Artist: The Ray Charles Orchestra

mp3: The Ray Charles Orchestra - Sidewinder Today's selection came out in 1971 on Ray Charles' own label, Tangerine Records. Sidewinder is a cover of the Lee Morgan hard-bop Blue Note hit from 1963. Charles' version doesn't surpass the original, but it brings some harder funk flavour to what's already a smashing tune. It was released as the b-side to another instrumental, the funky Booty Butt, and features Leroy Cooper on baritone sax.

• The Ray Charles Orchestra - Sidewinder