Ray Charles - The Great Ray Charles

Analogue Productions (Atlantic 75 Series)

Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Atlantic Records!

Instrumental album showcases Ray Charles' piano versatility

Hybrid Stereo SACD

The Great Ray Charles is the second studio album by American musician Ray Charles, released in 1957 by Atlantic Records. An instrumental jazz album, it afforded Charles a rare opportunity to be a jazz-oriented pianist.

Two selections are with a trio (bassist Oscar Pettiford joins Charles on "Black Coffee"), while the other six are with a septet taken from his big band of the period. Key among the sidemen are David Newman (soloing on both tenor and alto) and trumpeter Joseph Bridgewater; highlights include Quincy Jones' "The Ray," "My Melancholy Baby," "Doodlin', and "Undecided." "Doodlin'" (written by Horace Silver and arranged by Quincy Jones) and "Sweet Sixteen Bars" generated much spontaneous radio airplay.

 

 

 

1. The Ray

2. My Melancholy Baby

3. Black Coffee

4. There's No You

5. Doodlin'

6. Sweet Sixteen Bars

7. I Surrender Dear

8. Undecided

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