Tribute To Ray Charles

Darren Percival, runner-up of The Voice Australia 2012 and resident soul singer, is set to release a new album A Tribute To Ray Charles, a collection of beloved covers of the late great American musician, Ray Charles. Darren says it best as to why he recorded this album: "If you were sitting next to me in the middle of the third row at The Lincoln Centre in New York City back in 2000 there would be no doubt how much I was, and continue to be inspired by Ray Charles. That performance is my favourite for so many reasons. People toss around the term 'genius' so often in these times. For me, it means 'one who can transform the complicated into the simple'. On that particular night the music flowed effortlessly, I was transported and Ray Charles changed my life. He makes me smile and I sing the way I do as a result of learning from him."

The songs on this album were selected for the story they tell and the impact they have had on my life and I imagine, on your lives too... There have been innovators and those who emulate but only a hand full of originators. This tribute is a dream of mine since I started to sing. These melodies have accompanied my entire life and I am honoured to share my versions of these classic songs with you at this abundant time. Enjoy the ride".

Recorded in Sydney The Voice producer, Eric J Dubowsky, who took care of Darren's Happy Home album came back to work with him on this concept. Originally from New York City where he worked for such luminary producers as Arif Mardin, Rick Rubin and Max Martin. Eric also worked with artists such as Weezer, Joss Stone and Carolina Liar, before relocating to Australia and producing the likes of Art Vs Science, Bluejuice, Faker, The Dead Leaves, and Ben Gillies.