Charles' energetic presence thrills crowd

His voice is unique and unmistakable. His stage presence is energetic and full of life. Introduced to the audience Friday as a "legendary genius of jazz," Ray Charles brought his signature musical artistry to the IU Auditorium. \nCharles' recording career began in 1949, after perfecting his sound in the Seattle night clubs. His extensive repertoire and original stylings brought him acclaim from the public and critics alike, and helped him earn 15 Grammy Awards and the Polar Music Award, Sweden's most prestigious musical honor. In the program notes, Charles describes his talent as completely natural.\n"I was born with music inside me. That's the only explanation I know," he said.\nThe evening began with an opening act by groups of the African American Choral Ensemble, Sojourner, God's Progress and Soul-ACE, directed by James E. Mumford. The groups, who cited Charles as an influence on their music, presented contemporary gospel music with enthusiasm and soul. Each song was prefaced with information on the style and origin of the selection, and the audience had the opportunity to learn about the genre while enjoying the performance. \nEach group performed several selections, accompanied by a talented band led by senior Charleston Sanders. Highlights of the opening act included "King Jesus" by Sojourner and "Grateful" by God's Progress. The groups ended the first act with a song dedicated to the late graduate student Won-Joon Yoon and the missing student Jill Behrman, inviting the audience to stand in their honor.\nAlthough the audience enjoyed the gospel performance, they were anxious to see Charles perform. At the beginning of the second act, the Ray Charles Orchestra was met with expectant applause. The orchestra played two upbeat numbers before Charles was introduced, featuring several solo performances by band members. \nCharles finally graced the stage, responding warmly to the standing ovation he received. He immediately sat at the keyboard and led the band in jazz, rhythm and blues, pop and soul selections. His deep, unique voice was perfectly matched by the band, allowing for fresh improvisation in familiar tunes. \nThe audience responded appreciatively to many of the selections, including "Georgia on My Mind" and "Till There Was You." Charles was joined late in the second half by the "Raelettes," three talented women who added a perfect touch of powerful vocals to Charles' magic on the keyboard. \nCharles' warm and joyful presence shone in the songs, as he tilted his head back, chuckled to himself, kicked his legs and laid back on his bench throughout the night. The audience seemed to enjoy these actions almost more than the songs themselves. \nHe reciprocated the audience's energy and talked freely to the audience and the band, often breaking from song to add off-the-cuff comments to the crowd. He created an intimate, familiar atmosphere with his comments and his music, and seemed at home on the stage. \nThe evening ended with another standing ovation, and Charles again responded with joy, bending and slapping his knees with an energy that belied his 70 years. The only detriment to the evening was that Charles was not onstage longer. \nThe audience left with the energy and talent of a true legend.