Ray Charles Band Augmented By Moscow Symphony Ork (2000)

The band with a string section at the Hollywood Bowl in ’61 (from a ’62 concert souvenir brochure,  photo by Howard Morehead; coll. T. Sunseri).

On September 10, 1961 Ray Charles played with an ‘extra-augmented’ orchestra (57 musicians, including strings) and The Raelettes at the Hollywood Bowl, at a special “Salute To Genius” concert.

Unfortunately, nothing of this show was recorded.

But almost 40 years later, on 30 October 2000, the Ray Charles Orchestra performed in a sold-out Moscow concert hall – together with a local symphony orchestra. The combination was  conducted by drummer Peter Turre.

An “energetic and vivacious Charles, 70, enthralled the crowd,” Russian television station RTR reported.

RTR’s Channel 1 aired the show. A VHS-copy of this program has survived:

1. Intro
2. Busted
3. Georgia On My Mind
4. Let’s Get Away From It All
5. If You Go Away
6. Almost Like Being In Love
7. Hey Girl
8. Blues For Big Scotia
9. A Song For You
10. All I Ever Need Is You
11. Intro Raelettes (by RC)
12. Hit The Road Jack
13. I Can’t Stop Loving You
14. What’d I Say
15. Outro

Concert: here.

Drummer/conductor Peter Turre, at a rehearsal for the symphony gig.