Album of the Day

Sixty years ago today, Ray Charles and Modern Jazz Quartet vibraphonist Milt “Bags” Jackson convened in Atlantic Record's New York City studio to cut the title track to SOUL BROTHERS with producer Nesuhi Ertegun. The performers also teamed for 1961's SOUL MEETING, and this handy two-fer gathers all the recordings they made together. In spite of the titles, the music leans more toward jazz than R&B, but the smooth and relaxing sounds here are just as effective as Brother Ray's more raucous hits. The chemistry between the two men is strong on these 14 predominantly original tracks, and both prove versatile instrumentalists - keyboardist Charles blows a mean alto saxophone on "Soul Brothers” and Jackson lights up the frets on “Bag's Guitar Blues.” With stellar support (from such virtuosos as bassist Oscar Pettiford and guitarist Kenny Burrell), SOUL BROTHERS/SOUL MEETING is a great way to hear “the Genius” after hours...