That a star of Ray Charles’ stature would record an album in an already vintage style—big-band jazz—for a jazz label was improbable even when it happened in 1961. And it’s even harder to fathom today. But Charles had started in jazz alongside Quincy Jones, and never quite shook that aspect of his musical roots—much in the same way he never abandoned the country sounds he’d played while growing up. For Genius + Soul = Jazz, Charles reunited with Jones, gathered an impressive cast of instrumentalists, and tramped over to the iconic Van Gelder Studios in New Jersey to record this soul-jazz classic, with none other than Creed Taylor behind the mixing board. The results, to a contemporary ear, are hard to believe: Like so many of Jones’ productions, Genius + Soul = Jazz is relentlessly modern-sounding, and given a clean, contemporary sheen by Taylor. And while Charles sings occasionally, he mostly sticks to organ for R&B and gospel flair. On Genius + Soul = Jazz, the swing is deeply felt; the horns are warm and brash at once, and no matter how traditional the arrangement, Charles and his groovy organ always pull the ensemble straight into the future. “One Mint Julep” became the release’s surprise hit, climbing the Billboard charts despite the fact that its sole lyrics consisted of “Hey! Just a little bit of soul now.” It’s an addictive listen, full of slick horn riffs and Charles’ unpretentious improvisations, all of it set to an endless blues groove. And while “One Mint Julep” is technically a cover of a doo-wop single from The Clovers, Charles unceremoniously claimed it as his own on Genius + Soul = Jazz—creating the centerpiece of this must-listen set.