Ray Charles With Guest Artist Esther Phillips - It's A Blues Thing (CD)

he liner notes of this semi-bootleg from 1995 don't offer any information on the location or date of the concert. Looking at the setlist, and - most notably - listening to Billy Preston's organ playing, this live concert was probably recorded in 1967 or 1968*. Ode To Billy Joe is an excellent track, with Clydie King, who also put it on a single. The 15:29 medley by Esther Phillips is a pain in the ear. I doubt if this actually was even taped at one of Ray's shows.

The very similar contents of the Bakersfield concert, make (the Summer of) 1968 the most probable year for the Blues Thing show.
Review of the Schaefer Music Festival concert on July 7, 1968 confirms the year and the season once more.

Format: CD

Media Condition:  Very Good Plus (VG+)
Sleeve Condition: Very Good Plus (VG+)
Country:    US  
Released:  1995
Genre:       Blues
Style:         Piano Blues

Track listing:

1. Eleanor Rigby 3:36
2. Let's Go Get Stoned 3:19
3. Soul Segue 6:59
4. Esther Philips Guest Medley 15:29
5. The Girl I Used To Know 4:31
6. Ode To Billy Jo 6:45
7. I Won't Leave Til I Get What I Come For 4:05