Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Ray Charles & the Count Basie Orchestra: Ray Sings, Basie Swings
Ray Charles & the Count Basie Orchestra: Ray Sings, Basie Swings
Spearheaded by Senior VP of A&R John Burk and producer/drummer Gregg Field, the serendipitous project does swing. And, like Genius Loves Company (Concord, 2004), its Grammy-winning predecessor, Concord retains the promotional support of Starbucks Hear Music's meticulously plotted brand development strategy. Recently, the Seattle-based java giant's retail concept has strategically expanded into satellite radio as well as exclusive online digital contents.
Patiently put together by engineers Seth Presant, Don Murray and Field, the final mix was assembled around a heavily-spliced and EQ'ed live reel performed thirty years ago by Charles in Europe. Here, he is backed by "updated arrangements recorded by the current Count Basie Orchestra in an LA studio session. Now, purists might find comfort in knowing that the somewhat intrusive process was overseen by Joe Adams, Charles' longtime manager, and Basie's entrepreneurial son.
The opener, Rodgers & Hammerstein's pastoral waltz "Oh, What A Beautiful Morning, showcases the Orchestra's famous in-the-pocket ensemble playing. The Genius' legendary showmanship radiates in the soulful shuffle of "Let The Good Times Roll, the laid-back swing of "I Can't Stop Loving You, and the classic ballad, "Georgia On My Mind More, his version of the Gershwins' "How Long Has This Been Going On? is truly unique. Throughout, the band arrangements (principally by Shelly Berg and Tom Scott) and Patti Austin's new Raelettes sound slick and neat.
Overall, considering Charles' impact on American popular music and historical performances herein, this album deserves a sympathetic listen.
Track Listing
Oh, What A Beautiful Morning; Let The Good Times Roll; How Long Has This Been Going On?; Every Saturday Night; Busted; Crying Time; I Can
Personnel
Ray Charles
piano and vocalsRay Charles: vocals; Bill Hughes: director; Grant Langford: alto sax; Marshall McDonald: alto sax, flute; Doug Lawrence: tenor sax; Doug Miller: tenor sax; John Williams: baritone sax; Scotty Barnhart: trumpet; Shawn C. Edmonds: trumpet; Endr
Album information
Title: Ray Sings, Basie Swings | Year Released: 2006 | Record Label: Concord Music Group
Comments
Tags
For the Love of Jazz
All About Jazz has been a pillar of jazz since 1995, championing it as an art form and, more importantly, supporting the musicians who create it. Our enduring commitment has made "AAJ" one of the most culturally important websites of its kind, read by hundreds of thousands of fans, musicians and industry figures every month.
You Can Help
To expand our coverage even further and develop new means to foster jazz discovery and connectivity we need your help. You can become a sustaining member for a modest $20 and in return, we'll immediately hide those pesky ads plus provide access to future articles for a full year. This winning combination will vastly improve your AAJ experience and allow us to vigorously build on the pioneering work we first started in 1995. So enjoy an ad-free AAJ experience and help us remain a positive beacon for jazz by making a donation today.
Giveaway
Days remaining: 4
