With the classic, studio version of the title track. The drummer John Stevens used to rave about Steve Davis, seldom recorded but here on bass.
If you get just one Ray Charles to start with, we’d recommend this, gathering together his bluesier cuts for the label, at the end of his stay.
The almighty, pitch-dark I Believe To My Soul is here, for example. Everybody needs a copy handy for emergencies.
‘Last night you were dreaming and I heard you say “Oh, Johnny”, when you know my name is Ray. That’s why I believe right now (I believe, yes, I believe), I say I believe right now (I believe, yes, I believe), well, I believe to my soul now… You’re tryin’ to make a fool of me. (I believe it).’
Stylishly reined-in, Southern-flavoured, churchy soul — same neck of the woods as Aretha — half recorded in Memphis by Jackie’s cousin Dave Crawford, including her smash hit Precious, Precious, with the Memphis Horns in full effect (and Dr. John, on Time); and half at Sigma, with Earl Young, Bobby Eli and co.
(Jackie Moore is well-known but under-rated. Try to track down the CD set The Complete Atlantic Recordings for a bunch of killer previously-unreleased sides.)