Written by
Bob Stumpel

April 19
2012


Ray Charles Live In Mexico, singing Cherry (1975)


'75 LC MexicoConcert 1975 Mexico

After a Japan tour in November (leading to the famous live album)  and a stop in Honolulu on 2 December, the Ray Charles group played a concert in Mexico City, on 6 and 7 December 1975, at the Teatro Degollado. Friends of trumpet player Jack Evans, who were in the audience, taped a magnificent version of Cherry during one of these concerts, the  Ray Gilbert/Don Redman  tune, which until now was only known from the 1961 album Dedicated To You.
The tape is of low audio quality (the instruments recorded decently, Ray’s voice sounding very distant), but has great documentary value. As compared to the lush studio version  (arranged by Marty Paich), the rendition in Mexico was remarkably simple, slow and bluesy. Ray, playing the piano in his best Nat Cole style, was only backed by his rhythm section*, and asked Clifford ‘Cap’ Solomon to fill in a marvelous half chorus on alto. Ray kept the little joke at the end of the original version in tact.

* As Evans remembers it: Scott von Ravensburg – drums; Ernest Vantrease on electric piano; possibly Cliff Hugo on bass.


Comments

Bob Stumpel — 2012-05-10 12:17:36

Hi, unfortunately, I didn't receive anything over regular mail yet...

Anonymous — 2012-05-10 11:59:26

As you didn't answer me, I guess you received it. Enjoy it!

Anonymous — 2012-04-26 21:47:13

Have you already received it?

Bob Stumpel — 2012-04-19 21:09:48

:-)

Anonymous — 2012-04-19 18:45:14

Okay, thanks for your answer. I will be more than happy to send it to you (I love your blog). Where do you live: country, street name, postal code, etc (I will send it to you thru mail)?

Bob Stumpel — 2012-04-19 18:16:22

No, I don't have it on video...!

Anonymous — 2012-04-19 17:53:56

Have you got it in video? If not, I can send it to you (I have it in VHS). Please, answer this comment by saying if you have it in video.

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