Genius Loves Company - Ray Charles Album Review

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Album Review

When Ray Charles died on 10 June 2004 he left behind a huge legacy.

He accrued 12 Grammy awards between 1960 and 1993 acquiring the nick name 'Genius '.

Ray Charles Robinson was born on 23 September 1930, he single-handedly invented Soul music by bringing together the fervour of Gospel, the secular lyrics and narratives of Blues and Country, the big - band arrangements of Jazz, and the rhythms and improvisational possibilities from them all. The net result was both sophisticated and spontaneous, ( all found here ) releasing his eponymously - titled first album in 1957. Those entire eclectic influences turn up as the stars come out to play on his final studio recording.

Born into abject poverty in Albany Georgia and raised in Florida, he began playing piano at the tender age of five. At six he contracted glaucoma, which went untreated and eventually left him blind.

He studied composition (writing music in Braille), he also learned to play alto sax, clarinet, trumpet and organ while attending St. Augustine School for the Deaf and Blind from 1937 to 1945.

Big guns like Elton John, B.B.King, and Willie Nelson turn up on his final recording sessions of this generational cross over, turning it into a real melting pot of genres. The synthesis of established and new performers makes this a charming and endearing collection as he draws on all his eclectic styles. There are some great renditions and musical moments particularly from B.B.King, Natalie Cole, Van Morrison with all songs perfectly suited to their individual talents. Charles does fail to impress on the odd occasion - Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word, and Do I Ever Cross Your Mind.

However he does excel on my favourites, including - Sweet Potato Pie, Fever - with Natalie Cole giving a world class contribution, the awesome It Was A Very Good Year with Nelson's sharp country lilt, Sinner's Prayer with BB, as the pair play off each other in a perfect Bluesy manner. Final song, a live recording with Van Morrison is a real mutual appreciation society number, closing a magical experience for them and me.

His life was a true rags to riches story. Triumph overcoming tragedy. Light transcending darkness. This CD is a fitting epitaph to a legend in his own right.

Elly Roberts