Ray’s Blues (With Michel Legrand A.O. Keyboardists)

Unreleased.

Recorded on 30 March 1982 in Paris at the taping of the TV show Pianistes from the series Le Grand Studio, hosted by Jean Bardin and Michel Legrand.

The tune was obviously written – and titled – for the occasion. The keyboard battle was fought out between Ray Charles (p), Maurice Vander (p), Michel Legrand (p), Georges Arvanitas (el.p), Georges Rabol (p) and Rhoda Scott (org).* They were accompanied by Le grand orchestre de Michel Legrand.

Ray taking a real-piano, real-jazz solo like this – live! – was a rare thing.

* J.P. Verger solved this puzzle.