Ray Charles - The Great Ray Charles (1987) [Hi-Res 192kHz]

This set is rather unusual, for it is strictly instrumental, allowing Ray Charles a rare opportunity to be a jazz-oriented pianist. Two selections are with a trio (bassist Oscar Pettiford joins Charles on "Black Coffee"), while the other six are with a septet taken from his big band of the period. Key among the sidemen are David Newman (soloing on both tenor and alto) and trumpeter Joseph Bridgewater; highlights include Quincy Jones' "The Ray," "My Melancholy Baby," "Doodlin'," and "Undecided." Ray Charles should have recorded in this setting more often in his later years. ~ Scott Yanow

Tracklist:
01. Ray Charles - The Ray (04:01)
02. Ray Charles - My Melancholy Baby (04:24)
03. Ray Charles - Black Coffee (05:30)
04. Ray Charles - There's No You (04:48)
05. Ray Charles - Doodlin (05:56)
06. Ray Charles - Sweet Sixteen Bars (04:07)
07. Ray Charles - I Surrender Dear (05:07)
08. Ray Charles - Undecided (03:36)