The Genius Hits the Road
1997 Rhino Records (Originally released in 1956)
SQ Issue:  Spring 2003, Volume 13, Issue 2

The Band:
Ray Charles – Vocals, Piano; Marcus Belgrave – Trumpet; John Hunt – Trumpet; Joe Bridgewater – Trumpet; Ricky Harper – Trumpet; Philip Guilbeau – Trumpet; Richard Nash – Trombone; Harry Betts – Trombone; Frank Rosolino – Trombone; Ken Shroyer – Trombone; Hank Crawford – Saxophone; David Newman – Saxophone; Leroy Cooper – Saxophone; Emmet Dennis – Saxophone; Edgar Willis – Bass; Roosevelt Sheffield – Bass; Milt Turner – Drums; William Peeples – Drums; Teagle Fleming – Drums; Mel Lewis – Drums; Bruno Carr – Percussion; The Cookies – Vocals; The Raeletts – Vocals; The Jack Halloran Singers – Vocals.

“Discovery of the genius of Ray Charles gives the same effect as winning the daily double, making a hole in one, or scoring a touchdown.  His performance creates a feeling of exhilaration and warmth and a deeply personal identification with a true artist.  His honest singing, with complete immodesty and abandon, makes a familiar standard song and entirely new experience.  Ray gives himself wholeheartedly to a song, and his ability to express himself musically is a quality envied by persons with less creative talents” – Rick Ward, Original Liner Notes

What can you say about Ray Charles that hasn’t already been said?  His talent is known worldwide and is recognized as one of the best musicians in the history of music.

It’s nice when you are able to combine such an accomplished, innovative singer with a dance as fun and equally innovative as The Lindy Hop!  There are several tracks on this disc that do just that.  Mississippi Mud and Chattanooga Choo Choo are two of those songs.  Both have a nice big band sound that I don’t necessarily equate with Ray Charles’ music.  He also swings on a couple of bluesy numbers like Hit the Road Jack and a funky Swanee River Rock.  Charles also swings slow with Basin Street Blues and California, Here I Come, both songs under 100 beats per minute.

There are 19 tracks on this CD and I’ve highlighted the ones I find danceable.  However, that doesn’t mean the rest of the CD is bad.  Hey, it’s Ray Charles!  You get a real good mix of the best Ray Charles has to offer.  Even if you aren’t going to Lindy Hop to these songs, you will enjoy them nonetheless.  Especially the waltz, Blue Hawaii.

I would say if you are looking for a CD chock full of danceable swing tunes, you’ll want to pass on this one.  However, if you are looking for a few good, fun swing tunes along with some fantastic songs by a musical genius, this is one you’ll want in your library.

Bottom Line:  To buy or not to buy….. Buy!  Here’s how: