Ron Aprea Big Band

Ron Aprea returns to Birdland with his 16- piece big band and vocalist Angela DeNiro, as he celebrates the official release of his new book The Era I Almost Missed. Ron has performed with Lionel Hampton, Louis Armstrong, Woody Herman, Frank Foster, Tito Puente, John Lennon, Nat Adderley, Charlie Persip, Kenny Barron, Elvin Jones, and many other wonderful artists. His appearances, both in the U.S. and abroad, include four recent performances with his big band and Angela DeNiro at Birdland. Angela has 3 albums of her own, and has recorded with jazz greats Lionel Hampton, Frank Foster, Lew Tabackin, Mark Murphy, and others.

Ron has now ventured out as a writer. His autobiography, The Era I Almost Missed, takes readers through his unusual musical journey from the end of the big band era in the 50’s, through the turbulent 60’s and onward. Copies of his new release will be available during this performance, along with his musical albums.

ONE DOZEN AUTOGRAPHED BOOKS WILL BE GIFTED ON THIS SPECIAL RELEASE NIGHT!

Scott Yanow, renowned jazz critic, says of Ron’s new autobiography:

"Every jazz musician should find time to write their memoirs, for each one has had experiences and stories that would otherwise be lost to history. A saxophonist whose consistent excellence has long been taken for granted, Ron Aprea has had a much more extensive history than one might have expected. The title of his autobiography, “The Era I Almost Missed… refers to the era of regularly working big bands. Aprea had the opportunity to work with such 1960’s bands as those led by Lionel Hampton (who became a close friend) Woody Herman, Les Elgart (his tales about traveling with Elgart are sometimes quite humorous) Buddy Morrow, and his mentor Frank Foster. He also worked with orchestras assembled for R&B players like King Curtis, accompanied shoe show biz personalities, and recorded with John Lennon in 1974 on the Walls and Bridges album, giving one a touching profile of the ex-Beatle…the well-written stories balance humor with occasional tragedy, giving one a good idea of not only the saxophonist’s busy life, but of the jazz life in general. This continually interesting book is highly recommended, and will lead one to searching out Ron Aprea’s rewarding albums."

Scott Yanow, LA Jazz Times

Host or Publisher Birdland Jazz Club