By Esther Callens
Undoubtedly Ray Charles was one of the greatest singer/songwriters to grace this century. His iconic style is matchless as he could belt out rhythm, blues, gospel, country, jazz, rock and roll tunes like no other.
To commemorate the life of this most accomplished artist, Concord Music, along with The Ray Charles Foundation and Hear Music, is set to release a treasured collection. Ray Charles – Genius Loves Company 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition, will be in retail as of September 30, 2014. Originally released in 2004, Genius Love Company (Charles’s last studio recording) is a wonderful collection of duets with some of his friends that went worldwide Multi-Platinum, Gold and Silver producing eight Grammy Awards. It is a priceless compilation!
Genius Loves Company 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition is a wonderful commemorative. In addition to the CD (that includes two bonus tracks), there is The Making Of Genius Love Company DVD. It consists of numerous interviews with the special guest artists (past and present), in-studio footage of the sessions, a marvelous expanded liner booklet with photos and many other surprises. It is quite impressive!
On recording the original Genius Loves Company, Ray Charles stated, “I’ve recorded with so many amazing artists in my career, but never on a duets album all my own. I thought it was time to have some of the friends that I love and the artists that I admire come into my studio and sing with me live.” Friends and fans are privileged and honored that Ray Charles had a chance to record this incredible last masterpiece!
Album listing and personnel: Here We Go Again (with Norah Jones); Sweet Potato Pie (with James Taylor); You Don’t Know Me (with Diana Krall); Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word (with Elton John); Fever (with Natalie Cole); Do I Ever Cross Your Mind? (with Bonnie Raitt); It Was a Very Good Year (with Willie Nelson); Hey Girl (with Michael McDonald); Sinner’s Prayer (with B.B. King); Heaven Help Us All (with Gladys Knight); Over the Rainbow (with Johnny Mathis); Crazy Love (with Van Morrison). Bonus Tracks: Mary Ann (with Poncho Sanchez); Unchain My Heart (Take 6).
