The album 'The Genius After Hours' was released by Atlantic Records in 1961, although the recording sessions took place between 1956 and 1957. It is an instrumental album showcasing Ray Charles in a relaxed jazz context, away from his better-known rhythm and blues and soul style.
The title refers to the nocturnal and sophisticated atmosphere of the recordings, where Charles plays piano and occasionally sings, accompanied by jazz musicians such as saxophonist David 'Fathead' Newman and bassist Oscar Pettiford. The album was conceived as a collection of standards and instrumental blues.
Although it was not one of Charles's biggest commercial successes, 'The Genius After Hours' is considered by critics as a display of his musical versatility and deep knowledge of jazz, solidifying his reputation as a 'genius' beyond soul and blues.