01: Honey Honey (false starts) (0:27) 02: Honey Honey (take 1) (2:50) 03: I'm Glad For Your Sake (take 1) (3:10) 04: Jack, She's On The Ball (false start) (0:19) 05: Jack, She's On The Ball (incomplete take) (1:07) 06: Baby Won't You Please Come Home (take 1) (2:44) 07: Sitting On Top of The World (take 1) (2:38) 08: Ain't That Fine (false start) (0:10) 09: Ain't That Fine (take 1) (2:22) 10: I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now (take 1) (2:28) 11: All To Myself Alone (extended version) (3:09) 12: Blues Before Sunrise (take 4) (2:47) 13: A Sentimental Blues (take 1) (2:42) 14: I'm Glad For Your Sake (take 2) (3:27) 15: Baby Won't You Please Come Home (incomplete take) (0:39) 16: Sitting On Top of The World (take 4) (2:31) 17: I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now (take 3) (2:24) 18: Blues Before Sunrise (take 5) (2:52) 19: A Sentimental Blues (take 3) (2:40)
Description:
All tracks previously unreleased, alternate takes newly discovered in 2005.
"Unreleased" is a CD release that invites listeners into a more intimate, previously unheard side of Ray Charles's artistry. Focusing on material that remained in the vaults for years, this album offers a rare chance to experience alternate takes, studio sessions, and lesser-known interpretations that illuminate the depth of Charles's musical genius. From soulful ballads to rhythmically driven tracks, the collection highlights his unique blend of gospel, blues, jazz and early R&B, along with the expressive vocal phrasing and piano work that made him one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. The sequencing of the tracks is designed to feel like a rediscovered chapter in his career, allowing both longtime fans and new listeners to explore fresh nuances in his sound.
As a CD edition, "Unreleased" benefits from detailed audio mastering that brings out the warmth and dynamics of Ray Charles's performances while preserving the authentic character of the original recordings. The format is ideal for collectors who value a tangible, high-quality medium and for music lovers who appreciate listening to a curated album from beginning to end. Depending on the specific pressing, the release may include booklet notes, session credits, and contextual information that help frame these songs in the broader story of Charles's work, but the focus always remains firmly on the music itself.
Ray Charles, often hailed as a pioneer of soul music, transformed the musical landscape by blending gospel intensity with blues feeling, jazz sophistication and pop accessibility. Over the course of his career he became an icon with a string of acclaimed albums and chart-topping singles, influential collaborations and unforgettable live performances. His distinctive voice, innovative arrangements and emotive piano style have inspired generations of artists across genres. A collection like "Unreleased" is especially compelling because it adds new dimensions to an already rich legacy, offering performances that feel both historically significant and emotionally immediate.
The release is presented by Night Train, a label known for focusing on high-quality catalog titles, historical recordings and carefully curated reissues. Night Train typically places great emphasis on respectful handling of classic material, from thoughtful track selection to solid production values and packaging. With "Unreleased," the label underlines its commitment to preserving important musical heritage and making it accessible to contemporary audiences, shining a spotlight on recordings that might otherwise remain unheard while maintaining a clear respect for the artist's original sound and vision.