Roger "Ram" Ramirez is best known as co-composer of "Lover Man," a huge hit for singer
Billie Holiday. His recording career as a pianist was somewhat sporadic (though he stayed busy working the night club circuit around New York City), so it isn't surprising that many jazz fans have overlooked his albums. This trio date features Ramirez with bassist George Duvivier and drummer Ed Shaughnessy (with Eddie Calhoun and Abdulhameed Zuhri taking their respective places on two selections). The leader has a nice touch at the keyboard, and even if none of the performances are particularly earth shattering, there are no major turnoffs. The repertoire is rather wide-ranging, from a perfunctory "Sunrise, Sunset" to a swinging "I'll Remember April" and a pair of original blues. All of the tracks clock in at less than four minutes apiece; bargain hunters may want to keep an eye out for this disc in used record bins. ~ Ken Dryden