Ron Taylor Band
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Ron Taylor Band

Norcross, Georgia, United States | SELF

Norcross, Georgia, United States | SELF
Band Jazz Latin

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Discography

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.

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Bio

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. 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 appetite!

Venezuela-born Jose Manuel Garcia is a highly accomplished jazz pianists, leader and collaborator with a smooth and sophisticated style. Described as “Sensitive & Brilliant” by jazz giant Ahmad Jamal for his solo piano project, , some of Garcia’s many prizes include the Spivey Foundation Scholarship, the 1991 Harriet Serr Piano competition, the 1994 Moisés Moleiro National Piano competition, the 2004 UGA Franz Liszt Award, the Madge Johnson Weir Award at the 2005 Beethoven Club International Piano Competition, and fourth finalist at the 2011 Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition. He has performed with internationally acclaimed artists such as Michael Philipp Mossman, Ray Vega, Bill Summers, Kemba Cofield, Jennifer Holliday, El “Cano” Estremera, Luisito Rosario, Paquito Guzmán, Anthony Cruz, Willie González, Tito Rojas, Marlon Fernández, Oswaldo Román, Darmon Meador, Joe Jennings, Ilona Knopfler. Luisito Carrión, Ignacio Berroa, María Teresa Chacín, y Juan Carlos Salazar. Jose’s extensive musical education and multifaceted live musical experience is a perfect complement to The Ron Taylor Band. Chops confirmed.

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, Yanni, Frankie Valli, Louie Bellson, Marlene Ricci, O'Jays, Temptations Wayne Newton and on and on. O.M.G. …maybe we should make a list of who he didn’t play with. Seriously, this Grammy nominated maestro has graced stages all over the world and now blesses Crazy Love Jazz with a touch of trombone that just won’t quit. Melodic, moving and masterful…you feel it in your soul.

Guitarist/Composer Dan Baraszu brings both blazing chops and incredible musicality to The Ron Taylor Band. Dan started playing guitar at the age of nine. Early in his career, he explored many different styles of music. However, when he first heard the genius of Jazz guitarist Wes Montgomery, Dan devoted himself to becoming a die-hard Jazz artist. His major influences include guitarists Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, Pat Martino, Pat Metheny and John Scofield as well as other instrumentalists like Bill Evans, Horace Silver ,John Coltrane ,Sonny Rollins and Charlie Parker. Dan has been formally educated in music as well, receiving his Bachelors degree from the renowned Berklee College of Music, where he majored in Jazz Composition and Arranging . In addition, Dan also received his Masters degree from the University of Miami with a major in Jazz Pedagogy. A simply brilliant guitarist, you’ll wonder why you don’t know his name already.

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 I