This week Concord Music Group released Ray Charles' Rare Genius: The Undiscovered Masters. This treasure trove of newly discovered Ray Charles recordings, highlighted by a duet with fellow icon Johnny Cash, is culled from four decades' worth of previously unreleased material. Rare Genius showcases the remarkable artistic vision, stylistic range and emotionally rich vocals that crafted Charles' enduring legacy.
But for those who want even more Ray Charles, Concord will offer several varied, enhanced packages designed to draw fans into Ray's world.
They are: • Rare Genius – Digital download: Includes an instant download of Rare Genius: The Undiscovered Masters as high-quality 320 Kbps mp3s, plus a digital booklet PDF with stories about Ray Charles and these tracks.
• Rare Genius CD: Concord will ship Rare Genius: The Undiscovered Masters with a high-quality 320 Kpbs mp3 version of the album and PDF digital booklet.
• Rare Genius – Deluxe Package: Features the CD shipped directly, instant download of a high quality 320 Kpbs mp3 and digital booklet PDF, plus an exclusive high quality Rare Genius T-shirt by Friend & Foe.
• Ray 80 – Celebrating 80 Years of Genius: A package of 10 albums spanning the career of Ray Charles including Rare Genius: The Undiscovered Masters, plus a 320 Kbps mp3 download of the album, and an exclusive high-quality t-shirt designed by Friend of Foe. The ten album set contains Rare Genius: The Undiscovered Masters, Genius + Soul = Jazz, Genius Loves Company, Genius: The Ultimate Ray Charles Collection, Ray Sings – Basie Swings, A Message From the People, The Genius Hits the Road, Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music Volumes 1 & 2, Ray Charles Sings for Lovers and The Spirit of Christmas.
• Experience Genius: The Ultimate Ray Charles Experience: This package enables fans not only to collect all of Charles' Concord releases but also to experience his world via a guided tour of Ray Charles' Los Angeles. The basics are all here: The ten-disc collection of Rare Genius and nine other albums of his best work, the 320 Kpbs mp3 download plus PDF digital booklet and a limited edition lithograph print of a Ray Charles photo. But that's only the beginning. The package includes a round trip flight for two from anywhere in the world to Los Angeles (with ground transportation) plus accommodations at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Purchaser will be taken on a guided tour of Ray Charles' RPM Studios. The studio has been preserved exactly as he left it. While at RPM, there will be a "studio playback" session through Ray's own speakers, presented by someone who helped create the music. A guided limo tour of Los Angeles will highlight points of interest in Ray's life. Also included are two custom "credentials" (commemorative backstage pass-style laminates) and a copy of the Genesis Publications coffee table book Yes Indeed! The Photography of Ray Charles autographed by the Rolling Stones' Bill Wyman. And finally, the package will offer dinner for two at La Dolce Vita in Beverly Hills. Only two of these packages will be offered.
