Ronald Turner and the Fashion Statement
We are one of the newest smooth jazz groups in the Los Angeles area. Our music is sexy, soothing, fresh, titillating, original and relaxing.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Ronald Turner is a professional musician, drummer, music arranger, songwriter, producer and the leader of the contemporary jazz group Ronald Turner and the Fashion Statement. He is the music director and arranger of the Guidance Church of Religious Science Mens Choir in Los Angeles, California and also the drummer for the Guidance Church Choir.
He has served as the music director for the contemporary gospel-singing group Futrel. Ronald has performed with the late Esther Phillips and trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie at Carnegie Hall for the Newport Jazz Festivals. The Newport festivals included performances at the Oakland, California Coliseum and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
His talents have led him to perform with and/or arrange music for Ray Charles, James Ingram, Kevin Toney, Howard Hewitt, Freddie Hubbard, Patrice Rushen, Phil Perry, Ndugu Chancler, Bumps Blackwell, Don Julian, The Penguins, The Coasters, Rev. James Cleveland, Henry Jackson, The Platters, Richard Berry, Brenton Wood, Cardella Demilo, Bessie Griffin and The Los Angeles Male Ecumenical Choir.
Ronald is a former public school music teacher with 5 years of service in the state of Florida and 8 years of service with the Los Angeles Unified School District in California. He is currently a computer technician with the Federal Aviation Administration in Los Angeles, California.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
We play live in the Los Angeles area. We love live performances and feed off the vibe of the audiences.
Your musical influences
I am more into the smooth jazz genre currently. But my greatest influence in jazz was through saxophonist John Coltrane. There has never been another Coltrane. I was introduced to jazz through the "straight ahead" scene which I still appreciate. Now, the contemporary musical ideas and creativities like that of Gerald Albright, Kevin Toney and Boney James have influenced me to turn to the smooth jazz genre for writing, enjoyment and audience appeal.
Anything else?
Our new CD is of the smooth jazz/adult contemporary genre entitled "It's All About Love". It is well received by our audiences and CD sales are great. It can be ordered through this website at the Quick Links box at the top of this page or through the Band Store link in the box to the right. This CD can also be ordered through the following website; http://www.pocketslam.com
