Ron Taylor's life altering experience at Harlem's Apollo Theater as a child led him to the pawnshop to purchase his first trumpet. Since then he has played every genre of music from Calypso to Jazz and Funk to Classical. Renowned artists such as Byron Lee, Peter Tosh, and Natalie Cole considered him one of the most versatile trumpeters of the 80's. The following decades would also hold high honors and opportunities with Art Blakey, Lionel Hampton, Eartha Kitt, Marcus Miller, Stevie Wonder and TS Monk amongst others requesting Ron's brass on board. By 2008 Ron went on a world tour performing in Europe, South America and Africa with various bands. He brings all this and more to Crazy Love Jazz, his world debut CD. The versatility, energy and straight ingenuity Ron brings to this project provides a fresh yet nostalgic vibe. With Ron at the helm of these strong scores and an amazing array of musicians assisting, a smorgasbord of sounds is ready to be served. Bon apetite!
Professor Gary Motley is a highly recognized jazz pianists, conductor and educator with a smooth and sophisticated style. Noted as a "Jazz Icon" for his lead in The Swing Association, Motley was awarded by the National Endowment for the Arts, the Great American Jazz Piano Competition, and the American Composers Forum to name a few. Gigs with Dave Brubeck, Clarke Terry, Jon Faddis, and Eddie Daniels, amongst many others is not just name dropping, but testament to Gary's talent. As an outstanding educator at Georgia State and presently Emory University, he continues to share his immense passion and aptitude for music. Reviews in Downbeat Magazine and on NPR's Piano Jazz explain why he was called in to help build the Ron Taylor Band. Whether conducting for Whoopi on Broadway or leading a jam session in Buckhead, Gary's vast experience and flair adds sweet and spicy flavor the Crazy Love Jazz. Chops confirmed.
"High energy and intricate cymbal riffs thunderous rolls..." "Perfect, prolific percussionist..." "Underground jazz legend..." These are just a few bites from extensive media reviews received by drummer Kinah Boto who brings his vigorous virtuoso to Crazy Love Jazz. Kinah has toured Europe and Asia extensively with artist such as Nnena Freelon, Russell Gunn and Marcus Printup. He has also managed to rack up an extensive list of recording credits. With all that Kinah calls Atlanta home and the Ron Taylor Band one of the "most dynamic groups" Boto has performed with. Kinah's approach and technique are definitely tight. Just listen to the man...enough said.
Genius Georgia born trombonist, Bob Lewis, is no stranger to the big cats on the music scene. Upon providing a part of the star-studded list he has played with, you will get the drift. Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis JR., Nancy Wilson, Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin, Johnny Mathis, Diane Shure, Martha Reeves, G Marvin Hamlisch, Michael Feinstein, Sarah Vaughn, Diane Carrol, Bob Hope, David Sanborn, Frank Gorshin, Ben Vereen, Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, Julie Budd, Kenny Rogers, Moody Blues, Linda Edder, Ray Block, Judy Collins, Natilie Cole, Four Aces, Sergio Mendes, Perry Como, Marilyn McCoo, Roy Clark, Peter Nero,
Originally from New York, Neal Starkey is an American jazz bassist residing in the "ATL" with myriad musical accolades. Kenny Barron, Eddie Harris, Sonny Stitt, Duke Pearson, Al Cohn, Charlie Rouse, Barney Kessel, Tony Williams and Freddie Hubbard, amongst others, all made sure Neal joined them on stage or in the studio when it was time to get their groove on. This explains why Ron Taylor Band welcomed Neal's diverse and beautiful bass recitations on Crazy Love Jazz. The maestro set a high standard. But Neal is like that. Between performing with CBS Jazz All-Stars, recording with Herbie Hancock, teaching at Georgia State University, or regular appearances at the W. C. Handy Music Festival, we are glad he found time to provide the bottom for Crazy Love Jazz. Big up Bass Man!
Emrah Kotan is a seasoned percussionist who holds a Master's Degree in Jazz Studies from Georgia State University, where he presently lectures. He can be found regularly performing with International Groove Conspiracy, Inobe, Club Caribe, Ear Mail, Michael Johnson and Emrah Kotan and the Sultans. The past several years has been busy for the percussionist extraordinaire who's been giggin' at just about all the major international Jazz festivals including the Annual Atlanta Jazz Festival, Montreux, Saint-Denis, Montpellier and Antip Jazz Festival. He was even invited to grace the stage with the world-renowned Turkish pianist, Fazil Say and the Kudsi Erguner Jazz Quartet. Ron chose Mr. Kotan for just these reasons. Crazy Love Jazz required a supplement of sundry sounds, which Emrah delivered eloquently. Percussionist with precision he is.
Broderick Santiago is a native New Yorker. This sums up the drive, and electric energy of this fast paced percussionist. No wonder Broderick is the rhythmic foundation of the dynamic Rio Negro. Though he has earned numerous high profile gigs as percussionist, band leader and/or music and dance educator, he was moved to be a part of the Crazy Love Jazz project. Santiago has shared the stage with several great musicians including Giovanni Hidalgo, Myra Casales, Patato Valdes, Jimmy Delgado, Jonathan Butler, and others. His passion for teaching people about the impact of African roots on Latin music is just another element of Broderick's colorful consciousness. Lackawanna Blues was recently lauded for Santiago's soundtrack on the HBO hit movie. Percussions par excellence.
Clifton Anderson recently released "Decade," an astounding honor to jazz in all her manifestations. Though based in New York, and very much in demand, Clifton was happy to support Ron's vision on the Crazy Love Jazz CD. A brilliant musician with years of world wide experience, Cliff blows with the wind. Whether executing a repertoire of bright and brilliant riffs or outstanding solos, this exceptional artist allows us to hear and feel the tender side of the trombone. Enjoy.
To book the band, schedule an interview or for more information please contact Tyler West at tyler@rontaylorband.com 404-941-4075. Listen to CD @ www.rontaylor.com.
| Horns | Keyboards | Bass | Guitars | Drums & Percussion |
| Ron K. Taylor Tyler West Bob Lewis Clifton Anderson |
Gary Motley Ron Taylor John Adams Rasheed Ali |
Neal Starkey Joseph Patrick Moore Ron K. Taylor (Keyboard Bass) |
Daryl Smith Jerry Byrd Ken Gregory Jacques Lesure Adam Caln |
Emrah Kotan Kinah Boto Victor See Yuen Broderick Santiago Rasheed Ali |
Jazz In Havana July 21, 2011
CD Release Party April 19, 2011
CLM Productions is proud to present Ron Taylor’s debut album, Crazy Love Jazz. Please join us at The Havana Club in Buckhead on May 10th from 7:30PM to 9:30 PM to experience Crazy Love Jazz.
A bottle of fine wine, a precious stone, and Crazy Love Jazz CD all have one essential element in common, time. It took decades of practice, studio and stage time for prolific jazz trumpeter, Ron Taylor, to bring us his debut CD, Crazy Love Jazz. Just released on CLM, a new indy label, this is a celebration of Ron’s diverse musical experiences and exposure.
Introducing Ron Taylor April 12, 2011
A bottle of fine wine, a precious stone, and Crazy Love Jazz CD all have one essential element in common, time. It took decades of practice, studio and stage time for prolific jazz trumpeter, Ron Taylor, to bring us his debut CD, Crazy Love Jazz . Just released on CLM, a new indy label, this is a celebration of Ron’s diverse musical experiences and exposure. Having performed with top artists of varying genres from Art Blakely, Lionel Hampton and Eartha Kitt to Peter Tosh, Byron Lee and Mighty Sparrow, Ron was ready for this.
Ron Taylor Biography April 5, 2011
Ron Taylor may not be a household name, yet, but mention his name to Jazz aficionados and you’ll get a smile and a story. Ron’s journey with jazz began in the 60’s at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. Acts at the Apollo like Nancy Wilson, Oscar Brown Jr., Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and Cannonball Adderly’s Sextet opened ten year old Ron’s eyes, ears and even his mouth. It was a wrap. Ron knew exactly where and what he wanted to be when he grew up…on stage playing jazz. He was relentless. By the 80’s Ron mushroomed into one of the top trumpeters on the New York jazz scene joining many of the luminaries he saw as a kid in Harlem including Art Blakely, Lionel Hampton and Eartha Kitt.
Band Biography March 29, 2011
Crazy Love Jazz CD is a culmination of Ron Taylor’s talent, experience and adventures. Not so subtle mixtures of Calypso, Samba R&B, and Bebop simultaneously create Crazy songs filled with Love; Ron calls it simply, Jazz. This CD is a musical translation of the cross-cultural compositions that filled Ron’s childhood and life. Taylor says, “My brothers in music helped make this possible.”
CD Release Party – May 10th, 2011 April 19, 2011
The Ron Taylor Band CD Release Party – Click Here to View the Full Invite
May 10, 2011
7:30p – 9:30p
Performing LIVE
Havana Club in Buckhead
3112 Piedmont Rd.
Atlanta, GA 30305
