Ray Charles
Genius Loves Company
[ENHANCED]
The fact that Genius Loves Company will be Ray Charles's final new album
inspires an unavoidable blue feeling. But it's also a happy reminder
that the man spent the last months of his life at work. The overall
effect of these dozen duets is not only autumnal, but smooth; Brother
Ray is on point and cruising here. Fine moments abound--you can hear his
delight in the company of Diana Krall and Natalie Cole. His voice sounds
a bit frayed at times, but it also allows for great performances (the
slyness behind the ache in his version of the old soul hit "Hey Girl"
with Michael McDonald; a grand "Crazy Love" with Van Morrison).
Potently, he and Gladys Knight also remind us of the continued
timeliness of Stevie Wonder's "Heaven Help Us All." Its best moments
make Company one more essential purchase for Ray Charles fans.
--Rickey Wright
Catalog
Number: CTI COJ1033SACD
Format: CD
Label: Concord Records |
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Click on tracks
 to hear sound samples.
1. Here
We Go Again with Noah Jones (3:59)
2. Sweet Potato Pie with James Taylor (3:47)
3. You Don't Know Me with Diana Krall (3:54)
4. Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word with Elton John (3:58)
5. Fever with Natalie Cole (3:30)
6. Do I Ever Cross Your Mind with Bonnie Raitt
(4:34)
7. It Was A Very Good Year with Willie Nelson (4:59)
8. Hey Girl with Michael McDonald (5:15)
9. Sinner's Prayer with B.B. King (4:24)
10. Heaven Help Us All with Gladys Knight (4:32)
11. Over The Rainbow with Johnny Mathis (4:54)
12. Crazy Love with Van Morrison (3:34)
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