The first concert I ever attended was at the Mosque Theater on Broad Street in Newark, New Jersey. The artist was Ray Charles. The Mosque was a big traditional theater, and all these years later my impression is vague, but I do remember being a bit overawed by its sheer size. Ray was late that night, so his band played an extended set. At that time he had musicians like Hank Crawford and David “Fathead” Newman working for him, so the music was excellent―but the crowd wanted the Genius.
When he arrived, he apologized and promised a great concert. I don’t recall it as an absolute masterpiece, but he did do some great tunes – it was around the time of The Genius Hits the Road album, so Georgia on my Mind was a high point. I don’t remember much else, but just having had the opportunity to hear this great artist is something I’m still grateful for all of these years later.
When he arrived, he apologized and promised a great concert. I don’t recall it as an absolute masterpiece, but he did do some great tunes – it was around the time of The Genius Hits the Road album, so Georgia on my Mind was a high point. I don’t remember much else, but just having had the opportunity to hear this great artist is something I’m still grateful for all of these years later.
Some of my favorite Ray Charles stuff was courtesy of Symphony Sid’s WADO midnight jazz show. Two of his masterpieces were Drown in my Own Tears and What'd I Say. Here they are from the 1960 Newport Jazz Festival. Genius, indeed.
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