Country legend Ray Price had the opportunity to leave this world a gift as he prepared to leave this world in 2013. And what a gift Beauty Is...Ray Price. The Final Sessions is.

Throughout the collection, you can hear the familiar warm tone and emotional lilt in Price's voice. Even the way his voice resonates as his notes trail off is still there. Age touched his voice, but it didn't stop it!

The album takes you on a journey with Ray as he wraps thoughts on his life, and in particular his love for wife Janie, into a neat little bow.

Ray Price assembled an impressive cast of players to get this album just right. Legendary producer Fred Foster took the helm, masterful arranger and conductor Bergen White commands the string section, Vince Gill and Martina McBride sang on a few songs. The best session players Nashville could produce took part as well.

As you listen, you will think these 12 songs are old classics. An Affair to Remember featuring Martina McBride is seamless that way. Ray Price and Martina McBride blend well.

On the title cut, Beauty Lies in the Eye of the Beholder you know exactly what Price is trying to convey with this collection of songs. It brought a tear to my eye. Vince Gill's backing vocals are but a whisper or accent, leaving Price fully in the spotlight. This song, which had been rejected many times, finally found its home. It was obvious that it belonged to Ray Price.

On Until Then, you hear the familiar Texas rhythms that made Ray Price a legend. His voice becomes a great deal stronger on it. It is the most up temp song on the album. Flawless!

The last two tracks Among My Souvenirs and I Believe are the emotional icing on the cake. You think to yourself "There he is!" Price's voice doesn't falter as he works his magic on these standards.

Actually, flawless is how to describe Beauty Is..Ray Price. You won't press skip on any song. Mr. Price believed this was one of the greatest projects he ever recorded. He was right. To be able to complete a career with a planned album is a rarity, but to make it as compelling and graceful as this is unheard of. Leave it to Ray Price to bow out so well.

Ray Price left us in December 2013 at the age of 87, but thanks to this collection, he will forever be timeless and cherished.

 

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