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