signup
for email updates
Directory
Our
Archive: 2001-2004
Cover
Art Archive
Search
|
Ray Charles' swansong
offers duets with great talent
InTune | by Anthony J.W. Benson
Genius Loves Company, by Ray Charles [www.raycharles.com]
Ray Charles was a musical genius -- pure and simple. An extremely gifted and unparalleled
songwriter, singer and performer, Charles' legacy is honored, in part, by the hit
film Ray, which offers unique insight to his amazing life, an astounding back catalogue
of timeless songs and albums, and now, with his last recording, Genius Loves Company.
Released prior to his recent death, the triple-platinum Genius Loves Company recently
swept the Grammy Awards, taking home eight awards, including Best Album of the Year
and Best Record of the Year ("Here We Go Again" with Norah Jones). Unbelievably,
Genius Loves Company is the best-selling recording of Charles' more than 50-year
career.
This enjoyable CD features duets with a wide array of well-known musical artists,
including Willie Nelson, B. B. King, Elton John, Bonnie Raitt, Van Morrison, Norah
Jones, James Taylor, Diana Krall, Natalie Cole, Michael McDonald and Gladys Knight.
Though Charles' ill health is evident at times, as reflected in his occasionally
weary voice, some of the performances and musical pairings are inspiring.
Whether you are a long-time fan or have only come to know Ray Charles' recently,
Genius Loves Company is a great introduction to a great talent, who is joined by
a bevy of talented friends for this award-winning CD -- a fitting swansong to an
illustrious career.
Passionate Voice, by Lisbeth Scott [www.lisbethscott.com]
The new CD Passionate Voice by Lisbeth Scott, the featured vocalist and co-lyricist
of the powerful film The Passion of the Christ, is a rewarding and passion-filled
musical experience. As one of Hollywood's most in-demand session vocalists, Scott's
distinctive style and sound can be heard on a multitude of films and television shows,
lending valuable credence and viability to her appealing solo work.
Passionate Voice is a haunting and memorizing work, guaranteed to expand what I am
sure is an existing legion of fans who revel in the beauty of her ethereal voice.
Filled with sumptuous music, songs such as "Reveal," "To Love and
Be Loved," "Grace" and "Surrender" highlight great melodic
sense and deepened musical artistry. Reflecting on her music, Scott notes, "I
sing to comfort, heal, move, transport and awaken the divine voice within us all."
To that end, with the intimate Passionate Voice, she has succeeded beautifully.
Sacred Chants of Shiva, by Craig Pruess [www.heaven-on-earth-music.co.uk]
Sacred Chants of Shiva is produced, arranged and performed by the brilliant British
composer and musician Craig Pruess. Pruess is a Grammy nominated record producer
whose sought-after work has enhanced numerous musical projects throughout the world.
He has written musical arrangements for acts such as Massive Attack, Def Leppard
and Bond, as well as composed the music for internationally popular films such as
the recent Bride & Prejudice and the global hit Bend It Like Beckham.
As an artist who has many of his own CDs to his credit, Pruess' Sacred Chants of
Shiva is one of his best. It is a rich, spacious and transcendental recording of
Sanskrit Chants designed for meditation and silence. This best-selling CD has already
become a classic in India, remarkably selling millions of copies in a three-year
period. Showcasing Shivoham and Astakams chants by Sri Adi Shankara, Sacred Chants
of Shiva also includes a majestic and unhurried rendition of "Om Nama Shivaya"
(an ancient chant, purportedly the primal seed sound attributed as the initiating
sound of creation.) Sacred Chants of Shiva is a breathtaking collection of chants
that will be a welcomed addition to your meditation practice or quiet time.
Please send all CDs and DVDs for review to: Anthony J.W. Benson, c/o InTune, P.O.
Box 1152, Longmont, CO 80502. Submitting product does not guarantee review. All submissions
will not be returned.
Anthony J.W. Benson is the founder of injoi Music, a unique forum for artistic
and creative development. His 29-year career in the entertainment industry has encompassed
varied horizons, from artist management and production to involvement with international
multi-media events and concerts. Anthony served as the director of A&R for the
respected record label Tambourine Inc. He is available on a select basis for consultations
and welcomes new projects. He may be reached at: anthony@injoi.com
Copyright © 2005 Anthony J.W. Benson. All rights reserved. |
| April 2005 |
|
|
