News on Ray Charles, Fugazi, Pavarotti
Music fans can get a taste of some of Ray Charles' favorite recordings on the latest edition of Starbucks' "Artist's Choice" series. Produced by Hear Music, the 16-track collection boasts mostly jazz, with such greats as Duke Ellington ("Solitude"), Art Tatum ("How High the Moon"), Miles Davis ("My Funny Valentine"), and Ella Fitzgerald ("Mack the Knife") all represented. Also featured is Aretha Franklin's "Respect," Charles Brown's "Driftin' Blues," and the album closing "Always on My Mind" by Willie Nelson.
Charles' collection is the second in the "Artist's Choice" series, which launched earlier this year with a collection compiled by noted cellist Yo-Yo Ma. The discs retail for $12.95 in U.S. Starbucks Coffee outlets and the chain's Web site, and are also available via Hear Music stores. The next volume, due in September, will reflect some of the favorite songs of Lucinda Williams.
-- Barry A. Jeckell, N.Y.