Search - Craig Armstrong :: More Music From Ray

Wonderful CD/DVD for Fans New and Old

Dorrie Wheeler | 02/01/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The motion picture Ray brought the music of Ray Charles to a whole new audience who may have missed some of Ray Charles amazing music. With the exception of a few songs, the bulk of the music on More Music From Ray was originally recorded in the late 50's and 60's. The CD opens up with the song "Leave My Woman Alone." This early Ray Charles song songs great. Ray's voice was much higher and smooth in his early years. So initially upon listening to this song a new Ray Charles fan may find themselves wondering, "Is this really Ray Charles?" This song was originally recorded in August of 1956. The song is followed up by the bluesy song, "Lonely Avenue," which is another Ray Charles song from the late 50's.



Ray Charles was very much inspired by the blues and it's evident again in the song, "Losing Hand," where Ray laments that he gambled on love and lost. The CD becomes upbeat again with the song "I'm Moving On." It is with the early 60's recording you can hear that Ray's voice has began to change a little. Ray's music can just touch your soul and the song "The Danger Zone," is one of those that will put you in a real mellow mood. Some of the songs have such a long musical lead in, you will think that the entire song is instrumental and then Ray will come in singing, like on the song, "Makin' Whoopee."



More Music From Ray doesn't not include Ray's most popular songs like "Hit The Road Jack," but it does include other Ray Charles classics and his famous rendition of "America The Beautiful." For the other songs from the movie, check out the original soundtrack CD. The More Music From Ray CD booklet includes an introduction by the director of Ray Taylor Hackford. He gives background on why certain songs were re-recorded and shares some of his memories with working with Ray Charles.



There is new music on the CD too. There is a 2003 version of the Ray Charles song "Baby Let Me Hold Your Hand," "Drown In My Own Tears/You Don't Know Me," and "Everyday I Have The Blues" which is a song by Chris Thomas King."



The More Music From Ray CD also comes with a special bonus DVD. The DVD features performances from the Rhino Home Video O-Genio.



More Music From Ray DVD List-

1. Don't Set Me Free

2. Carry Me Back To Old Virginny

3. O-Genio Trailer"

More genius

Chris Salzer | Gainesville, GA United States | 02/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you liked the Ray! Soundtrack, then you can't go wrong with More Music From Ray. If the sensational movie is any indication, there are simply too many scintillating songs to put onto one CD. Alas, a 2nd volume was absolutely necessary to give us such indelible, yet more esoteric songs as Makin' Whoopee, Drifting Blues, and, of course, Let's Go Get Stoned.



The DVD is short, yet it's a throw-in seeing as you pay the price of a normal CD anyway. Also included but not listed is Track #17, a superb rendition of America the Beautiful."

Great Bargain, Great Tunes!

Nelson Aspen | Los Angeles & NYC, USA | 02/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Ray Charles's legendary genius continues to soar to even greater heights with the popularity of the award winning bio pic with Jamie Foxx. Here on this CD are a great collection of varied Charles hits and a bonus DVD sure to bring his many admirers much pleasure!



A great artist, lovingly remembered in this excellently produced package."