Great Ray Charles

Originally released in 1957, this album sees Ray going the jazzy-instrumental route throughout. This disc shows that Ray was not only a better bluesman than most people know, but also a pianist at home in the hard bop context, if bluesier than most jazz pianists of his generation. In addition, saxophonists Hank Crawford and David 'Fathead' Newman, whose respective sounds were as much a part of the classic Charles style as was the leader, turn in fine solos throughout. 8 tracks. WEA.