Genius + Soul = Jazz was Ray Charles's first album released on the Impulse! label, founded by Creed Taylor. The record marked a turn toward orchestral jazz, with arrangements by Johnny Pate and the participation of Ralph Burns's big band.
The album includes instrumental and vocal versions of standards such as 'From the Heart' and 'One Mint Julep', the latter becoming a minor hit on the R&B charts. Recording took place in New York studios and featured top session musicians.
Although not Charles's biggest commercial success, Genius + Soul = Jazz is considered a milestone in his discography for blending soul with big band jazz, and for being the inaugural release of Impulse!, a label that would later become legendary in jazz.