Ray Charles - The Genius Sings The Blues (Mono) / 45RPM 2LP Analogue Productions

The word “genius” doesn't even begin to describe the greatness of “The Genius Sings The Blues” from 1961. The album comprises a dozen songs recorded by Ray Charles between 1952 and 1960 and was released by Atlantic Records

in 1961 to counteract the singer's move to rival label ABC Paramount. What Atlantic had originally underestimated was that the album contained many of Ray Charles' greatest songs, all united by their bluesy emotions and rousing arrangements.

Today, “The Genius Sings The Blues” is considered an absolute classic of soul and R&B – a snapshot of the evolution of American music, captured through the unforgettable rhythm, gospel roots, jazz background and Southern accents of the unique

singer and pianist. The success of “The Genius Sings The Blues” underscores his immense popularity and the influence of his music: Ray Charles sold a total of around 90 million records!

Ray Charles' interpretations of “Early In The Mornin',” “The Midnight Hour,” “I'm Movin' On,” “Feelin' Sad,” and “The Right Time” are timeless classics. But it is his self-written blues songs that steal the show from the cover versions: “Ray's Blues,”

“I Believe To My Soul,” “Nobody Cares,” “Mr. Charles' Blues,” “Some Day Baby,” and “I Wonder Who.” They provide compelling proof of Charles' ability to convey pain and joy at the same time. His legendary piano playing takes center stage, with bluesy

riffs and rolling chords. With his outstanding backing band, including soulful horns and grooving rhythm sections, the album stands for an authentic and deeply felt blues experience. It is a testament to the soul of a true musical pioneer.

As part of the “Atlantic 75 Series,” Analogue Productions is now honoring this masterful album with a sonically outstanding reissue, lovingly mastered by Bernie Grundman, that proves how fantastic stereophonic mono recordings can sound. The double LP,

pressed on 180-gram vinyl by industry leader Quality Record Pressings (QRP) and cut at 45 RPM, comes in a luxurious old-style tip-on gatefold double pocket jacket by Stoughton Printing.

We recommend the use of "L'Art du Son" LP cleaner to wet wash your vinyl. Even new records of high quality production will benefit from this.

Title

LP 1

Side A
1.    Early In The Mornin'
2.    Hart Times (No ONe Knows Better Than I)
3.    The Midnight Hour

Side B
4.    The Right Time
5.    Feelin' Sad
6.    Ray's Blues

LP 2

Side C
7.    I'm Movin' On
8.    I Believe To My Soul
9.    Nobody Cares

Side D
10.    Mr. Charles' Blues
11.    Some Day Baby
12.    I Wonder Who