Search - Ron Kaplan :: Jazz Ambassadors

Ron Kaplan Jazz Ambassadors Kapland Records 2004 Ron Kaplan sings Standards with a comforting charm and a love for the Jazz tradition. His clear baritone voice appears at once to capture your attention. Easy-to-understand interpretations, musical accuracy, and very little embellishment mark his album as an honest affair. There are no false pretenses. Kaplan values the tradition that Jazz has given us. His album came about as an audition for the 2004 Jazz Ambassadors program of the U.S. State Department and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. His lyrics for "Stolen Moments" and the scat singing he provides for that track bring new energy to the forum. No frills. Just a genuine interpretation. His mature outlook leaves a strong impression. The light Bossa Nova rhythm that he employs on both "Body and Soul" and "Stella By Starlight" belies many years of experience entertaining faithful audiences part-time in the wee hours of the morning. His soulful interpretation of "Round Midnight" gets to the heart of the matter. He sets your mind at ease without forcing the issue. Elsewhere, Kaplan and his ensemble swing comfortably. Bassist Dan Robbins provides several lyrical solos, and the others contribute much more than mere accompaniment. Together, the quartet entertains with a natural feel ... the session offers his audience a pleasant atmosphere and treasured memories of classic vocal Jazz. Jim Santella