Ralph Sharon Albums (11)
'The Ralph Sharon Quartet Plays the Ralph Blane Songbook'
Release Date 8/14/2001
Tracks 14
Label DRG
See Album Tracklist and Review
'The Magic of George Gershwin'
Release Date 7/31/2001
Tracks 18
Label Avid
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'The Magic of Jerome Kern'
Release Date 10/1/1999
Tracks 18
Label Avid
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Plays Frank Loesser Songbook'
Release Date 3/23/1999
Tracks 15
Label Drg
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'Plays Harry Warren Songbook'
Release Date 10/21/1997
Tracks 16
Label Drg
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What The Critics Say
Subtitled "The Harold Arlen Songbook," this 60-minute disc finds the Ralph Sharon Trio -- with Douglas Richeson on bass and Clayton Cameron on drums -- highlighting the work of the most jazz- and blues-oriented of the Broadway and Hollywood composers of the 1940s and '50s. Sharon is typically subtle and swinging, never losing the sense of Arlen's bluesy melodies, but elaborating on them with intricately played figures that never seem to show the effort they must take to achieve. ~ William Ruhlmann, All Music Guide
'Swings the Sammy Cahn Songbook'
Release Date 1/1/1994
Tracks 14
Label DRG
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
This CD is a little unusual for, although it is a tribute to a major lyricist (Sammy Cahn), the music is purely instrumental. Pianist Ralph Sharon swings lightly and takes most of the high-quality songs at a slow-to-medium tempo, never wandering very far from the themes. While bassist Douglas Richardson and drummer Clayton Cameron are fine in support, by far the most interesting performances are the three songs on which baritonist Gerry Mulligan is a guest; his presence pushes Sharon to play at his best. Otherwise this is a set of rather lazy and very respectful melody statements, pleasing enough but absent of any surprises or revelations. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
