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| Vocalist Ron Kaplan Releases 'Saloon' Santa Cruz vocalist Ron Kaplan's musical style is reminiscent of the great jazz vocalists of the 1950's. Critics note his sophisticated phrasing, tone and diction. They also recognize his ability to get to the heart of a song with his own mark of musicianship. A third generation native of Los Angeles, Ron was born in Hollywood, California. He grew up in a musical household. His father was a trumpet player during the west coast jazz scene of the 1950's in L.A. His mother was an avid fan of vocal music during the heyday of the great American Jazz singers. The atmosphere was filled with music. During his school years he developed his musical, acting, and comedy skills performing with the music and theatre departments and competing in speech tournaments. After high school he continued to study acting, standup comedy, music and broadcasting. In 1976 he received his Associate In Arts degree from L.A. Valley College. He then relocated up the California coast to the Monterey Bay area in central California to complete his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of California Santa Cruz. During this time he continued to write and perform music. Along the way come a marriage, a family, and for the past 20 years, a successful Insurance Agency in Aptos, California. During this time Ron continued to study and absorb as much as possible about the history and discography of American jazz. Over the past several years we find Mr. Kaplan refining his vocal technique and repertoire, and practicing his craft. He is the feature vocalist for his home town jazz ensemble Warmth that has been performing together for the past 30 years in Santa Cruz. In addition to founding Kapland Records in 1997 and completing his debut recording as Artist and Executive Producer, he has been performing regularly in the Monterey Bay area. RK has performed in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, and London. Ronald has also made Television appearances on Musicians Weekly and BETonJazz and is receiving airplay around the country and abroad with his recordings entitled: High Standards, Lounging Around, Dedicated & Jazz Ambassadors. Ron was a finalist in the 2004 Jazz Ambassadors program through the Department of State and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. His audition recording, Jazz Ambassadors, is offered exclusively on the EuroClubdeJazz Showcase Label ... (as well as Kapland Records). Ron Kaplan is the Executive Director of American Songbook Preservation Society a 501 (C) (3) not-for-profit Foundation dedicated to continuing the legacy of this great body of work and cultural treasure for future generations to discover and enjoy. write your comments about the article :: © 2005 Jazz News :: home page |