This set is rather unusual, for it is strictly instrumental, allowing Ray Charles a rare opportunity to be a jazz-oriented pianist. Two selections are with a trio (bassist Oscar Pettiford joins Charles on "Black Coffee"), while the other six are with a septet taken from his big band of the period. Key among the sidemen are David Newman (soloing on both tenor and alto) and trumpeter Joseph Bridgewater; highlights include Quincy Jones' "The Ray," "My Melancholy Baby," "Doodlin'," and "Undecided." Ray Charles should have recorded in this setting more often in his later years.
The Great Ray Charles
Ray Charles
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The Great Ray Charles Review
by Scott Yanow
![Ray Charles [Atlantic]](https://rovimusic.rovicorp.com/image.jpg?c=zVKOGq015OVgI2X2M6xahR_TZlp6n_cq-Emr2zx15tU=&f=1)
![Ray [Original Soundtrack]](https://rovimusic.rovicorp.com/image.jpg?c=JghfHcFEOZAxkpkjB5sKTRyhM-OFI8zG4l-qVpXXB1I=&f=1)
