Preview: a ray of charles w/dj christian mcbride

Image: Ray of Charles

The tribute band. What is on paper a thrilling concept can all too easily fail to live up to the glamour. Poor musicians, vocalists that don’t do the artist in question justice, and a sloppy all round stage presence – but these malaise contributing factors make the good ones when they crop up all the more appealing.

A Ray of Charles fall into the category of the latter. A gloriously tight backing band provide the perfect platform for Russell Christian, formerly of Liverpool chart-toppers the Christians, to pay tribute to the visually impaired rhythm and blues legend, Ray Charles.

Drifting through the expansive back catalogue of the soul impresario, A Ray of Charles captures the unique energy of the singer, relaying his hugely expansive set of influences form soul, gospel, funk right through to blues. Below is a video of them playing at Elevator Bar last year, showcasing the track ‘Night Time’.

They’ll be joined on the night by Fat City and Deep Rooted’s funk-laden selector Christian McBride, who’ll be bringing the grooves form the off.

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