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Ray Charles
Ô-Genio: Live in Brazil
(Rhino)
The Music Box's #7 specialty package for 2004
First Appeared in The Music Box, December 2004, Volume 11, #12
Written by John Metzger
To put it simply: Ô-Genio: Live in
Brazil, 1963 is a long, lost treasure. Sure, there are times when both the
video and audio are a little spotty, but overall, the DVD offers a glimpse at a
genuine slice of music history. Featuring an hour-long rehearsal as well as the
complete concert that was broadcast live on Brazilian television, the program
captures images of Ray Charles at an extraordinary peak in his career. With
songs that ranged from his own What’d I Say to Jimmie Davis’ country
classic You Are My Sunshine and from Bobby Timmons’ jazz gem Moanin’
to Percy Mayfield’s Hit the Road Jack, the footage beautifully highlights
Charles’ eclectic ear, his exquisite vocal abilities, his unerring piano skills,
and his talent for continually viewing familiar material from a fresh
perspective. However, what is perhaps most astounding about the collection is
the manner in which he took such disparate selections and unquestionably made
them his own. After all, can anyone but Charles perform You Are My Sunshine
and the traditional My Bonnie in the same show and make it sound anything
but absurd? That he was just shy of 33 years of age is utterly miraculous,
especially considering the emotional resonance that pours through his every
utterance. Backed by a 14-piece big band as well as the Raelettes, there
certainly was no shortage of inspired moments, though his sparring with vocalist
Margie Hendrix as well as his contributions on saxophone to an impromptu jam are
among the finest on this remarkable set. It’s easy to cringe when something like
Ô-Genio: Live in Brazil, 1963
surfaces so soon after an artist’s passing, but in this case, it’s a welcome
addition to Charles’ canon, one that uniquely spotlights his otherworldly
talent. 
Ô-Genio: Live in Brazil, 1963 is available from
Amazon.com. To order, Click Here!
For Canadian orders, please
Click Here!
For UK orders, please
Click Here!
Ratings
1 Star: Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!
Copyright © 2004 The Music Box
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