Hymns in the Key of Jazz stands traditional Catholic worship music on its ear. Anyone who has grown up Catholic will recognize songs such as "Be Not Afraid" and "Here I Am Lord." But guaranteed they have never heard them revved up with jazz octane before. There will be no avoiding it. You will stand, dance, clap and sway as you listen.
Yes, it's OK to clap for the Lord. "O clap your hands, all ye people; shout unto God with the voice of triumph." (Psalm 47:1).
On the downbeat then - Alleluia!
- Lisa Houser
Ron Gutierrez - Lead Vocals
Aggie Gutierrez - Lead Vocals, Track 5
Shyann Gutierrez - Lead Vocals, Track 8
Rod Fleeman - Guitar
Charles Williams - Keyboards
Jim Mair - Soprano & Tenor Saxophones, Flute
Steve Rigazzi - Bass
Zack Albetta - Drums
Carlos Martinez - Percussion
John Jaramillo - Keyboards, Bonus Track
Orlando Zuniga - Tenor Saxophone, Bonus Track
Executive Producer - Agatha Gutierrez
Produced & Arranged by - Ron Gutierrez
Arranged by - Rod Fleeman
Engineered by - Derek Gjovig
Gjovig Productions, Kansas City, KS
Mixed & Mastered by - Randy Wills
Exceptions Studios, Topeka, KS
Vocal versatility. For Ron Gutierrez, it developed naturally through his exposure from an early age to a wide array of music. His father, saxophonist Tony Gutierrez, was a founding member of the Topeka Jazz Workshop. His mother loved country music. Ron sang for Sunday church services and developed a repertoire of contemporary Christian songs for high school liturgies.
Drawing on all those influences - jazz, country, Christian, pop, R&B – he began to hone a style of his own. His love for jazz and R&B blended into a soulful jazz reflected in every song he sings.
At the University of Kansas, he performed in a vocal jazz ensemble and sang in Kansas City clubs as a soloist and back-up vocalist. He sang as lead vocalist for three years with Garry Mac Productions and The Atlantic Express, a 12-piece, 60's-style R&B group in Kansas City.
Encouraged by these experiences, he decided to pursue his career as an artist. A chance to audition with The U.S. Army Chorale (now The U.S. Army Band Downrange) led to a full-time professional vocalist position with this elite vocal ensemble, part of The U.S. Army Band, “Pershing’s Own”, based in Washington, D.C. With The Chorale and as a frequently requested soloist, he performed for all levels of the Administration, Congress, the U.S. military and countless foreign and U.S. dignitaries.
His rich, soulful vocals and vast repertoire have led to performances alongside such artists as Michael McDonald, Wynonna Judd, Rita Moreno and B.B. King, as soloist with The National Symphony Orchestra and during national television appearances on such shows as “Showtime at the Apollo” and several live PBS concerts.
Since leaving the Army, Ron has been based in Kansas City, a city known for its rich jazz tradition. His smooth voice and dynamic stage presence have established him as one of the region’s top performers and a favorite among the city’s top-tier jazz musicians. This reputation led to his current tenure as vocalist with the world-renowned Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and performances with some of the top big bands in the country, including the Kansas City Jazz Orchestra. He has also become an in-demand guest artist on recording projects of all genres.
Ron began establishing an international fan base in March of 2006, when he appeared as a concert soloist at St. Ignatius Cathedral in Rome. Later that year he gained a new legion of fans when he headlined the inaugural Jazz in Riads Jazz Festival in Fez, Morocco. On the final night he was honored to be asked to share the stage for an impromptu encore by the contingent of artists from France. He is a repeat performer for Kansas City’s Plaza Lighting Ceremony, with audiences of over 100,000. Organizers of the Coleman Hawkins Legacy Jazz Festival dubbed him a “highlight” of their event. The Manhattan Arts Center said they were “enthralled...our best one this season.” More recently he received great response at the Music City J.A.M. (Jazz & More), Nashville’s premier jazz festival.
From St. Peter’s Basilica to the stages of The Apollo Theater, Carnegie Hall, The Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center and The Grand Ol’ Opry, to television and recordings, Ron has captivated audiences around the world, young and old and from every walk of life.
And the best is yet to come.
Read more...