In Tune
International

The only monthly magazine in the world for lovers of the golden age of Popular Music.        
No. 194  April 2008

Ron Kaplan: New York

Kapland  www.ronkaplan.com

Ron's return to CD creating is always an event. This time out the concept is New York and it's familiar musical treasure trove in Manhattan type song titles.

The variety in his dozen-song program can't be better especially with many updated lyrics at almost each and every turn. Take for example the brand new updated lyrics for "Jumpin' With Symphony Sid" (Young / Feyne). It not only jumps, it's most musical and it's clever in a masterful one of a kind outstanding performance. This song continues to be used as a theme for a local college radio station DJ in New York many years after it original use.

"Lullaby Of Broadway" (Warren / Dubin) has a wonderfully cool arrangement. His vocal is smooth as silk and most fitting. "Take The 'A' Train" (Strayhorn) begins in an unusually slow manner and then Ron sweetly swings things to its familiar yet fine conclusion.

There's a splendid "Harlem Nocturne" (Hagen / Rogers) that is riveting. Reminding me always of Mike Hammer on TV, Ron's over 6 minute vocal surely evokes much of the sadness of the most haunting lyrics ever put to a melody.

Ron will have you weeping throughout with his long held notes. As familiar as "Manhattan" (Rogers / Hart) is, Ron treats us to a special treatment all his own. His vocal bursts with fine jazz chance taking. And then there's "Sunday In New York" (Nero / Coates) taken at a leisurely pace. Ron makes his many vocal points during his wonderful over 4 minutes vocal. This song continues to be an uplifting joyous musical salute to the Empire State. Mr. Kaplan has done my hometown a real service.

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