Country And Western Meets Rhythm And Blues
Tangerine, 2024
9/10
Listen to Country And Western Meets Rhythm And Blues
Everyone is well aware about Ray Charles’ contributions to R&B and soul, but he was also was pivotal in the area of country music, and this 1965 album returns remastered, where songs by Buck Owens and others are included.
Owens’ “Together Again” opens with Charles’ signature voice alongside the playful keys that welcomes strings, too, and “I Like To Hear It Sometime” follows with a bouncy spirit that’s got plenty of rhythm amid the powerful pipes.
Further along, “I Don’t Care”, another Owens tune, is a frisky moment that’s melodic, soulful and energetic, while Bill Monroe’s “Blue Moon Of Kentucky (Swingova)” bops and shakes with an infectious delivery that alone is worth the price of admission.
Near the end, the sweeping strings and bass plucking of Curtis R. Lewis’ “All Night Long” is a graceful moment of romantic ideas, and “Watch It Baby” exits with a big band flavor via the bright brass, as Charles’ smooth voice complements the dynamic musicianship.
An album that further explores Charles’ creative freedom, this is his first album recorded in his own RPM International recording studio, and it sounds better than ever here.
Travels well with: Ray Charles- Crying Time; Ray Charles- Modern Sounds In Country And Western Music