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Arranger, Conductor and Alto Sax genius Ron Aprea and Vocalist Angela DeNiro have recently published their new album, "Swingin' With Legends 2" which includes the marvelous singing from Angela DeNiro, The Ron Aprea Big Band with special guest artists, Randy Brecker, Ken Peplowski and Lew Tabackin. The first "Swingin' With Legends" album was published in 1997 to outstanding critical praise! Now 26 years later, Ron and Angela have published their second "Swinging With Legends 2" album and its a spectacular example of what Big Band music with a vocalist is all about. This new CD swings and reminds us all of the golden years of Big Band Jazz so sadly missing from today's music scene. The truth is that this music is still wonderful but very expensive to produce. Thanks to Ron Aprea's and Angela DeNiro's relentless desire to keep Big Band music going, we can still enjoy this exceptional music today. Ron and his big band featuring vocalist Angela DeNiro are still performing and recently appeared at several Jazz venues in the New York area including a recent performace at Birdland. |
Ron Aprea has an amazing musical resume that includes a long-time association with his friend, Alto Sax giant Phil Woods back in the 1970s. Ron and Phil remained close friends until Phil's death in 2015. Ron composed and arranged "For Phil" as a tribute to his friend. I have attached a "YouTube" so you can listen to Ron's tribute to Phil. It's a terrific arrangement with a vocal by Angela and some sweet Alto work by Todd Bashore.
I was first introduced to Ron and Angela by two California desert friends, Steve Madieo and Pat Rizzo. Steve and Pat both played along side Ron when they were all living in New York many years ago. Ron's and Steve's friendship started when they both recorded with John Lennon and continued throughout their lives.
Ron and Angela were married in 1985 and have been making beautiful music ever since. They both are dedicated to their music and have never let anything stop them from performing and recording sensational music. The songs they selected for this album are perfect for anyone who loves the big band sound. Ron Aprea's arrangements are refresing, new and inspiring as you will discover from Angela's major league vocals.
My personal thanks to both Ron Aprea and Angela DeNiro for continuing to make music for the rest of us to enjoy! If you are a fan of the big band sound and great music in general, please buy this album and support this talented pair of world class musicians.
PLAYLIST:
1. New York City Blues
2. You'd Be So Easy To Love
3. Hello Young Lovers
4. A House Is Not A Home
5. Willow Weep For Me
6. It Might As Well Be Spring
7. Don't Cha Go 'Way Mad
8. Two For the Road
9. That Old Black Magic
10. Come In From The Rain
11. On Green Dolphin Street
12. My One And Only Love
13. For Phil
14. The Curtain Falls
PLAYERS:
Angela DeNiro-Vocals
Ron Aprea- Arranger and Conductor
Todd Bashore- Alto Sax, Flute
Elijah Schiffer- Alto, Flute
Nathan Childers- Tenor Sax, Flute, Clarinet
Lee Greene- Tenor Sax, Flute, Clarinet
Doug Dehays- Baritone Sax, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet
Bryan Davis- Trumpet
Chris Persad- Trumpet
Matthew Timm- Trumpet
Shawn Edmonds- Trumpet
Wayne Goodman- Trombone
Matt Haviland- Trombone
Brandon Moodie- Trombone
Dale Turk- Bass Trombone
Cecilla Coleman- Piano
Tim Givens- Bass
Jonathan Mele- Drums
Guests:
Lew Tabackin- Tenor Sax & Flute (Track 6 & 8)
Ken Peplowski- Clarinet (Track 2)
Randy Brecker-Trumpet (Track 3)
I had a difficult time picking just two cuts from this CD. The first one is the classic "You'd Be So Easy To love" and I think Angela vocal just excell. For all vocalist, singing with a big band charging behind you is always a difficult task that few ever master. Angela's voice and phrasing on this CD become one with this blazing band, never too little and never too much. The second "YouTube" is the original Aprea tune, "For Phil", composed by Ron as a tribute to the late Phil Woods.
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