Why even bother critiquing anything from the fingertips and voice of Ray Charles? Why find fault with a legend who, in the words of Johnny Mathis is “not just an ordinary singer, musician or icon. He’s the best of the best.”
Prior to his unfortunate death last June, Charles recorded Genius Loves Company, perhaps his finest recording of his fifty plus year career - an album of duets with some of the most recognized voices this side of himself – encompassing the man’s spectrum of soul, R&B, gospel, blues and rock.
Van Morrison, Gladys Knight, Willie Nelson, James Taylor, Johnny Mathis, Michael McDonald, Bonnie Raitt, Elton John, Norah Jones, Diana Krall, B.B. King and Natalie Cole are the rich voices that are almost “not worthy” to share song space with Charles. While some guests are lucky enough to have their own songs rearranged, others take on a variety of toe-tapping classics, like the sweltering “Fever” with Cole and “You Don’t Know Me” with Krall. Listening to the nasally serene Taylor trade vocals with the soulful Charles is the most unexpected pairing, having obvious fun with “Sweet Potato Pie” from Taylor’s 1988 release Never Die Young. Meanwhile the orchestral version of “It Was A Very Good Year,” lets Nelson and Charles sing in rare, cinematic gloss. And behind it all, the core-backing band is top notch, showcasing the stellar organ work of Billy Preston.
Ray Charles left us much too soon, though Genius Loves Company further highlights the spectral croon of a legend, along with a little help from his friends.
