Together by Count Basie & Ray Charles: A Bluesy, Jazzy Knockout That Hits Hard
Alright, let’s get straight to it. Together by Count Basie & Ray Charles isn’t just another album—it’s a powerhouse of rhythm and soul that slaps you awake from the first note. Released in 2007 (yeah, I know, feels weird for these legends, but roll with it), this UK/Europe drop blends blues, jazz, and R&B like nobody’s business. And trust me, when two titans like Basie and Charles team up, they don’t mess around.
The tracklist is stacked—seriously, there are enough bangers here to fill three albums. But if I gotta pick one standout, it’s gotta be “Jumpin’ At The Woodside.” Man, this tune grabs you by the collar and doesn’t let go. It’s got that swingy Basie magic on full blast, with horns so sharp they could cut glass. Then Ray steps in, smooth as ever, laying down vocals that feel like he’s whispering secrets directly into your ear. This song sticks because it’s impossible not to move to it. You’re either tapping your feet or questioning whether you even have a pulse.
Another killer? “Georgia On My Mind.” Yeah, yeah, everyone knows this one, but Ray owns it like no one else can. His voice cracks and bends over those keys, raw emotion dripping outta every word. When he sings about Georgia, you believe him—you feel it deep in your chest. Like, damn, did Georgia break his heart or what? The way Basie backs him up with those understated piano riffs makes it even better. It’s not loud; it’s confident, like they both knew they were making something timeless.
Look, the rest of the album keeps the energy high too. Tracks like “One O’clock Jump” and “St Louis Blues” keep things groovy without trying too hard. But honestly, what really stands out is how seamless their collaboration feels. Basie’s tight arrangements meet Charles’ gritty charm head-on, and somehow it all works. BigKick! Creations nailed the design too, keeping things classy yet bold, just like the music inside.
Now, here’s the kicker: an album like this shouldn’t exist in 2007. These guys should’ve been sipping lemonade on some porch somewhere, reminiscing about the good ol’ days. Instead, they came back swinging harder than most artists half their age. Makes you wonder why more musicians don’t try to recapture that old-school fire instead of chasing whatever TikTok trend’s blowing up next week.
So yeah, Together ain’t perfect—it’s messy, wild, and unapologetically human. But maybe that’s why it hits so hard. In a world obsessed with perfection, sometimes you need a couple of OGs reminding you that real music comes from the gut, not a formula. Play 24-7 did right by putting this out. Now excuse me while I crank “Jumpin’ At The Woodside” again… and possibly ruin my speakers in the process.
