RAY CHARLES - THE GREAT RAY CHARLES (180g LP)

Ray Charles The Great Ray Charles on 180g LP from Rhino

Meticulously Mastered from the Original Master Tapes: True Audiophile Sound!

Charles' Sophomore Album Reveals Singer's Jazz Roots: Ray As You've Never Heard Him

A Swinging Atlantic Records Classic That's Never Sounded Better!

Most music lovers know Ray Charles for his groundbreaking sonic and rhythm combination that spawned R&B. Others recognize him for his extraordinary takes on country music, and later, his contributions to modern pop. But few instantly think of the pianist as a jazz artist despite his deep roots in that genre.

One reason for the disconnect is due to a dearth of Charles albums that pay tribute to his jazz legacy. Released shortly after his Atlantic Records debut, 1957's The Great Ray Charles is the legend's greatest jazz salvo, an entirely instrumental set that may stand as Charles' most under-recognized album. Everything about it cooks. Here, indeed, is the real soul of Ray Charles.

Focusing on his often overlooked piano skills, this timeless album finds Charles accompanied by saxophonists David "Fathead" Newman and Hank Crawford, who help the leader get his groove on. Mining the blues as only he can, Charles plays definitive versions of staples such as "My Melancholy Baby" and "Black Coffee," and has fun on pieces such as "Doodlin'" and "Sweet Sixteen Bars." The music swings and purrs. Behind it all, Charles' majestic fingers run across the 88s with an effortlessness that defies the imagination.

Mastered from the original master tapes, Rhino's spectacular 180g LP reissue brings the body and cavity of Charles' piano into pristine focus, with dead-centered imaging and incredible spacing. Newman's hot solos and Crawford's horn accents come to life like never before. Accept no substitute. This is by far the most definitive version of this must-have album ever produced. An American classic!

Ray Charles The Great Ray Charles Track Listing:

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