Lost Ray Charles tracks set for release

A set of Ray Charles recordings have been uncovered, remastered, and are set to be released in the UK.

The tapes of the late soul singer were discovered late last year in the vaults of jazz label Concord Records late last year by employee John Burk.

They had been intended to become a collaboration between Charles and the Count Basie Orchestra, but were incomplete and badly recorded.

However, thanks to Burk and his mastery of modern technology, Charles' singing has been overlaid on a newly recorded track by the current members of the Count Basie Orchestra.

"The quality of these reels wasn't great," Burk explained. "They appeared to be recordings from the live soundboard with Ray's vocal upfront, the band way in the background. But Ray sounded amazing."

He said he was delighted with the end product which is set to be released in October. "The end result is a beautiful, authentic and irreplaceable piece of music," he added. "We can help Ray do what he always did so naturally – make magic happen."