Open Dialogue

Ray Sings Basie Swings

I had a gift card for Starbucks and used it on something more lasting than several lattes when I purchased Ray Sings Basie Swings. It's produced by Concord Records and combines an old vocal track of Charles' recordings with a new instrumental backdrop by The Count Basie Orchestra.

What a great use of technology! This CD really does swing. And how could it not? It combines two of my favorite things--Ray Charles and big band music. I first heard about this project on NPR (click here for the article).

There are twelve incredible tracks. My favorites include "Let The Good Times Roll", "Every Saturday Night", "Busted", and "Feel So Bad". But what really stands out for me is the version of "I Can't Stop Loving You" on this CD.

I would have to agree with the liner notes that say, "this imaginary concert is offered as a minor miracle of bold invention and fierce creative energy."

posted by Susan @ 10:39 AM