Saxophonist Ron Jones will appear with his quartet at Spinoza’s on Sunday, Jan. 30. Contributed photo by Thomas Nance
Although saxophonist Ron Jones lives in Louisville, he certainly knows Dayton, having performed at Gilly’s, Jazz Central, the Dayton Art Institute, the Miami Valley Jazz Camp and University of Dayton.
When restaurateur Glen Brailey owned Pacchia in the Oregon District, he booked Jones on several occasions. “I’ve always been able to count on Ron to put on a great show,” Brailey said. “Where some musicians just show up for a gig, Ron has always approached his performances with a passion.”
Brailey has invited the Ron Jones Quartet to perform at Spinoza’s on Sunday, Jan. 30. Jones will play alto along with bassist Sonny Stephens (also from Louisville) and drummer Jim Leslie (of Dayton).
Coming from Indianapolis is Steve Jones, who recently joined the group on piano. “You play with certain cats and there’s a language that both of you speak,” Ron Jones said of his new pianist. “Every time we play together, it just keeps getting better and better.”
During his career, Jones has performed alongside many notable figures in jazz, such as Bill Cunliffe, Terell Stafford and the brothers Marsalis.
But his daily work is dedicated to musicians whose names aren’t widely known — at least not yet.
Jones has taught saxophone for decades and currently gives lessons to more than 50 pupils a week. His students have won many recognitions and scholarships, and Jones is justifiably proud of their success. “I’m very blessed,” he said. “I have a lot of good students who really want to learn and listen.”
Though not all of his students will play professionally, Jones said he hopes music teaches them discipline and problem-solving, which he said will be beneficial in other school subjects and throughout life.
“A good teacher demands a certain level of excellence and will not accept mediocrity,” he said. “All of my students know what’s expected when they come to a lesson.”
The audience should expect a lot of variety during his upcoming show at Spinoza’s. The quartet will play many familiar standards along with some of his original compositions.
“We’re going to be doing a lot of swinging, that’s the main thing,” he said.
Contact this writer via e-mail at music@adamalonzo.com.
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