It is no small risk to combine a live recording later with a studio recording: Much can go in the pants, timing, swing, agogic, instrumentation and finally the most important thing, namely the atmosphere. Producer John Burk, the arranger George Field and Quincy Jones, the close friend and former musical companions of Ray Charles, the feat of the Count Basie Orchestra, the Raelettes and the voice of the Genius succeeded not only match but to a harmonious, round production to unite that breathes, pulsates and vibrates as if it would be an original recording. Ray Charles' voice sounds plastic and presence, as if you were sitting in the front row, the arrangements are of astonishing, on the character and style of each song incoming subtlety and sophistication. Classics like "I Can not Stop Loving You" and "Georgia on my mind" - embedded in the original widescreen strings melting - win by the horn section jazzy vitality and transparent sound coloration. Not only for die-hard Ray Charles fans will "Ray Sings - Basie Swings" is an enriching listening experience of unusual kind.
