Ray Charles - Cocktail Hour (2000)

Ray Charles recorded these tracks for Swing Time Records prior to his break-out releases on Atlantic Records. While fine outings with good arrangements, they didn't set the charts ablaze and are essential only to Ray Charles completists or lovers of the genre. The 28 tracks on two discs showcase Charles imitating Charles Brown on some cuts and Nat King Cole on others. On a few occasions he even manages to sound like the Ray Charles we all know and love.

Tracklist

CD1

01. Ain't That Fine (2:18)
02. Hey Now (2:20)
03. What Have I Done? (2:34)
04. Sitting on Top of the World (2:18)
05. Let's Have a Ball (2:33)
06. How Long Blues (2:37)
07. Can't You See Darling (2:39)
08. She's on the Ball (2:32)
09. If I Give You My Love (2:39)
10. This Love of Mine (3:04)
11. Baby, Won't You Please Come Home (2:56)
12. You'll Always Miss the Water (2:50)
13. Blues Before Sunrise (2:50)
14. Guitar Blues (2:31)

CD2

01. Back Home (2:34)
02. See See Rider (2:36)
03. Kissa Me Baby (3:12)
04. Money Honey (2:44)
05. Late in the Evening Blues (3:07)
06. I'm Just a Lonely Boy (2:51)
07. Let Me Hear You Call My Name (3:34)
08. I'm Wondering and Wondering (3:21)
09. Don't Put All Your Dreams in One Basket (2:52)
10. Why Did You Go? (2:50)
11. Walkin' and Talkin' (3:11)
12. Baby Let Me Hold Your Hand (3:02)
13. Going Down Slow (2:44)
14. A Sentimental Blues (2:24)