This tribute to
Ray Charles
is performed by a host of regional artists from the northwestern United States. It's well-meaning, and in some cases very well done. It's also a benefit recording for the Oregon Food Bank, by
Patrick Lamb Productions
. The best moments here are by
Lamb
himself on
"Let the Good Times Roll,"
with a solid horn chart;
"Hallelujah I Love Her So,"
by
Olivia Warfield
and
Paul deLay
;
Norman Sylvester
's rollicking read of
"What'd I Say"
(not an easy tune to pull off convincingly, but he does it like he wrote it);
Linda Hornbuckle
's
"Unchain My Heart"
; and
Duffy Bishop
's beautiful read of
"You Don't Know Me."
There is plenty, plenty
soul
on this tribute, and it's a fitting one -- far better in execution, passion, and intent than many recorded by the "big stars." ~ Thom Jurek