The Elegant Sixties
J Keistler | Lake Jackson, Texas USA | 04/15/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What does the music of Ray Charles mean to me? I grew up in the sixties. It brings back tailored suits for women with bouffant hair and plenty of makeup, spike heels, and an elegance that today's women (and men) lack. His musical arrangements are so clean, so clear. There is no equivalent to the type of music made here, today. Anita Kerr did the same thing in the sixties with her singers. I already owned the 'best of' CD, now out of print and very expensive. Most of the songs on there is on this CD along with "Al-Di-La" which I also purchased.
Is music associative for you also? I find that so many songs of my youth, whether rock, country, easy listening--these can transport me to a time or a memory. This one is like a jet flight for me. It is a music of its time, which for many of us was a very happy time. These songs, arranged by Mr. Charles, deserve to be preserved. I applaud Collectors' Choice Music for picking up the ball and reissuing these. You know, when these originally came out, often Ray Charles Singers albums would be included when someone bought one of those big console stereos, because of their outstanding sound quality as Command records. The audio quality here spits in the face of the digital nitpickers. By the time these were made analog was of a very, very high standard. My recommendation? Buy this and its sister CD and revisit a time so recent, yet so far away!"
Sublime--BRAVO, RAY CHARLES SINGERS !!!
Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 05/25/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Something Special For Young Lovers has wonderful musical numbers by The Ray Charles Singers; they practically defined easy listening in their heyday! The Ray Charles Singers enjoyed a great deal of success and I must have every record album they ever released; but it's great to have this group sounding so crystal-clear on this CD, too. Those old records wear down over time--sigh. In addition, the artwork is very well done.
The album starts with The Ray Charles Singers performing "This Could Be The Start Of Something Big." They harmonize very well; and I really like how they alternate men singing with women singing at times throughout this song. The musical arrangement is very sprightly and this is an excellent opening tune for this CD! I love it. "I Left My Heart In San Francisco" shines brighter than silver and gold when The Ray Charles Singers perform it with panache; they never skip a beat and the accordion is used very well in the arrangement. The chorus sings wonderfully and I could never tire of hearing these talented vocalists turn out excellent performances as they do on "I Left My Heart In San Francisco."
"More" is quite a special love song that became one of my very favorite songs the first time I ever heard it back in the 1970s; The Ray Charles Singers do this one up right! The musicians never steal the show from the chorus; wisely they let the chorus stay squarely in the spotlight--which is right where they belonged and always will belong! "There! I've Said It Again" is absolutely heavenly; this is quite a hit on this CD and I think you'll like it, too. The percussion sounds just wonderful; The Ray Charles Singers do great justice to "There! I've Said It Again."
Of course, "Hello, Dolly" gets the royal treatment from these fine vocalists; "Hello, Dolly" comes from the musical and film of the same name and I think Jerry Herman would be proud to hear this rendition by this group! In addition, "Quiet Nights" is a beautiful and sensitive take on this classic boss nova tune; The Ray Charles Singers never sounded better and the percussion works wonders for this ballad. "Love Me With All Your Heart" is yet another gem on this CD; these men and women ace this as effortlessly as if it were mere breathing; and I'm quite impressed. What a poignant ballad!
"Charade" comes from the movie of the same name; and they handle the complex key modulations very smoothly, too. "What Kind of Fool Am I?" is a song I first heard sung by Sammy Davis, Jr.; and these singers deliver this faultlessly. Great! "Sweet Little Mountain Bird" charms me with its beauty; the music fits in perfectly with their vocals and that's grand.
Something Special For Young Lovers truly showcases The Ray Charles Singers at their best; and it's a must-have CD for their fans. It also makes a fine starter CD for people just discovering the artistry of The Ray Charles Singers.
"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1