In Concert is not a concert, but rather a two-CD compilation of chronologically sequenced excerpts from five live Ray Charles albums, drawing from recordings of concerts in 1958, 1959, 1962, 1965, and 1975. Overall, there are no great surprises to hearing vintage live Charles here, and these aren't as good or memorable as the familiar studio recordings. There's room in various spaces, though, for some more ad-libbing and alterations to the arrangements, at times allowing for more jazziness or interplay with the backup ...
Read More
In Concert is not a concert, but rather a two-CD compilation of chronologically sequenced excerpts from five live Ray Charles albums, drawing from recordings of concerts in 1958, 1959, 1962, 1965, and 1975. Overall, there are no great surprises to hearing vintage live Charles here, and these aren't as good or memorable as the familiar studio recordings. There's room in various spaces, though, for some more ad-libbing and alterations to the arrangements, at times allowing for more jazziness or interplay with the backup vocalists, at others (as on the 1975 version of "I Can't Stop Loving You") a stripped-down feel. And certainly Charles is fun to hear live, investing the songs with masterful passion as both a singer and pianist, sometimes in a more spontaneous manner than he could in the studio. These two hours of music include stage renditions of many of his most beloved hits, among them "What'd I Say," "Hit the Road Jack," "Georgia on My Mind," "One Mint Julep," "Hallelujah, I Love Her So," "Unchain My Heart," "I've Got a Woman," "You Don't Know Me," and "Busted," with the anguished 1962 reading of "I Believe to My Soul" qualifying as a highlight. And the seven songs from his live 1975 show in Japan excepted, all come from a period (1958-1965) most listeners would hail as absolutely prime Charles at his peak, getting a little less raw and R&B-soaked and a little (though not much) slicker as the years went by. As for more unexpected selections, there are some of those too, like his covers of Milt Jackson's "The Spirit-Feel," the Everly Brothers' "Bye Bye Love," and Stevie Wonder's "Living for the City." ~ Richie Unterberger, Rovi
Read Less
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Providing great media since 1972. All used discs are inspected and guaranteed. Cases may show some wear. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!