On the record: Ray Charles

Artist : Ray Charles
Album : Genius Loves Company (EMI Music)

Now that the legend has gone, this final album is a monumental work and a must-have for fans.

Perhaps it is not his best, but it is still a good record nonetheless, where he performs duets with a handful of artists and admirers, from Norah Jones to Elton John, Gladys Knight, Willie Nelson and Van Morrison.

Ray spent his last months recording this album, and there are traces of illness in his voice. However, that frayed quality adds to the pain reflected in songs like Hey Girl.

Sometimes the collaboration does not work that well, such as with Diana Krall on a reprise of Ray's 1962 song You Don't Know Me, Fever with Natalie Cole, or the overproduced Over the Rainbow with Johnny Mathis.

Otherwise, it sounds nice. For instance, the richly textured Sweet Potato Pie with James Taylor, the haunting It was a Very Good Year with Nelson and the delightful Crazy Love, a live recording with Van Morrison.

May Ray rest in peace. -- Hera Diani