Album Info Hide Show Artist: Aretha Franklin With The Ray Bryant Combo Album: Aretha Released: Europe, 18 Feb 2022 Tracklist: A1 Won’t Be Long Written-By – J. Leslie McFarland A2 Over The Rainbow Written-By – E. Y. Harburg, H. Arlen A3 Love Is The Only Thing Written-By – J. Leslie McFarland A4 Sweet Lover Written-By – J. Leslie McFarland, S. Wyche A5 All Night Long Written-By – C. Lewis A6 Who Needs You? Written-By – B. Holiday, J. Burns B1 Right Now Written-By – J. Leslie McFarland B2 Are You Sure Written-By – M. Willson B3 Maybe I’m A Fool Written-By – J. Leslie McFarland B4 It Ain’t Necessarily So Written-By – I. Gershwin-G. Gershwin B5 (Blue) By Myself Written-By – J. Leslie McFarland, J. Bailey B6 Today I Sing The Blues Written-By – C. 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This album marks the beginning of what would become a legendary career for the “Queen of Soul.” At just 18 years old, Aretha Franklin was already showcasing her incredible vocal talent and versatility, setting the stage for her future as one of the most influential artists in music history. “Aretha: With The Ray Bryant Combo” is a fascinating glimpse into the early days of Franklin’s career. The album features a mix of jazz, blues, and pop standards, highlighting her ability to cross genres with ease. The Ray Bryant Combo, a jazz ensemble led by pianist Ray Bryant, provides a sophisticated and dynamic backdrop for Franklin’s powerful voice. One of the standout tracks on the album is “Won’t Be Long,” which was released as a single and became a minor hit, reaching number 7 on the R&B charts. The song is a lively, upbeat number that showcases Franklin’s energetic vocal delivery and hints at the soul powerhouse she would soon become. Another notable track is “Love Is the Only Thing,” which demonstrates her ability to convey deep emotion and connect with listeners on a personal level. Critics at the time recognized Franklin’s immense talent, though the album itself did not achieve the commercial success that her later works would. However, it laid the groundwork for her future recordings and helped establish her as a rising star in the music industry. The production, led by John Hammond, who was instrumental in discovering and nurturing Franklin’s early career, is polished and allows her voice to shine. Listening to “Aretha: With The Ray Bryant Combo” today, it’s clear that Franklin was already a force to be reckoned with, even if she was still finding her unique sound. The album is a testament to her versatility and her ability to interpret a wide range of material, from the bluesy “Right Now” to the tender “Over the Rainbow.” While “Aretha: With The Ray Bryant Combo” may not have received the same level of acclaim as her later albums, such as “I Never Loved a Man the Way I Love You” or “Lady Soul,” it remains an important part of her discography. It captures a young Aretha Franklin at the beginning of her journey, full of promise and potential. In retrospect, this album is a fascinating piece of music history, offering insight into the early development of one of the greatest voices of all time. For fans of Aretha Franklin, “Aretha: With The Ray Bryant Combo” is a must-listen, providing a deeper understanding of her roots and the early influences that shaped her iconic sound. It’s a reminder of the raw talent and passion that would soon take the world by storm and solidify her place as the “Queen of Soul.” Product Reviews Hide Show Write a Review