Artist: Ray Charles

Title: O-Genio-Ray Charles 1963 Live in Brazil

Format: DVD

Genre: Soul- Jazz.-Pop- R & B-Blues

Label: Rhino Records-http://www.rhino.com

Website: http://www.raycharles.com

Media: http://www.rhino.com/video/RayCharles

You know what is nice about writing a review on Ray Charles? He was celebrated while he was here in the world of the living, not after his passing.

O-Genio-Ray Charles 1963 Live in Brazil is an early performance in black and white film of Ray and his incredible band performing live in Brazil in 1963. While the quality of the video is suspect at times, particularly on the second set, the performance by Charles and his orchestra is simple mesmersizing. To be honest I never delved into this man’s music as I did on this DVD. Much to my delight, I absolutely loved every minute of this.

Charles really was a musical genius. His ability to take ordinary standards like “You Are My Sunshine” and “My Bonnie” and turn them into soulful jazz workouts was a true wonder of musicianship and technical brilliance.

I can easily overlook the quality of the video for the historical importance and musical treasure that this performance captures. If you like the music of Ray Charles, or music in general for that matter, you will sincerely appreciate what this timeless DVD has to offer.

© Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck-http://www.muzikreviews.com

December 6, 2004

Rating-8/10

DVD Features:

First show: What'd I Say, Take These Chains from My Heart, You Are My Sunshine, Set Me Free, Carry Me Back to Old Virginny, My Bonnie, In the Evening (When the Sun Goes Down), Just a Little Lovin', You Don't Know Me, Margie, Hit the Road Jack, Moanin', Birth of a Band, Hallelujah I Love Her So, untitled jazz instrumental

Second show: Hallelujah I Love Her So, In the Evening (When the Sun Goes Down), Erontex commercial, Moanin', My Bonnie, No One, Don't Set Me Free, Take These Chains from My Heart, Erontex commercial, I Can't Stop Loving You, Don't Set Me Free reprise, You Are My Sunshine, What'd I Say, Ray Charles Entre Nos commercial, closing announcement

Portugese commercials with English subtitles