The Genius After Hours/Ain’t Misbehavin’/Dawn Ray/Joy Ride/Hornful Soul/The Man I Love/Charlesville/Music Music Music
The Genius After Hours was distinctive in being an instrumental album with Ray Charles leading on piano, playing jazz and blues music, with drum, sax and bass backing. (US:49)
“A lot of folks forget that Ray Charles was a killer jazz-blues pianist. And this LP showcases this side of his talent. An all instrumental set that focuses on his jazz piano style with a heavy dose of the blues. This is perfect late night listening, stripped down Ray with a serious case of the blues is what you get here.”
“This is a rare opportunity to hear Ray playing straight ahead jazz with legends Joe Harris on drums and Oscar Pettiford walking the bass. Listen to Ray bop alongside Joe as he stirs the soup on the brushes during Dawn Ray. Make no mistake this rhythm section swings hard.”
“This set shows that even if Ray Charles had never sung a note in his life, his blues and jazz piano playing would have allowed him to make him a good career. My favourite track is Joy Ride a bebop (Parker) inspired blues variation.”
“This set casts Charles as a jazz-oriented pianist in an instrumental setting. Brother Charles has five numbers with a trio and jams on three other tunes. Fine music, definitely a change of pace for Ray. One must remember that although he became famous through popular music, he was really a jazz musician.”
“This is an excellent album - totally instrumental and some fine jazz. Mostly Ray at the piano, but also some great sax, etc. from other famous members of his group at the time.”
“Great presence from Ray, terrific jazz and blues. Ray doesn't sing on this but his piano playing is both easy to listen to and very soulful. For me, this is must have."
"The genius could do it all. You want straight ahead jazz with a little something extra on the piano, ask Ray. If I was in a quiet bar, enjoying a quiet drink, late at night, feeling mellow and relaxed ... this is the music I'd be listening to.”
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