CD Review: "Ron Aprea Plays Tribute to John Lennon and the Beatles"

 Ron Aprea, the world-class Sax player, Arranger and Producer has just released a terrific CD cover of some of the best songs written by John Lennon and the Beatles.  The inspiration for this CD was born as a result of the musical experience Ron had when he recorded with John Lennon in 1974 on Lennon's award-winning Album, "Walls and Bridges".  This CD also celebrates the reunion for Ron with Trumpeter and my long-time friend, Steve Madaio.  Turns out that Steve was also on the recording session for "Walls and Bridges".  

Part of the musical joy of this new CD from Ron Aprea is the wonderful arrangements he has penned for this Album.  Ron's playing ability is well known throughout the music world, but I have always believed that his arranging skills put him up with the top arrangers writing today.  When you listen to Beatle songs that you have probably heard hundreds of times and hear some of the new and imaginative arrangements from Ron, the songs take on a new, wonderful feel.

Ron Aprea can and has played everything from BeBop to Ballads but when you add his arranging talent to the mix, he truly stands out as one of the most talented musicians performing today.

The CD starts with an unusual arrangement of "Let It Be" that Ron opens with a soulful playing of the melody and then moves into an upbeat full band treatment of the rest of the melody.  Next up is "Imagine" with Steve Madaio sharing the lead with Ron.  I have been privileged to hear Steve play this classic many times in person but adding Ron's mellow Sax work with Steve's lush Trumpet sounds, produces a brilliant result.

I enjoyed every cut of this Album but would like to spotlight a few of my favorites in addition to "Imagine".  Ron has written a wonderful arrangement for "Can't Buy Me Love" that is not high on my list of Favorite Beatles songs but Ron's arrangement of this song is marvelous.  The swinging arrangement calls out  "Count Basie" and any Basie fan would love it.  Ron's technical and sweet-sounding performance on "Yesterday" just knocked me out.  It reminded me of one of my favorite Albums recorded over 50 years ago, "Cannonball Adderley and Strings".

Ron has gathered a wonderful group of musicians together for this session including special performances by Brian Lynch- Trumpet , Matt Aprea-Violin and Viola,  Steve Madaio-Trumpet, Dom Minasi-Guitar and singer Angela DeNiro.

      PLAYLIST:

1. "Let It Be"                                                2. "Imagine"

3. "Norwegian Wood"                                  4. "Yesterday"

5. "Happy Xmas"                                         6. "Can't Buy Me Love"

7. "Here There And Everywhere                 8. "Blackbird"

9. "Something"                                            10. "Fool On The Hill"

11. "Whatever Gets You Thru The Night"  12. "Goodnight"

I have attached some clips from the CD listed on Ron's site for your enjoyment.

http://www.ronaprea.com/john-lennon-tribute-album.html

      

Ron Aprea Remembers John Lennon

Steve Madaio, Ron Aprea and John Lennon
(Ron Aprea's photo from 1974)

Ron Aprea, composer, arranger, producer, saxophonist, clarinetist and flutist is working on a new CD, "Lennon and the Beatles, A Jazz Tribute". In 1974, Ron cut a album with John Lennon and Elton John called "Walls and Bridges". Also recording with Ron on this album was a super-talented horn section that included Howard Johnson, Frank Vicari and Palm Desert favorite, Steve Madaio.

Ron is raising money to produce this new Lennon Tribute album using the Kickstarter site. I know everyone will be interested to hear Ron tell some interesting stories about the making of this album and his experiences with John Lennon in recording the "Walls and Bridges" album. It's sure to be a blockbuster CD and Ron needs some help to raise the money for it.  I have attached some information I just received from Ron including  the site address so you can hear Ron's stories and also contribute to support this wonderful musical project.

Dear Friends and Relatives,

Just wanted to update you on my John Lennon jazz tribute album "Kickstarter" campaign, and thank those who've contributed.  I can't tell you how thrilled Angela and I are at the positive response we've received.

We are currently in Week 3 (of 6) and we are approaching 50% of our goal of $5,000, which is amazing, but we have to get to 100% to receive any of the pledges.  So please for this next push, forward the below link to any and all of your friends.  Also, I would love to give recognition to our donors via my Facebook and Kickstarter page, but I've been hesitant to do so, without your permission.  So for those who have already donated (or will) please let me know if you have any objection to your name being posted.

Here's the link:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/134490756/lennon-and-the-beatles-a-jazz-tribute

Thank you again for your continued support in helping me create my "dream" album.

Warmest regards,

Ron