Ray Charles: Live at the Montreux Jazz Festival

There are few absolutes in this world, but Ray Charles, an artist to whom hackneyed terms like “legend” and “genius” actually do apply, is one of them. So even if more intimate venues are usually preferable to cavernous concert halls like Montreux's, any Ray is good Ray. Filmed in 1997, the 18-song show features Charles' big band visiting very familiar ground (“Busted,” “What'd I Say,” “I Can't Stop Loving You” and, of course, “Georgia On My Mind”), along with some less obvious choices (a swinging rendition of the Oscar Peterson instrumental “Scotia Blues” and a very funky “Watch Them Dogs,” featuring the Raelettes). Bonus features include a text bio and timeline, but the unquestioned highlight is the voice-over track by the man himself, in which he offers anecdotes from the past, insight into specific songs, and a healthy dose of humor and soul. Great stuff. Definitely recommended. Aud: P. (S. Graham)