Ray Charles-Genius Loves Company (Concord Records/Hear Music)   

The last album by Ray Charles.  How sad this fact is.  Fortunately, it’s best to say goodbye to a loved one with friends.  
Those that loved Ray Charles, the legendary great, will find comfort in the duets that made up his last studio effort.
Charles said of his duets project:  “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.” The admirers that join Ray here provide a great way for Ray to say goodbye to us and for us to
say goodbye to him.  
Hollywood films will probably begin to feature some of these recordings.  Duets with Norah Jones or Willie Nelson are
perfect for studio films that appeal to all age groups.  Ray Charles has that wide, universal appeal.  He’s caused
generations to say, ‘Amen.’ There are plenty of reasons to say it here.  Jones duet, “Here We Go Again,” brings one of
the biggest modern stars of piano songwriting together with one of the greatest of all time.  The two are great together.  
Likewise for Diana Krall on “You Don’t Know Me.” Another strong highlight is a live version of Van Morrison’s “Crazy
Love” featuring Van himself.  This track, the last on the record, was recorded live in June 2003 at The Songwriters’ Hall
of Fame ceremony.  “Fever,” sung here with Natalie Cole, is another nice version of a song that’s been sung often, and
by many.  
Some tracks will be enjoyed most by those that like the particular artist who is dueting the Genius of title here.  Elton
John joins his fellow piano icon for a take on John’s famous “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word,” which Charles was
covering on the road at the end of his touring career.  Bonnie Raitt joins in on “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?” Willie
Nelson, as distinct of voice as Charles, croons on the classic standard, “It Was a Very Good Year.” Songs like these, or
“Over The Rainbow” with Johnny Mathis, will be appreciated most by those who like the particular artists.  Even if a
listener doesn’t care for a particular singing partner (Michael McDonald for instance), there should be enough pairings
and renditions to make Genius Loves Company an important record to own for anyone touched by the sad passing of a
genuine musical and cultural treasure like Brother Ray.
Not every ‘farewell’ release after an artist passes is a worthy tribute to a great legacy, but Genius Loves Company is an
appropriate and uplifting tribute to the legacy of one of America’s all time most important musical geniuses. This wasn’t
cobbled together after we lost him either.  Ray had completed the recording of Genius with his peers and admirers
lending instrument and/or voice.  There is no doubt a sea of musicians out there who will wish they could have kept
company with Ray on his last record.  Brother Ray was as important to several genres of music, R&B, gospel, rock and
roll, etc., as Beethoven was to classical music.  He didn’t just sing “America the Beautiful,” he lived it and he was IT.  

www.raycharles.com