Ron Kaplan

Biography Ron Kaplan's musical style is reminiscent of the great singers of the 1950’s continuing the tradition of performing songs from the Popular and Jazz Standards of the Great American Songbook. Critics note Kaplan’s phrasing, tone, diction, relaxed style, and his ability to get to the heart of a song with his own mark of musicianship, while featuring superb musicians in his live performances and on his recordings, enjoyed around world.

What the critics are saying… "Ron Kaplan is an original personality in the world of jazz vocalists and he has managed to put his name into that previously closed inner circle. He has breathed new life into it by the sheer force of his style, for as you know, “the style is the man himself”. The Velvet Crooner and the elegant power of his seemingly casual phrasing is in fact, ultra-tight and perfectly seductive." —Jean Szlamowicz, Jazz Hot

“This is one male vocalist destined to become one of the greats in the field. Ron Kaplan is the genuine article.” …D. David Dreis

“The heart and soul of a mature vocalist and leader…” …Jazz Improv Magazine

“Kaplan phrases with sophisticated ease at any tempo.” … JazzTimes Magazine

“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.” … In Tune International “Jazz singers come and go; few have staying power. Kaplan is one you can bet will be around for some time. First he’s a true jazz singer who knows his way around a tune, swinging in the irreverent manner that made singers like Mark Murphy, Jackie Paris and Mel Torme stars. Kaplan’s a musician first and foremost using his voice as an integral part of the jazz mode.” …Rapport

“Ron has superb command of a warm and flexible baritone that literally cocoons the listener within the cozy atmosphere of images it creates.” …Jazz Quad

“Kaplan can be linked to the vocalist of the past who merged the Jazz esthetic with the melodic popular element to produce music that appealed to both camps. His light-handed approach and easy singing style are qualities that make him a very likeable commodity.” …Cadence

In addition to his career as a concert performer and recording artist, Ron Kaplan also is the founder and executive director of American Songbook Preservation Society, a non-profit organization whose mission statement is: "To preserve our cultural treasure known as the Great American Songbook by performing this music at home and abroad as Ambassadors of Song." For more information, go to www.greatamericansongbook.org

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Album Review

Lounging Around by Ed Kopp
Saloon by Michael P. Gladstone
Lounging Around by Jim Santella

American Songbook Preservation Society...Singing the Great American Songbook By A. J. Julian Improvisational Promotions

Ronald S. Kaplan has spent most of his time as a singer pursuing his musical talent in the San Francisco area.

It has never been easy for an independent performer to get the World to take notice of their creative work and keep them motivated in this situation.

Mr. Kaplan has had to assume the difficulty of creating his own independent record company to document his work. Along with this, he has taken on many roles; as the performing artist, producer, marketing and promotion, and the booking agent.

American Songbook Preservation Society...Singing the Great American Songbook By A. J. Julian Improvisational Promotions

Ronald S. Kaplan has spent most of his time as a singer pursuing his musical talent in the San Francisco area.

It has never been easy for an independent performer to get the World to take notice of their creative work and keep them motivated in this situation.

In addition to this, he has created another undertaking for his engaging life and love for the Composers and Music of what has become known as "The Great American Songbook". This has led to his creation of "American Songbook Preservation Society".

The Mission is to Preserve our musical cultural treasure known as the Great American Songbook, by presenting this music to the public at home and abroad as Ambassadors of Song.

This recording, "Singing the Great American Songbook" is the production from a benefit concert given by Ron Kaplan at Kuumbwa jazz Center on January 25, 2007. Assisting him in this concert were stellar players Marshall Otwell-piano and Stan Poplin-bass.

The recording consists of a 14 track program selecting interesting choices of tunes for the album. The program of tunes consists of familiar but not overdone standards such as: two tunes from the Duke Ellington book, "Drop Me Off In Harlem" and "Solitude", Harold Arlen & Johnny Mercer's "Out Of This World", Cole Porter's "I get A Kick Out Of You", and George & Ira Gershwin's "Love Is Here To Stay".

Ron Kaplan has a gentle, swinging, sense of phrasing and reads the lyrics like they were written.

This concert and album renews your faith in the strength of the great material performed by three Superlative Musicians. It is an outstanding contribution to the wonderful Great American Songbook, that over the years has become a mostly unprolific musical landscape.

For more information on Mr. Ron Kaplan and his other releases, contact him: American Songbook Preservation Society 9051-A Soquel Drive Aptos, California 95003 Phone: (831) 687-0278 fax: (831) 685-2609 Email: [email protected] Website: www.GreatAmerianSongbook.org Website: www.RonKaplan.com

"High Standards", presenting Ron Kaplan is a smart package, featuring superb musicians, and the heart and soul of a mature vocalist and leader..High Standards is just that, from the moment you look at the album jacket and put on the CD until you hear the final notes of "Lazy Afternoon." Jazz Improv Magazine

"Lounging Around"...Ron swings through a set of Standards with a deceptive ease that belies the depth and color that rewards repeat listening. A quietly remarkable album. Borders

"Dedicated"...From the opening bars to the closing reprise, "Dedicated" is a polished album by a sincere and genuinely compassionate vocalist and will immerse the listener into bittersweet bliss. EuroClubdeJazz

"Jazz Ambassadors"...Eloquent testimony which provides a continuum for great male vocal jazz. The whole package has a pristine feel and encapsulates these vintage songs with a quartet of superior musicians who have risen to the challenge to provide a trademark jazz set." Wes Gillespie

"Saloon" ...Kaplan covers a handful of the basic, hard-core classics and really puts his stamp on it. A winning adult and urbane set throughout" Midwest Record Recap

"New York" ...This album is crafted into a true and legit representative of the classic jazz genre. The twelve songs on this recording all are treasures of America's best art form. 5 Stars" eJazzNews

"Kaplan's vocal interpretations exude the sincerity, tight phrasing and feel for the swing that can only come from the heart of a genuine jazz singer." Singer Magazine

"a unique vocal stylist with seamless taste in musical choices and sidemen. A truly rare combination." ChazzJazz KRML

"Kaplan phrases with sophisticated ease at any tempo." JazzTimes, America's Jazz Magazine

"Ron Kaplan plays jazz and pop in a cool setting, knows what he's doing...and it pays off. With music like this, Kaplan could go far." Music Connection, the West Coast Music Trade Magazine

"This is one male vocalist destined to become one of the greats in the field! Ron Kaplan is the genuine article." David Dreis...Rapport Magazine

"Ron Kaplan is an original personality in the world of jazz vocalists and he has managed to put his name into that previously closed inner circle. He has breathed new life into it by the sheer force of his style, for as you know, “the style is the man himself”. The Velvet Crooner and the elegant power of his seemingly casual phrasing is in fact, ultra-tight and perfectly seductive." Jean Szlamowicz, Jazz Hot

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