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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, keyboards); 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."
**Super Audio CD (SACD)** A Super Audio CD player is required to play this CD. This item will not play on standard CD players.
Not what I was expecting I was dissapointed in this album. Some of the pairings didn't work for me musically. But then I was expecting so much that it would have been hard for it to live up to them. That been said the soul put into each performance is undeniable. Get it on Super Audio CD if possible. Submitted by Paul (Ireland) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Save your Money!!!! The material for this cd can't get any worse. One selection with BB King, is the only song worth listening to.
The SACD version which I purchased is absolutly flat.
Their are far to many great selection out there, don't bother with this one... Submitted by cdjorgen (Denver, Colorado) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
The best for last? Ray Charles has been around for a long time. HIs contribution to music and the world in general are legendary, yet his studio performances have too often missed the mark and as a result he has been one of the most highly regarded failures in the industry, the performer everybody likes and nobody listens to. What a waste. This album rises above the banal, cheaply produced contributions of the past twenty years, yet it fails to meet the mark Ray Charles seems to have set for himself. Other than the opening song with Norah Jones, there is not a single truly great song. Perhaps it is not coincidental that the best duet is with the youngest contributor and there seems to be little doubt the entire package would have been better with just the two of them, Ray and Norah singing and playing keyboards, something they seem to have done effortlessly and yet with consumate skill. Submitted by pjm44 (San Francisco, CA, USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
the Bittersweet farewell Brother Ray is in fine form as to always be expected. His pairings (and some of the arrangements) are often disappointing. We have a masterful jazz / R&B performer getting paired up with performers who are inexperienced in playing off another person. Norah Jones, Natalie Cole, BB King, and Gladys Knight gave great performances playing off each other and exchanging licks like masters. James was ok, but it could have been better. Elton John sounded completely lost and the orchestration was mediocre at best. Bonnie Raitt and McDonald left much to be desired, seeming lost when paired up with a true master. Willie Nelson and the arranger destroyed what was already a mediocre song. In the pamphlet Nelson speaks about how he and Charles are the last of the greats. Brother Ray was... Wille, I'm sorry but you never were. Finally, Johnny Mathis is usually great, but not on this one. The orchestration, again, was weak. Victor Vanacore failed to capture the mood that we remember from Ray's earlier solo release of Over the Rainbow also featured in Sleepless in Seattle, which was a masterpiece.
That being said, I still give it 4 stars. Brother B.B., Van Morrison, the young Norah Jones, Natalie Cole and Gladys Knight save this album and make it one you want to keep for a long time. Do yourself a favor and pick up the album; you'll be remised if you don't. Submitted by Tim (Milwaukee, WI) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Outstanding May this be playing when I die.... Submitted by Ned (St. Louis, MO USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Not what I was expecting
Save your Money!!!!
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