(TCB Records)

The genius of Ray Charles is on full display in this previously unreleased recording. Swiss Radio Days: Ray Charles Orchestra: Zurich 1961 captures Charles at a moment just before his ascendancy into popular music fame on a returning tour across Europe in 1961. The production is a snapshot of a legend in the making. Captured here is the full scope of Charles as a musician at ease with the intersection of jazz, blues and soul that is the heart of his repertoire. The dynamic performer leads his orchestra as they jam on some serious jazz pieces, and as he delivers powerful vocals throughout the evening on a number tunes, arranged and conducted by his longtime friend and colleague, Quincy Jones. The band, as expected, is top shelf, with a lineup that includes Marcus Belgrave, Keg Johnson, and Dickie Wells on trumpets, Hank Crawford and Rudy Powell on alto saxophones, David Newman and Don Wilkerson on tenor saxes, Lenny Cooper on baritone sax,  Elbert Forrest, Edgar Willis on bass and Bruno Carr on drums. The Raelettes finely polish the package of music with their incredible backing voices. This recording is a classic and a must-have.