In Tune International

The magazine for lovers of the golden age of popular music

 

High Standards

What you have here is one of the most original singers to come along in quite some time from the jazz singing school of Mark Murphy and Tony Bennett polished off with some unique and handy swinging. This ten song varied program of jazz and popular standards has much to offer. His most fanciful and swift 'take no prisoner's' rendition of Heyward and Gershwin's "Summertime" swings to and fro up and down the scales. On the ballad side you simply must hear the seldom performed but very well suited for Ron, Torme/Wells "Born To Be Blue". Ultimate phrasing and superior mood setting frequently abounds. "Angel Eyes" (Dennis/Brent) conjures up a deep, profound tale of loss. It's a song that should only be sung by an experienced 'been there done that' singer of songs. There is no slick unfeeling way to satisfactorily do this masterpiece. Ron has another CD called "Lounging Around" also on Kapland.

--By Dan Singer