This is the famous version of Porgy and Bess that was supposed to have Gladys Knight singing the part of Bess. When Ray Charles offered the part to Gladys, having just come of the hit "Midnight train to Georgia", her manager at the time, would only allow her to participate if she owned the masters. According to Ray, he said, "well now you know that just won't be possible" to which her manager responded that she wouldn't be available. Ray told me that his mother taught him the meaning of "NO" and hence he asked Cleo Laine, who did a beautiful job of singing the part. Ray was also in top form as this 2 LP edition mastered from the original analog masters shows very clearly.
This monumental undertaking from 1976 not only teams two of the greatest voices of this century, but also showcases an all-star lineup of support musicians. Arranged and conducted by Frank DeVol, players who were musical stars and name artists in their own-right begged to be included. A few in attendance were Joe Pass, Lee Ritenour, Joe Sample, Ernie Watts, J.J. Johnson, Harry "Sweets" Edison, Sam Most, Bill Perkins, Britt Woodman, Jerome Richardson, Victor Feldman, Paul Smith and Bud Shank.
Brother Ray and Sister Cleo weave their own soulful and hypnotic spells over the Gershwin-Hayward operetta under the watchful eye of legendary producer Norman Granz. Now available on 200g Quiex Super Vinyl Profile for the first time. A must have!
Selections:
1. Summertime - Ray Charles
2. My Man's Gone Now - Cleo Laine
3. Woman Is a Sometime Thing - Ray Charles
4. They Pass by Singin' - Cleo Laine
5. What You Want Wid Bess? - Cleo Laine
6. I Got Plenty O' Nuttin' - Ray Charles
7. Buzzard Song - Ray Charles
8. Bess, You Is My Woman Now - Ray Charles
9. Oh, Doctor Jesus - Cleo Laine
10. Crab Man - Ray Charles
11. Here Come de Honey Man - Ray Charles
12. Strawberry Woman (Instrumental) - Ray Charles
13. Strawberry Woman - Cleo Laine
14. It Ain't Necessarily So - Ray Charles
15. There's a Boat Dat's Leavin' Soon for New York - Ray Charles
16. I Loves You, Porgy - Cleo Laine
17. Oh Bess, Oh Where's My Bess? (Instrumental) - Ray Charles
18. Oh Bess, Oh Where's My Bess? - Ray Charles
19. Oh, Lawd, I'm on My Way! - Ray Charles
This monumental undertaking from 1976 not only teams two of the greatest voices of this century, but also showcases an all-star lineup of support musicians. Arranged and conducted by Frank DeVol, players who were musical stars and name artists in their own-right begged to be included. A few in attendance were Joe Pass, Lee Ritenour, Joe Sample, Ernie Watts, J.J. Johnson, Harry "Sweets" Edison, Sam Most, Bill Perkins, Britt Woodman, Jerome Richardson, Victor Feldman, Paul Smith and Bud Shank.
Brother Ray and Sister Cleo weave their own soulful and hypnotic spells over the Gershwin-Hayward operetta under the watchful eye of legendary producer Norman Granz. Now available on 200g Quiex Super Vinyl Profile for the first time. A must have!
Selections:
1. Summertime - Ray Charles
2. My Man's Gone Now - Cleo Laine
3. Woman Is a Sometime Thing - Ray Charles
4. They Pass by Singin' - Cleo Laine
5. What You Want Wid Bess? - Cleo Laine
6. I Got Plenty O' Nuttin' - Ray Charles
7. Buzzard Song - Ray Charles
8. Bess, You Is My Woman Now - Ray Charles
9. Oh, Doctor Jesus - Cleo Laine
10. Crab Man - Ray Charles
11. Here Come de Honey Man - Ray Charles
12. Strawberry Woman (Instrumental) - Ray Charles
13. Strawberry Woman - Cleo Laine
14. It Ain't Necessarily So - Ray Charles
15. There's a Boat Dat's Leavin' Soon for New York - Ray Charles
16. I Loves You, Porgy - Cleo Laine
17. Oh Bess, Oh Where's My Bess? (Instrumental) - Ray Charles
18. Oh Bess, Oh Where's My Bess? - Ray Charles
19. Oh, Lawd, I'm on My Way! - Ray Charles
