RAY CHARLES 'Genius + SOUL = JAZZ' LP

Impulse STEREO Quincy Jones Gatefold 1961

Label: ‎– AS- 2 Format: , LP, Album, Stereo
Country: Released: Genre: , Style:
                Tracklist A1 From The Heart 3:30 A2 I've Got News For You 4:28 A3 Moanin' 3:14 A4 Let's Go 2:39 A5 One Mint Julep 3:02 B1 I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town 3:38 B2 Stompin' Room Only 3:35 B3 Mister C 4:28 B4 Strike Up The Band 2:35 B5 Birth Of The Blues 5:05


Ray Charles was best known for his work in the idioms of R&B, rock 'n' roll and even successful forays into country. But he also recorded influential jazz albums, including the groundbreaking Genius + Soul = Jazz originally released in 1961. Recorded at the Van Gelder Studios in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, in late 1960, Genius + Soul = Jazz was produced by Creed Taylor and includes arrangements by Quincy Jones and Ralph Burns. Ray Charles played the organ with three vocals ("I've Got News For You," "I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town" and "One Mint Julep") and band members included members of the Count Basie Orchestra: Thad Jones, Joe Newman, Billy Mitchell, Frank Wess, Freddie Green and Sonny Payne among others.

The record ascended to the No. 4 spot on Billboard's pop album chart and spawned the very first singles on Impulse. "I've Got News For You" rose to No. 8 R&B and No. 66 on the Hot 100. In addition, Charles' version of "One Mint Julep" charted No. 1 R&B and No. 8 pop and his rendition of the blues standard "I'm Gonna Move To The Outskirts Of Town" reached No. 25 R&B and No. 84 pop.

Although Basie himself does not appear on the album, the Count was a major model as Charles assembled a full-scale, working orchestra. Basie also influenced his use of organ in a jazz context, and Charles was happy to record at the Van Gelder studio, where Jimmy Smith had recorded his classic Blue Note albums. Truly, as Dick Katz wrote in his original January 1961 liner notes, "The combination here of rare talent plus uncommon craftsmanship has produced a record that showcases the timeless quality an innate taste that is uniquely that of Ray Charles." This is the second title in the Impulse catalog.

Condition 

The buyer is at a great disadvantage on eBay. Buying LP records unseen and unheard takes a great deal of trust. That's why I do all I can to make sure buyers know what it is that I'm selling. Some sellers offer compressed audio files, which help but can also be misleading. When I find a player I like that I can afford, my listings will include sound files. Many sellers offer only a visual inspection. Steer clear of them. Visual inspections are terribly misleading. Makes sense to buy vinyl from someone who loves and listens to it, rather than a seller that doesn't even own a turntable.

I do both a visual and audio inspection. I clean and then listen to every song on every record I list. I feel this is the only way I can accurately assess and describe its condition. Know this:  When it comes to grading records, ,sound is more important to me than packaging. An exception is collectors items, in which case authenticity and appearance are extremely important, but most of the records I sell don't fall into that category.

Some records with a few light scuffs can sound beautiful.  Others can look like new but sound like crap. Once you know a seller, it gets easier but one must be cautious early on, until he or she knows what to expect. That's why I also offer free returns (for cause). You can't return something just because you don't like it, but if it's not as described, I'll take it back, reimburse your purchase price/shipping and even pay for return shipping. I want you to be happy with your purchase. That's why we buy vinyl. It should bring us joy.

I grade records conservatively and try to be as comprehensive as possible. These are used records. That doesn't mean you must tolerate bad vinyl. I can tolerate surface noise only if it's low-level, and doesn't spoil the listening experience. If it's wall to wall, that record is junk and I refuse to pass it along. I want you to be happy with your purchase. I assume a sealed album to have mint vinyl. If it's warped, I'll take it back.

 I rate records as Near Mint, Excellent, Very Good Plus and Very Good:  (NM, EX, VG+, and VG). 

"Near Mint" means the vinyl looks and plays as new--open, but no defects or dirt.  An "Excellent" record is a fine specimen but may have hairline scratches or light scuffs that are visible but inaudible. Or a pop that cleaning doesn't remove and whose source isn't visible even under mild magnification. "Very Good Plus" record plays great but is than perfect.  It may have an occasional pop or even light, low-level background noise. It is still a record you are thrilled to own and enjoy hearing. "Very Good" is as low as I go. It looks a bit worn, sounds a bit weary but still functions perfectly, without skipping. VG is a grade reserved for a record one plays until a better copy comes along. 

Be advised, though, with me it's more about the music.  I can tolerate a crappy cover on a decent LP so long as it's doing its job; protecting the LP as designed--especially if it has some historic or artistic significance (design, etc.).  In such cases, I am willing to hold on to a damaged cover even though it has outlived its monetary value. I also use center-hole, plain white covers when an original cover is beyond saving. Buyers of anything in the middle get both.

Except for a genre I may not prefer, I refuse to sell a record that I wouldn't be proud to own. I throw away more than a few. I also recondition those that just need a little TLC. It allows me to fill my day and life with great music. And isn't that why you buy vinyl?

I rate this vinyl as Very Good Plus (VG+):

100% play-tested. This copy plays very well. Heavy vinyl. Some visible flaws but nothing severe. Some surface noise but nothing persistent or overpowering. No skips.  No groove wear. The labels are fabulous, lead-in grooves are clean. The vinyl has a high gloss. No groove wear. Good recording. A nice listen.

I rate this cover as Very Good (VG+):

Noticeable wear but no structural issues,  (See pics) Clean and colorful; Very sturdy made from heavy laminated card stock. Lamination is shiny. Good seams and corners, straight edges. Someone's name is in marker on back panel and inside on gatefold panel (see pics). Extremely good protection that will last many years.

Ships with a new Mobile Fidelity Master inner sleeve and a new poly outer.  Will be packed carefully to ensure safe arrival.  

Shipping
I want to be certain you are happy with your purchase and do all I can to ensure it is described accurately. Your record will be thoroughly cleaned, ship in a new audiophile-quality paper/poly inner sleeve and a heavy-duty poly outer bag. I use pro-quality cardboard mailers and expert packing to ensure your order arrives in even better condition than when I took its pictures.

(Now for the business part)

I don't end auctions early and all transactions must be completed within eBay.

For multiple-disc orders, I will bundle up to three LPs in the same mailer. Since shipping is by weight, double LPs count as two. There is no handling charge. Due to the volume of my packing materials, three records is the limit. Combined postage on bundled records is $4.00

If you're only buying one item, please pay as soon as you win your auction, so I can get it mailed ASAP. If you don't pay within three days of winning your auction, I reserve the right to cancel your order and re-list the album.

If you have special shipping needs, email me and I'll do whatever I can to ship your order as cheaply and as securely as is possible

I don't take offers unless the listing has a "Best Offer" option

I don't sell bundles beyond what's described above

This should be an enjoyable experience. If anything is wrong with your order upon its arrival, PLEASE CONTACT ME IMMEDIATELY with your complaint. I promise to do all I can to make you happy.

I love music and records. This is my private collection, one I accumulated over the last 40 years. I bought many of them new and have kept them that way. Some were gifts, some are promo copies I got while working in radio or bought used. All have been cleaned and stored properly. Unless otherwise stated, albums that came with printed sleeves or other promotional items still have them.

PLEASE NOTE: To prepare my listings, I copy and paste from numerous sources. I try to proofread and edit closely but do mess up occasional. Although infrequent, any such error is accidental and NOT meant to mislead you in any way. If you encounter one, please bring it to my attention. I promise to do all I can to make it right. I want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase.

If you like what you see, please come back...and thanks for looking.