Ray Charles with Count Basie Band

[Lazaro Vega]

Anyone aware of this new release? Have word that it's coming on Fantasy, though my browser won't work at the Concord Music Group web site, sooooo.......

[Dan Gould]

I'd be curious, but I'd also hope that it isn't some recording after Basie became a ghost band. I know it was still a pretty good group, but I'd be more interested if this were some sort of a '60s date.

[couw]

I'd be more interested if this were some sort of a '60s date.

AFAIK there is nothing in the discographies about such a meeting in the 60s or anytime when Basie was still around.

[DukeCity]

As I understand it, these are new tracks recorded by the current band, that were put underneath some vocal tracks recorded earlier by Brother Ray. I'm more than a little dubious, but guys on the band whom I've talked to are excited about how well it all came out.

[king ubu]

As I understand it, these are new tracks recorded by the current band, that were put underneath some vocal tracks recorded earlier by Brother Ray. I'm more than a little dubious, but guys on the band whom I've talked to are excited about how well it all came out.

Huh... quick end to a very nice thought after having read the thread's title...

[Lazaro Vega]

I'm hearing that it was Ray with the Basie band, but that the sound was bad on the band, good on the vocals, so they re-did the band parts with the current outfit and meshed it with Ray's voice, as first heard with Basie. Convoluted, but still looking forward to it.

[Claude]

http://concordmusicgroup.com/artists/album/?id=4368

Ray Charles & the Count Basie Orchestra - Ray Sings, Basie Swings

CCD-30026-2

$18.98

Ray Sings, Basie Swings combines archival, never-before-heard Ray Charles vocal recordings with brand-new performances by the Count Basie Orchestra. This ground breaking CD gives listeners the unprecedented experience of hearing Ray Charles at the dazzling peak of his vocal prowess. Ray Sings, Basie Swings was created with the most up-to-date recording and mixing technology, offering sound quality that is state-of-the art.

A Project Summary….

The producers of this CD discovered archival reels of Ray Charles and the Count Basie Orchestra performing live together in 1973. Although the vocals were superior, the remaining elements were of extremely poor quality. They decided to bring the current Basie Orchestra into the studio and, using the latest technology, they carefully and painstakingly laid down a new instrumental backdrop for Charles’ towering vocals.

“Ray Charles and Count Basie were two of the most charismatic personalities I’ve ever known. I loved them both. So to hear this amazing collaboration of their musical geniuses is a treat of the highest order. When 21st century technology and timeless soul come together, watch out! This one is for the ages.” --- Quincy Jones

Highlights…

*This GROUND BREAKING CD marks the FIRST-TIME an entire album has been created using a pre-existing vocal track and a new instrumental backdrop.

*The FIRST AND ONLY RECORDING in which Charles is backed by the legendary bandleader’s orchestra, helping to fulfill one of Charles’ life-long musical dreams.

*Features AMAZING NEW ARRANGEMENTS and renderings of many Ray Charles classics, as well as the NEVER-BEFORE RECORDED song “Every Saturday Night.”

*Features arrangements by Quincy Jones and vocal arrangements by Patti Austin.

[Dan Gould]

Part of me wants to go but then part of me thinks that the results are probably far superior to those for the Bird soundtrack. I'd say the jury is still out but I will be looking for follow-up reports.

And what's up with that crack Concord promotion department? They can't manage to say anything about the Basie band? Like who the leader is and the main soloists? They make it sound like its Ray Charles with some anonymous studio band that's cashing in on the Basie name.