Watch Ray Charles - Live at Montreux 1997

Ray Charles - Live at Montreux 1997 is a musical documentary that transports the viewers to an electrifying live concert by the legendary musician, Ray Charles. This performance was recorded on July 19, 1997, at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, and the movie was released in 2002. The film opens with aerial views of Montreux set against the iconic tune of Ray Charles' hit song, "Georgia On My Mind." The camera then cuts to the concert hall, where Ray Charles and his band take the stage to an eager audience. The audience's excitement is palpable, and Charles' magnetic charisma is evident from the outset.

The concert is a masterful blend of R&B, soul, blues, and jazz, with Charles' signature piano licks and raspy vocals leading the way. From the slow burn of "I Can't Stop Loving You" to the upbeat funk of "What'd I Say," each song is a testament to Charles' versatility and musical virtuosity.

The performance is interspersed with behind-the-scenes footage of Charles and his band preparing for the show, as well as interviews with Charles and his band members. These moments add a personal touch to the movie and offer a glimpse into the creative process of one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.

Charles is joined on stage by some of the finest musicians in the business, including saxophonist David "Fathead" Newman, who plays a soulful solo on "Georgia On My Mind," and guitarist Wendell Marshall, who lays down the funky groove on "What'd I Say."

Other highlights of the concert include the gospel-inflected "Busted," the gritty blues of "I Can't Stop Loving You," and the stirring rendition of "America The Beautiful."

Throughout the film, Charles' mastery of the keyboard and his soulful vocals are a marvel to behold. He effortlessly switches between genres, injecting his own unique style into every song. His bandmates also get their chance to shine with solos that highlight their incredible musicianship.

One of the standout moments in the movie is Charles' performance of "Georgia On My Mind," the song that cemented his place in the pantheon of American music. The crowd is on their feet as Charles delivers a performance that is both heartfelt and powerful.

Another highlight of the film is Charles' rendition of "What'd I Say," a song that showcases his ability to create a groove that is impossible not to move to. As the band plays, Charles bounces his head and taps his foot, fully immersed in the music. The energy is infectious, and the audience responds with wild applause.

The concert culminates with the soul-stirring rendition of "America The Beautiful," which features Charles and his bandmates harmonizing the patriotic song to perfection. The performance is hauntingly beautiful and serves as a reminder of the power of music to bring people together.

Ray Charles - Live at Montreux 1997 is a must-watch for anyone who loves soul, R&B, blues or jazz. It is a powerful testament to the talent and charisma of Ray Charles, a musician who changed the course of American music. The film serves as a poignant reminder of his genius and his lasting legacy.

Ray Charles - Live at Montreux 1997 is a 1997 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.