Jon Roniger
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Jon Roniger

New Orleans, Louisiana, United States | SELF

New Orleans, Louisiana, United States | SELF
Band Jazz Acoustic

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"An exceptional storyteller!"

In his new album 'My World', Jon Roniger - an exceptional storyteller, takes you on a fantastic joy ride through all the big moments and all those little moments that build a love story. Offering a matter-of-fact, honest, heartfelt and sometimes ironic look at life, 'My World' has just the right amounts of the good stuff. It's an awesome acoustic album that features Roniger and Rico Mastrodonato on guitar, Eamonn Flynn on the piano, and percussionist Mark Abbott.
From the cool boogie and blues piano in 'Medicine Man' to the awesome finger-picking guitar in 'Not My Life' and 'Deston Eve' - these guys are polished and musically joined at the hip. Back-up vocalist Jeanette McNamara has a beautifully deep, yet light and bright voice. On songs like 'Maybe' and 'Heart Like Ice', her and Roniger's harmonies are outstanding - they flow dynamically just like Fleetwood Mac or even the Mamas & Papas.
'My World' was produced by Jon Roniger and Joel Jaffe. For Roniger's booking and show schedule (he's playing gigs all over the place), and to listen to his tunes and buy his CDs, visit www.jonroniger.com .

JON RONIGER: My World, a CD review by Lisa Smith of The Blend Magazine- May 2005
- The Blend Magazine-May 2005


"One of the best records I've heard"

Jon Roniger's "Addicted" is one of the best records I've heard this year. The arrangements are, to me, at once simple, and rich. The lyrics range from heartbreaking to downright funny, and Jon's singing style is nothing but pure truth. I've had the pleasure of witnessing Jon make a lot of people happy in his live performances, and I'm certain that he'll accomplish the same degree of success with this terrific new record.

Doug Wyllie, freelance writer and former associate editor of Gavin Magazine.
- Dou Wyllie, freelance writer and former associate editor of Gavin Magazine


"Major dose of originality"

Jon Roniger - Addicted: Not leaving any leaf unturned when it comes to composition, dynamics, or the use of instruments - singer songwriter Jon Roniger is truly a master of his craft. 'Addicted' rings with a realism that we can all identify in our own fashion, reminding us that people are people, and beneath it all - we all have some kind of emotion that runs through our veins. Jon's got one of those intimate raw voices that get you really listening to the lyrics - and let's not forget about the awesome harmonies. You'll hear something new every time you listen to this album. It's got a major dose of originality and if you try to compare Jon to anyone else - you'll be picking out the good stuff from the pros-including Mellencamp, Elvis Costello, and even The Rolling Stones.

Lisa D. Smith of The Blend Magazine — October 2004
- The Blend Magazine-Oct 2004


"There surely is a market for this music"

Jon Roniger is a songwriter from the USA. Just as many songwriters, they go European since their music is very popular at the moment. He’s not a debutant; “Charmed Life” which released on the first of September is his third full length. He also has a long list of past shows on his name.

Songwriters always make me smile for their flirting with the classic rock n roll sound of the great rock heroes like Rolling Stones, The Beatles etc… Jon Roniger is one of those as well. His voice is not overdosed with candy, but has a raw edge every now and then. And by the way, how rock and roll is it to thank your local Starbucks in the booklet of your CD? They kept the guys awake with the coffee, while they were producing a collection of songs with a playful sound in it. For example in the second song on the album called “Over & Over” there is a little merry-go-round sound in the background, while the next song “Only Human” starts with a typical James Blunt vision on music.
One of the songs which stand out most is “Electric” it has some up tempo parts in it and it very catchy. Definitely chart material. In “Falling Star” the raw edge is back and I got reminded again that I am listening to Jon Roniger.

The album can be seen as a collection of songs forming one; straight image of what Jon Roninger can offer you. The songs are standing apart together. There surely is a market for this music. If you are a fan of this genre “Charmed Life” is decent extension of your collection. - Tempelores - Sabine van Gameren


"High Qualtiy Music!"

The CD offers a variety of calm, sensitive songs, happy sing-a-long songs, rock songs and ballads. All straight from the heart accompanied by high quality music that services the lyrics. - Muzikantenweb


"New Orleans Best Kept Secret!"

New Orleans’ best kept secret. - TV Film Magazine


"One of the best records I've heard"

Jon Roniger's "Addicted" is one of the best records I've heard this year. The arrangements are, to me, at once simple, and rich. The lyrics range from heartbreaking to downright funny, and Jon's singing style is nothing but pure truth. I've had the pleasure of witnessing Jon make a lot of people happy in his live performances, and I'm certain that he'll accomplish the same degree of success with this terrific new record.

Doug Wyllie, freelance writer and former associate editor of Gavin Magazine.
- Dou Wyllie, freelance writer and former associate editor of Gavin Magazine


"Jon Roniger is the exception!"

Jon Roniger,"My World" (Indie Release)
Usually I find singer-songwriter-folk cds to be kinda generic, and hard to tell apart with great guitar playing, but bland songwriting and voices. However, Jon Roniger is the exception! Sure, he plays a great guitar and writes good songs, but the difference is his voice – it actually draws the listener in. Usually when reviewing this genre, you compare the artist’s voice to a well-known star, such as Jim Croce or Simon & Garfunkel. But Roniger’s voice is distinctive and defies such comparisons. Maybe that’s why I like this disc so much. And while he follows a sort of traditional ‘storytelling’ mode, his uplifting delivery truly makes the songs even more enjoyable. In my opinion, too many ‘folk’ discs are simply depressing. Plus, he has a sense of humor, quoting a Mel Brooks line from SPACEBALLS as an intro to one song.

Just when I was becoming jaded to singer-songwriter-folk cds, along comes Jon Roniger with an infectious ambiance to make me a believer again.

Rating: 3 and 1/2 out of 5
Review by Scott H. Platt Ear Candy Mag - Ear Candy Mag


"His Songwriting is Superb"

After the devastation that Hurricane Katrina wrecked upon his hometown of New Orleans, current San Francisco native can take heart that its music like his that will bring smiles and laughter back to that ravished metropolis. Much like modern singer/songwriter David Gray, Jon Roniger explores alternative rock armed with his acoustic guitar and a well-traveled voice. His songwriting is superb and certainly shows off his Simon & Garfunkel influence. Occasionally his vocals seem to waver but that's only very slightly. Lyrically it's what you normally get with singer/songwriters not to say that there's anything wrong with songs above love and other often clichéd subjects. Good stuff from a dynamic singer/songwriter with a brimming future ahead of him.




J. Sin of Smother.com-October 2006
- Smother.com


"Jon Roniger is the exception!"

Jon Roniger,"My World" (Indie Release)
Usually I find singer-songwriter-folk cds to be kinda generic, and hard to tell apart with great guitar playing, but bland songwriting and voices. However, Jon Roniger is the exception! Sure, he plays a great guitar and writes good songs, but the difference is his voice – it actually draws the listener in. Usually when reviewing this genre, you compare the artist’s voice to a well-known star, such as Jim Croce or Simon & Garfunkel. But Roniger’s voice is distinctive and defies such comparisons. Maybe that’s why I like this disc so much. And while he follows a sort of traditional ‘storytelling’ mode, his uplifting delivery truly makes the songs even more enjoyable. In my opinion, too many ‘folk’ discs are simply depressing. Plus, he has a sense of humor, quoting a Mel Brooks line from SPACEBALLS as an intro to one song.

Just when I was becoming jaded to singer-songwriter-folk cds, along comes Jon Roniger with an infectious ambiance to make me a believer again.

Rating: 3 and 1/2 out of 5
Review by Scott H. Platt Ear Candy Mag - Ear Candy Mag


Discography

"Dirty Gypsy-Tales From The Gutter Volume 1" 2013 Release
"NOLA Rolls"- 2011 Independent EP Release
"Someone Else"- 2010 Independent EP Release
"Charmed Life"- 2007 Independent Release in 2008
"My World"- 2005 Independent Release
"Addicted"- 2004 Independent Release
"Still"- 2004 Independent EP Release

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Bio

Zak Lee Rite is truly a unique slice of American songwriting, blending New Orleans style jazz and blues with folk story telling. Touring internationally since 2003, his record "Charmed Life" saw regular spins on BBC, BBC Whales and BBC Scotland and Nationally broadcast Radio Amsterdam. His 2010 release “Someone Else” and the 2007 release “Charmed Life” have placements on HGTV, Platinum Babies and the theme song for a UK based company Bedford for Beds. Roniger’s song “Redneck Riviera” was licensed for a full length feature film called "Island of Fantasy". His project, “NOLA Rolls” released on October 21st, 201 showcases the timeless quality of a seasoned songwriter and the unique musical style that only a New Orleans native could produce. The 2013 LP "Dirty Gypsy - Tales From The Gutter" dives deeper into a unique songwriting style the likes of Tom Waits and fellow New Orleanian Harry Connick Jr.
Recently selected for The 2011, '12 and '13 French Quarter Festival and The 2011, '12 and '13 Key West Songwriters Festival, Zak Lee Rite has played such renowned venues as Nashville's Blue Bird Cafe, Atlanta's Eddie's Attic, San Francisco's Great American Music Hall, Boulder Colorado’s Boulder Theatre and New Orleans' House of Blues.


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