Ray Charles - Ray Charles and Betty Carter

An audiophile classic - cut from the original three-track masters!

One track - "Baby, It's Cold Outside" - will make this one easily worth the price of admission!

"...it's easy to see why labels love it: the two jazz giants worked together almost as harmoniously as Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong...The standout is probably the oft-heard 'Baby It's Cold Outside,' but the pair's contrasting styles also work wonders with 'Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye,' a sexy 'Cocktails For Two' and even a swinging if lightweight 'Side By Side'." Sound Quality: 88% - Ken Kessler, Hi Fi News, February 2012

Whoa! Now we're getting into the big leagues. Ray Charles, cut from the original three-track tapes, pressed on 200-gram vinyl at Quality Record Pressings. Yowsa! And not just any Ray Charles title, mind you. Ray Charles and Betty Carter! Analogue Productions has reissued a whole lot of classics - a whole lot - but there aren't many of 'em that are a much bigger deal than this.

This is such a romantic album. Such a warm album. Such a rich album. And, ooh, the sound! Turn the lights down. Grab that special someone. Drop the needle. And as our Acoustic Sounds/Analogue Productions owner would say, "If nothing happens, don't blame the record!"

Originally released in 1961 on ABC-Paramount, Ray Charles and Betty Carter features startling dynamics, with Marty Paich's arrangements showcasing both punchy brass and lush strings. The showstopper, "Baby, It's Cold Outside," topped the R&B charts upon its release. And jazz singer Betty Carter's vocal prowess shines on "Cocktails For Two" and "Alone Together." Ray Charles has never sounded more romantic.