Genius loves company

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Mavis Staples and jazz guitarist John Scofield are two extraordinarily talented originals. Staples’ voice, the power behind classic recordings like “Respect Yourself” and “I’ll Take You There,” is magnetic. Scofield’s guitar work melds superb technical skill with undeniable soul. There couldn’t be two musicians better equipped to play Ray Charles’ songs and honestly do them the justice they deserve. Scofield and Staples are versatile musicians, well-prepared to tackle Charles’ repertoire, which brought together the whole spectrum of musical genres, encompassing everything from blues, R&B and gospel to jazz, country and classical. The hardest part for them just might be choosing which songs to play from Charles’ huge, hit-laden catalog. 8pm Friday at the Mondavi Center’s Jackson Hall, on the campus of UC Davis. Tickets run from $17.50 to $45. For tickets, or for more information, call (866) 754-ARTS.