wanted to know what kind of music he was playing. He gave me the same answer.
It took me a while to understand what he was getting at. Charles's music was beyond category; it was his own invention, completely and utterly sui generis.
Take, for instance, his now-classic arrangement of "America the Beautiful." My grade school music teacher actually thought I was unpatriotic because I couldn't stand the standard version of the song. But it wasn't the words I had a problem with--only the juvenile, sing-song meter: I thought the song wasn't fit to be representing my country. Years later, after I left the Army, I saw Charles on television performing "America the Beautiful" before a baseball game. Using a gospel rhythm on his piano and singing off the backbeat, he transformed it into something so magnificently inspired that he made it all his own--and one of my all-time favorites. I guess that's why he's called, not "a genius," but "The Genius."
Charles died in 2004 at the age of seventy-three. His last work, Genius Loves Company, an album of duets, was a labor of love by an incomparable artist who knew his days were numbered. It was in the tradition of other famous duet releases, beginning in 1991 with Natalie Cole's Unforgettable: With Love--the remarkable album featuring studio-engineered duets with her deceased father, Nat King Cole--and followed by star-studded duet albums from Frank Sinatra (1993) and Tony Bennett (Playin' with My Friends, 2001).
Genius Loves Company opens strong, with Charles's country/blues hit from the 1960s, "Here We Go Again"--this time a collaboration with Grammy-winning newcomer Norah Jones. There's a cover with Diana Krall of Eddy Arnold's country classic "You Don't Know Me," which Charles also recorded in 1962. On this take, the lyrics are parsed at just the right points, letting Krall's satiny vocals work off Charles's gravelly blues. For a duet with Willie Nelson on the Sinatra classic "It Was a Very Good Year," the two old-timers barely sing, but rather narrate the lyrics, much like Jimmy Durante, or Walter Huston in his performance of "September Song." On "Sinner's Prayer" B.B. King is along for the ride with his beloved Lucille. With King's scorching guitar work a perfect counterpoint to the staccato rhythms of Ray's chords, and Billy Preston backing up on the Hammond organ, this is the album's strongest cut. A finger-snapping rendition of "Fever" with Natalie Cole and an a cappella gospel take on "Crazy Love" with Van Morrison round out this solid effort.
Although Charles passed away before Genius Loves Company was released, he must have known that he was going out on top. While recording the album, he worked with director Taylor Hackford and actor Jamie Foxx on the biopic of his life story, Ray. At the 2005 Grammy awards Genius Loves Company walked off with all the important trophies, and Foxx took home the best actor Academy Award for his uncanny portrayal of the legendary musician.
Okay, it's a cliché, but it's still true: Ray Charles may be gone, but his music will be with us forever.
Free Music Review: GENIUS LOVES COMPANY ! (and we love you, Ray)
Hit: 5 Stars
Genius Loves Company (2004) was Ray Charles' last album, a collaborative affair with various musicians and singers handpicked by Ray himself. Liver cancer would end Ray's life before the album was released to great commercial success and won eight Grammy Awards. The album's Grammy Awards were in part sentimental, and I must admit that my five star rating is, too. Sentimentality is what Genius Loves Company is really all about. It's by no means Ray Charles at his peak as a performer. In fact, he's not in good health, way past his best days and just doing the best he can to keep up with everyone else. And that's just fine with me. The singers here all feel incredibly honored to be chosen by Ray to participate in this special project, and each one knows that in his prime Ray Charles could outperform all of them put together. The atmosphere is almost like a celebration or a party to honor the beloved legend. It's schmaltzy and sentimental, and everyone is celebrating and complimenting (in quotes in the liner notes) the great Ray Charles.
I really went into Genius Loves Company determined that I was going to like it, no matter what. And even though Ray's worn and tired vocal performance produced a few shakey moments, by the time I got to the end of the album, I did like it. I also had a tear in my eye, and a new level of love and respect for who Ray Charles actually was, the legend that he is, and how he overcame the odds like he did.
Here We Go Again (w/Norah Jones) opens the album and sounds wonderful (it won a Grammy for Record Of The Year). It's followed by the fun of Sweet Potato Pie (w/James Taylor) and the uneasy blues of You Don't Know Me (w/Diana Krall). The haunting Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word (w/Elton John) is a favorite of mine here, and the orchestrated arrangement highlights the song perfectly. The funky and jazzy Fever (w/Natalie Cole) and the country meets jazz Do I Ever Cross Your Mind (w/Bonnie Raitt) are both winners, and Ray's soulful, but subdued singing is still a joy to listen to as the old spark returns here and there. Ray's old and close friend Willie Nelson joins him on the heavily orchestrated It Was A Very Good Year. The song is perfect here and is sort of a turning point for the album. Knowing what good friends these two were for so many years makes it even more special. Of course, Willie didn't come to the party empty handed. He brought Trigger (his trademark and beat up old guitar) with him and you can hear it in the arrangement. B.B. King brought Lucille (his famous guitar) with him, too, and joins Ray for what's probably the best song on the album, Sinner's Prayer. With Billy Preston providing the organ and B.B. playing his guitar, Ray and B.B. belt out the blues, and Ray sounds better and more comfortable in this setting than he does anywhere on the album. Heaven Help Us All (w/Gladys Knight) is a gospel flavored highlight and quite an emotional and beautiful piece of music. Hey Girl (w/Michael McDonald) and Somewhere Over The Rainbow (w/Johnny Mathis) both work well and fit comfortably with the album's reflective spirit. There's also a good live version of Crazy Love (w/Van Morrison) from the night Ray inducted Van (by Van's request) into The Songwriters Hall Of Fame.
Genius Loves Company will pain some who don't want to be bothered with hearing a legend way past his prime sing his songs anymore, but I quite enjoy hearing this man giving it another shot, holding his own with some of the world's greatest singers. Ray Charles deserved this album, he more than earned it, I'm glad I own it and it makes me proud to listen to it. Thank you, Ray Charles.
Free Music Review: Here We Go Again
Hit: 5 Stars
Ray Charles swept the Grammy's with awards for his music. Does anyone need a reason? Ray the one name is all we need to identify the man. He has been around as long as we can remember, and his voice is one of sentiment, tone, resonance and love. He loved every style of music, R&B, gospel, jazz, blues, soul, country and rock and roll. Every one of his memorable songs brings back of memories of the man and the times. We miss you Ray Charles, but this CD brings back some of the best of you.
My favorite is his duet with Elton John- "Sorry Seems To Be The
Hardest Word". There was a full orchestra behind this duo and it turned out to be the last song Ray Charles would record.
His duet with Bonnie Raitt, "Do I Ever Cross Your Mind" is a bluesy rendition of this great song and how wonderful they are together. Bonnie's lilting smooth delivery of "Do you ever want to know what happened to me?" old lovers asking of each other.
Norah Jones won a Grammy for this recording of "Here We Go Again". They both played the piano and bring out the best in each other- what brilliance in their voices as they slide into their rhythm.
"Sweet Potato Pie" sung with James Taylor. They made such soulful, joyous music together.
Diana Krall joins Ray for a rendition of "You Don't Know Me". Another song of loneliness and heartbreak that Ray does so well. The addition of Diana Krall's rich delivery provides a contrast to Ray's more gravelly portrayal.
Ray joins Natalie Cole in the ever popular "Fever"- the funky jazz greatness.
One of the best arrangements is that of Ray and Willie Nelson in "It Was A Very Good Year". A song sung solo by both of them, but oh, so much better as a duet. You can hear the weariness in Ray's voice, but the love of life is still there. They were the best of friends and now, alas, we have only Willie. Willie is the best there is and we need to keep him.
Ray loved Michael McDonald's version of "Hey Girl". They have a full orchestra backing them, and this version of the 60's delight is one I will remember as my own.
In a jam session, Ray and B.B. King belt out "Sinner's Prayer".
Billy Preston joined them and the three friends made this song theirs to own.
Gospel was one of Ray's favorites and he and Gladys Knight unite to sing "Heaven Help Us All" An influence of jazz and gospel in this old time religion sound.
A dynamite recording with Johnny Mathis in "Over The Rainbow" is a smashing success. Two voices of the best generation.
And, at long last Van Morrison and Ray Charles sing "Crazy Love". Van Morrison requested that Ray induct him into "The Songwriters Hall of Fame", and then they sang. The crow went wild. Van Morrison, one of my favorite songwriters, singers of all time. How glorious to hear the two of them together.
This is the best there is. We had Ray Charles for over sixty years, and now he is gone. Gone, but for the old cliché "Never Forgotten". Ray had a profound impact on us and on the performers who are represented in this CD. They were performed with a passion and uniqueness that was Ray Charles. Thank you, Ray for all the enjoyment you have brought to us. Unabashedly recommended to all. prisrob
Free Music Review: Don't bother the haters on this album
Hit: 5 Stars
I can't stand people not lovin' on this album or else they never even heard of the man that made it all happen. Ya'll should be ashamed. I mean this isn't a album you can't live without Ray put out a lot in his career before he passed. This is his first duets album along with friends and classmates who are dueting and collaborating on this album.
I understand that Ray is no longer with us no more. But he lives on tho in our heart and souls. This took him home 8 Grammy's because of the success of this album and a special tribute to him. Yeah Jamie Foxx, Usher, Alicia Keys, Kanye West and others all pay their respects to him to those that seen the movie "Ray" would be excited and more happy.
I'd never had a problem with him putting out a lot of good stuff 'cuz he's has that kindred spirit in him y'know like Miles Davis had it all started playing jazz and reinventing the cool in his sound and how James Brown created the sounds of funk and blend it for most artists that does rap, R&B, jazz, neo-soul, and hip-hop. No doubt about it.
I luv Ray Charles as a person, a pioneer, a prophet, a hero, a legend, and especially a good mentor to me for what he does in the history of music. This would go on to my music collection in years to come. I'd appreciate of what he left us before he died and doesn't had to suffer no more but stay peacefully.
He's in heaven now with God and doesn't had to look back but be the man of who he is now. I pray that God would find a way in this man's legacy to come.
Ok long period short, but once I heard the album I picked up from Circuit City yesterday I was so amazed that I purchased it just 6 months after it was released and 5 days after the Grammys. Isn't that amazing? I was so amazed that I got a change to see what it sounds without sounding too bad y'knowwhattamean.
My most favorite song of all-time is "You Don't Know Me" feat. Diana Krall (who's also a pleasure to work on this album) has been played on the smooth jazz stations in Atlanta, GA y'know WJZZ 107.5. And I definitely liked it a lot 'cuz it reminds me I had to keep thinking about him every day and always remember 'cuz Ray is Gone But Not Forgotten or GBNF for short.
Especially some others I like are "Sorry To Be The Hardest Word" w/ Elton John, "Here We Go Again" w/ Norah Jones (I know it won a Grammy nomination for it), "Heaven Help Us All" w/ Gladys Knight (It was once done my man and idol Stevie Wonder of the compilation I had on tape entitled "Looking Back"), "Hey Girl" w/ my boy and labelmate Michael McDonald, there's a lot more I can't think right now but I luv every song that's on this CD. So an inspiration to me and especially my most fav. album to date.
Ray Charles aka The Genius of Soul, Brother Ray, Soul Man, etc. May your heart, your soul, your spirit and your music rest in peace. 'Cuz you live on in us Brother Ray we miss you dearly and we'll never forgot. You'll always be a part to me for now on in my heart.