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While remaining a compelling performer well into his long career, Charles was never more essential than on this live recording. He had not grown bored with his material yet, and he played and sang with all to the playful soul and sensuality he had brought to the music 15 years before.

He introduces and sings "I Got A Woman" (1955) like it was recorded the previous day, respecting the song the for what it provided him—and us (The The Rolling Stones should be so graceful). He plays organ on "Georgia on my Mind," infusing more soul than thought possible into the Carmichael/Gorrell classic.

Of the previously unreleased material (besides "Georgia") "That Luck Old Sun," "Busted" and "My Baby (I Love Her, Yes I Do)" make the greatest additions to the original release. Charles fronts a big band, the format he used with such success a few years earlier on Genius + Soul = Jazz! (reissued Concord, 2010).

He has both alto saxophonist Hank Crawford and tenor saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman in the horn section, giving a touch of the older days. This is prime genius in his prime. The finest testament of the power Ray Charles wielded live in concert. - All About Jazz