This three-disc box from Proper Records collects 60 vintage early tracks from the incomparable Ray Charles, including his classic singles “What I Say” and “I Got a Woman,” as well as fine versions of “Rockin’ Chair Blues,” “Get on the Right Track, Baby,” “Night Time Is the Right Time,” “Mess Around,” and “Lonely Avenue,” among countless other minor masterpieces. It’s no secret that this guy could sing, but the country-gospel passion he brought to these secular songs was nothing less than the merging of Saturday night and Sunday morning, with love at the center -- the very birth of soul music. Charles recorded frequently throughout his career, but if these 60 sides were all he had ever done, his legacy would still be more than assured. Steve Leggett.
Disc 1: Confession Blues Sitting On Top of the World Leave My Woman Alone Drown in My Own Tears All to Myself How Long Blues What I’D Say Pt 1. What I’D Say Pt 2. You’LL Never Miss the Water (Until the Well Runs Dry) Alone in the City Come Back Baby I Wonder Who’S Kissing Her Now? I Got a Break, Baby Sinner’S Prayer I’Ve Had My Fun The Snow Is Falling Funny (But I Still Love You) Blues Before Sunrise Losing Hand a Fool for You
Disc 2: Hallelujah I Love Her So Mess Around Mary Ann I’Ve Got a Woman It Should Have Been Me Night Time Is the Right Time Lonely Avenue Honey, Honey That’S Enough I’M Movin’ On What Would I Do Without You Don’T You Know This Little Girl of Mine Blackjack Swanee River Rock Greenbacks Rockhouse Pt. 1 Rockhouse Pt. 2 Ain’T That Love Don’T You Know
Disc 3: Ain’T That Fine Here I Am The Ego Song See See Rider I’LL Do Anything But Work Misery in My Heart Jumpin’ In the Morning Rockin’ Chair Blues Kissa Me Baby Hey Now The Sun’S Gonna Shine Again Roll with Me Baby The Midnight Hour I Want to Know Sweet Sixteen Bars Doodlin’ Pt. 1 Doodlin’ Pt. 2 It’S All Right Get On the Right Track