One-sided acetate.
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).’
With Scott La Faro (bass), Ed Blackwell (drums), Don Cherry (trumpet), Charlie Haden (bass), Billy Higgins (drums); also Eric Dolphy (bass clarinet) and Freddie Hubbard (trumpet).
Trane’s majestic debut for Atlantic, ushering in the 1960s. Refreshingly the CD-only alternates are intriguing (from several dates in 1959 with various pianists and drummers).
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.
The trumpeter in particular thriving in the strangeness of the set-up — Trane with Ornette’s band, on soprano, playing three Colemans, a Monk and a Cherry.
Superior 180g vinyl via Rhino, in mono.