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Charles is joined by Elton John on a soulful exploration of the latter's "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word," and sidles up next to Willie Nelson for a haunting version of the Frank Sinatra hit "It Was a Very Good Year," made all the more poignant in retrospect by its posthumous nature. Of course, it's not all bittersweet melancholy; Charles teams with Van Morrison for a jubilant soul/gospel reading of Van's MOONDANCE tune "Crazy Love," and the duet with James Taylor on the upbeat "Sweet Potato Pie" is probably the sassiest, perkiest thing in which Taylor's ever been involved. GENIUS LOVES COMPANY is a swan song that fittingly finds the titular genius surrounded by friends from varied musical worlds, all of whom he's touched with his rare gift.
Though Ray Charles, one of the greatest singers of the 20th century, was never in need of vocal assistance, he was no stranger to duets either (one of his finest records is a duet album with Betty Carter). For as much of a musical giant as he was, Brother Ray knew how to share the spotlight, as evidenced by GENIUS LOVES COMPANY, his final project before his 2004 passing. In keeping with the eclectic nature of Charles's artistry, he partners with a wide assortment of performers here.
Personnel: Ray Charles (vocals, piano); B.B. King, Willie Nelson (vocals, guitar); Bonnie Raitt (vocals, slide guitar); Norah Jones (vocals, piano); Michael McDonald (vocals, keyboards); Diana Krall, Elton John, James Taylor , Johnny Mathis, Van Morrison, Natalie Cole, Gladys Knight (vocals); Danny Jacob, George Marinelli, Jeff Mironov, Michael Landau, Michael Thompson , George Doering, Charles Fearing, Irv Kramer (guitar); Randy Waldman (piano, keyboards); Alan Pasqua (piano); Billy Preston (Hammond b-3 organ); Michael Bearden (keyboards); David Hayes, Abraham Laboriel, Sr., Trey Henry, Tom Fowler (bass guitar); James Gadson, Jim Keltner, Ray Brinker, Shawn Pelton (drums); Bashiri Johnson (percussion).
Rolling Stone (p.141) - Included in Rolling Stone's Top 50 Records Of 2004 - "A bittersweet duets record....[The album] features the veteran soul innovator crooning sweetly on several decades of standards..." Down Beat (p.66) - 3 stars out of 5 - "[G]entle pacing helps the encounters feel unforced and palpably intimate..." Living Blues (pp.48-50) - "Charles himself is in fine, typically elastic voice throughout." Mojo (Publisher) (p.116) - 4 stars out of 5 - "Thankfully, nobody disappoints."
Good but not the best This album is good in a couple of ways. The people singing with Ray Charles are at the top of their game for the most part but Ray, whom I love, is obviously not at his peak. This is a great album for reasons of nostalgia but earlier albums by Ray Charles showcase his brilliance much more. Submitted by jack.duren (Philomath, Oregon) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
Charles I thought there would me more of Ray Charles on this. It is mostly guest performers. I did not understand what this album was trying to accomplish--a tribute to him, certainly these are not his songs. Submitted by kevinr (Green Bay, WI) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful.
From a musician and music lover Ray Charles has always been on of the musicians and entertainers I have admired. This, his last CD, is my favorite ever of his great music. All the lovers of great music should have it in their collection. Dewey Hodgkinson - Submitted by dewey (Oceanside, CA, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 2 found this helpful.
Awesome Totally Enjoyable Submitted by shortfusedone (Sebastopol, CA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Ray Charles A genius This album is first class, really well produced, a good selection of artistes who combine well with Ray . His version of Here we go again with Norah Jones is destined to be classic, the hammond organ solo by Billy Preston in the middle is fab. Submitted by ron51 (lanark Scotland United Kingdom) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Good but not the best
From a musician and music lover
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