Ray Charles - Genius Loves Company

Unfortunately, it’s not until after the death of a genius that the common world comes to understand the magnitude of his/her gifts. Obviously, Ray Charles was heralded among the intellectuals and music elites that studied his art. Genius Loves Company is their testament to his ingenuity. Few artists can preserve the roots of their music when sharing those roots with another distinguished artist. Ray Charles is one. Frank Sinatra is another. Carlos Santana is not. While the music arrangements on this album are bold and the song selections are precise, Ray Charles’ voice is clearly battling the very menace that untimely took his life away from us. The duets work best when the tempo is kept to a jazzy crawl. “Here We Go Again,” featuring Norah Jones, “You Don’t Know Me,” featuring Diana Krall, “Fever,” featuring Natalie Cole and “Sinner’s Prayer,” featuring BB King, are among the album highlights. Ray’s voice is not overwhelmed by his partner on these tracks, and the slower pace allows for some beautiful stripped down hammond organ solos. The duets featuring James Taylor, Michael McDonald and Sir Elton John are among those where Mr. Charles’ voice is most notably diminished. The pomp and circumstance behind these songs don’t cut any slack either. Genius Loves Company is not a Ray Charles primer. Rather, it’s a collectible for all fans of the other artists singing with Ray. His partners are clearly humbled to be singing with such an icon, and their performances are gracious but respectfully dominating at the same time. [www.geniuslovescompany.com]