Ray Charles - Blues & Rhythm Series 5050: The Chronological Ray Charles 1950-1952 (2003)

These early recordings by Ray Charles have often been righteously criticized as being too deeply influenced by Nat King Cole. That notion is correct, but one can also hear the roots of his arrangement style in these sides, and they also include his very first chart hits, most notably "Baby, Let Me Hold Your Hand" from 1951. These are development years for Charles, and he was moving further afield from the smooth jazzy style that Cole had pioneered. The deep R&B influence was here, but it had not yet been fused to gospel. This is mildly interesting stuff for most listeners, but Charles devotees would find revelation in it nonetheless. These recordings should also be of interest to fans of the late jazz saxophonist Stanley Turrentine, who made his debut as a soloist on these sides. ~Thom Jurek