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Concord Records and Ray Charles have inked a deal for Charles’ first new recording effort since 2001—an album of duets—scheduled for release on Aug. 31.
Guests on the as-yet-untitled album include Norah Jones, B.B. King, Michael McDonald, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt and James Taylor. The album contains mostly standards, recorded in setups from big band to trio.
The 73-year-old pianist, composer and vocalist first worked with Concord on Poncho Sanchez’s Out Of Sight. “We had such a fun time and enjoyed a great rapport,” Charles said. “It seemed like a natural step to work on a whole album together.”
A feature film based on Charles’ life, “Unchain My Heart: The Ray Charles Story,” will also be out this year. Comedian and actor Jamie Foxx will portray Charles.
For more information, visit www.raycharles.com or www.concordrecords.com
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