Ralph Sharon - Easy Jazz

Apart from being a great jazz artist in his own right, Ralph Sharon proves in this album through his arrangements and leadership, that he can make other great artist’s play well while performing with him. He provides inspiration, ideas, and generates a tremendous beat throughout. We think most musicians and laymen will agree that the all stars improvising around Ralph Sharon arrangements, had a most stimulating experience at the session. 

It would be superfluous to write here about these great musicians since all are outstanding in their field. Each one a leader in his own right. 

You will also find in the course of each selection performed at this session, that each musician was still developing and creating excellent new ideas.

Ralph Sharon is an English born musician who dedicated himself to the piano for more than 15 years. He played with Ted Heath’s Orchestra, Frank Weir and Jack Parnell Quartet. He has composed and published many original compositions in the modern idiom. *Liner notes*

An apt title for this American-made set by the British pianist, even tho his cohorts include such intense avant-gardists as Charlie Mingus, Teddy Charles and J. R. Montrose, plus Joe Puma and Kenny Clarke.

Program is tasteful, light and non-aggressively modern -keyed mainly to Sharon's piano. The names will make some sales, tho this isn't their usual groove. Of the several originals, "Man on the Couch" is an interesting trial track. *Billboard, November 3, 1956*

Side 1

1 - Manhattan

(Rodgers)

2 - Two Sleepy People

(Carmichael)

3 - Have You Met Miss Jones

(Rodgers, Hart)

4 - Man On The Couch

(Sharon)

5 - Just Because We're Kids

(Sharon)

6 - Darn That Dream

(Van Heusen, De Lango)

Side 2

7 - Mood For Mitch

(Sharon)

8 - There's A Small Hotel

(Rodgers)

9 - Love Walked In

(Gershwin)

10 - Can't Get Out Of This Mood

(Loesser, McHugh)

11 - Plutocrat At The Automat

(Sharon)

12 - Slightly Oliver

(Sharon)

Ralph Sharon (piano), J. R. Montrose (alto sax), Joe Puma (guitar), Teddy Charles (vibes), Charles Mingus (bass), Kenny Clark (drums).

Recorded in New York City, May 27, 1955.