Big Bands were on their way out when jazz musician Ron Aprea was ready to make his mark on the music scene. However, that didn’t deter the young saxophone player from embarking on a career in that genre. Without a doubt the New York native had talent. His sax playing and instincts were top rate, and eventually his ability to arrange and write charts would grab the attention of his peers.
So, with all that talent and a deep love for big band music, Aprea doggedly became a successful part of the final era of the great big bands. Fittingly, his new autobiography is entitled ‘The Era I Almost Missed,’ and, to borrow a phrase from Dr. Seuss, “Oh, the places he went!”…and the people he met.
He has played major roles in performances with music legends such as Lionel Hampton, Louis Armstrong, Woody Herman, Tito Puente and even rocker John Lennon at the height of his post-Beatle popularity.
In an interview with journalist and songwriter Robert Neil, Aprea talks about his career and how jazz seemed destined to be a part of his life.
The book is available at his website, www.ronaprea.com