Two wonderful Double CD’s by legendary pianist, arranger and band leader Ralph Sharon constitute exciting additions to Avid’s Essential Collection series. Born in London in 1926 Ralph Sharon is arguably one of the great unsung heroes of British popular music. Playing with such British greats as Ted Heath, Ronnie Scott and Victor Feldman before leaving for the USA where after becoming an American citizen he went on to become musical director and accompanist to Buddy Rich,
Rosemary Clooney, Mel Torme, Carmen McCrae, Peggy Lee and most famously Tony Bennett.
On these delightful recordings Ralph is joined for the first time in 40 years by old sparring partners Jack Parnell on drums and Lennie Bush on bass to pay tribute to some of the greatest songwriters America has ever produced. All three musicians play as if they had just left off all those years before as they tip their hats to the music of George Gershwin and Richard Rodgers, offering us music of the very highest standard.
CD1
The Magic Of George Gershwin
1. Fascinating Rhythm
2. They All Laughed
3. Medley: Somebody Loves Me * ‘S’Wonderful * But Not For Me * Soon
4. I Loves You Porgy
5. I Got Rhythm
6. They Can’t Take That Away From Me
7. Someone To Watch Over Me
8. The Man I Love
9. Love Is Here To Stay
10. There’s A Boat Dat’s Leavin’ Soon For New York
11. Rhapsody In Blue (Theme)
12. A Foggy Day (In London Town)
13. Embraceable You
14. Liza
15. How Long Has This Been Going On?
16. Swanee
17. Love Walked In
18. Oh Lady Be Good
CD2
The Magic Of Richard Rodgers
1. I Didn’t Know What Time It Was
2. Falling In Love With Love
3. Medley: The Most Beautiful Girl In The World * Lover * Wait Till You See Her
4. Slaughter On 10th Avenue
5. You Are Too Beautiful
6. I Wish I Were In Love Again
7. Bewitched
8. Ten Cents A Dance
9. Have You Met Miss Jones?
10. It’s Easy To Remember
11. Where Or When
12. Mountain Greenery
13. Medley: I Could Write A Book * Mimi * On Your Toes
14. Thou Swell
15. My Romance
16. This Can’t Be Love
17. My Funny Valentine
18. The Lady Is A Tramp
19. There’s A Small Hotel
20. Little Girl Blue
21. Isn’t It Romantic?
22. The Blue Room
23. It Never Entered My Mind
24. Blues For Rodgers And Hart
