Ray’s vocals are very evocative and his piano playing augments the mood throughout. He even delivers an original song, “Careless Love,” which seamlessly fits alongside his renditions of Hank Williams and Don Gibson songs. Other standout performances include tenor saxophone solos by Don Wilkerson (“Half As Much”) and David “Fathead” Newman (“Just A Little Lovin’”), and featured Raelette Margie Hendrix sharing the spotlight on Jimmie Davis’ “You Are My Sunshine.”
While the historical context is not evident solely from listening to them, both volumes of Modern Sounds in Country and Western are compelling. The way Ray adapts the work of others and makes them his own (Williams’ “Your Cheating Heart” is barely recognizable) clearly demonstrates how he earned the nickname “Genius.”
Article comments
1 - Josh Hathaway
Maybe this doesn't happen for you, but there are certain artists whose talent I respect yet I don't have any of their albums and I don't really listen to them. I understand Ray Charles' brilliance but I've never bought any of his records. I am going to have to do that. Same with Tony Bennett (who I bring up because I remember your review of his work with Bill Evans). I never know where to start with some of these guys who recorded for 50 years. Every time I hear Bennett sing, I'm always amazed. It was that way with Miles Davis for me, too. Part of it is the breadth of their careers. Part of it is they're artists in genres I don't really know much about and it feels a bit impenetrable at times. Anyway, good work on your review, sir. You're spurring me to action in some fashion.
2 - El Bicho
It happens to everyone. When the stork brings us, he unfortunately doesn't include the Rolling Stone Top 500 albums, so a person's musical collection has to grow and evolves over their life, starting at none.
Don't let it overwhelm you. The easiest route is to dive right in and throw caution to the wind. Check All-Time lists or find some comprehensive best-ofs. Ray's "The Birth of Soul" is a 3-disc set that is a good place to start for his early recordings. I know Tony has a career box set whose name escapes, but his Unplugged album is well worth checking out.
Thanks for the comment. I am curious to hear what actions you are taking.
3 - Phillip Winn
I have Vol 1 only, and it's great. I should hunt down Vol 2!