by Scott Yanow
This set is rather unusual, for it is strictly instrumental, allowing Ray Charles a rare opportunity to be a jazz-oriented pianist. Two selections are with a trio (bassist Oscar Pettiford joins Charles on &Black Coffee&), while the other six are with a septet taken from his big band of the period. Key among the sidemen are David Newman (soloing on both tenor and alto) and trumpeter Joseph Bridgewater; highlights include Quincy Jones' &The Ray,& &My Melancholy Baby,& &Doodlin',& and &Undecided.& Ray Charles should have recorded in this setting more often in his later years.