ron helman
American Jazz Musician and Flugelhorn Player
Looking for jazz music that can adapt to your specific needs and preferences? Look no further than Ron Helman Music! Our talented musicians can easily navigate the full range of the jazz idiom, from trios to sextets and beyond. Whether you’re planning a special event or concert, Ron can help you design the perfect band and music to match your vision. Trust us to bring your jazz dreams to life!
Ron Helman's musical stylings are a throwback to the golden era of American jazz in the 1950s and '60s. Drawing from the Great American Jazz Songbook, Helman brings to life the timeless classics that have enraptured audiences for generations. With a repertoire that exudes sophistication and elegance, Helman's performances are ideal for both grandiose gatherings and intimate affairs. True to the essence of classic jazz, Helman eschews flashy gimmicks and instead delivers a straight-ahead sound that simply swings. Helman's jazz is a veritable time capsule, transporting listeners to a bygone era of style and substance.
"Ron Helman is the real deal. A supreme talent, obvious from the first note, sets the stage for an evening not easily forgotten. Ron’s engaging persona and personal charisma elevate it still more - the result of which is the perfect complement to virtually any event looking for that discreet polish."
“While listening to flugelhornist Ron Helman’s new album, you might detect a strong insinuation of line and form, of motion, elegance, and grace—and for good reason.”
Produced by Mike Mainieri
In the realm of musical craftsmanship, few things are as personal and profound as an album that explores the soul of its creator. For Ron Helman, this album is his autobiographical catalyst, a vehicle through which he shares his story in a way that only music can.
Ron Helman flugelhorn, Kanoa Kaluhiwa sax, John Rangel piano, Michael Glynn bass, Cal Haines drums
"While listening to flugelhornist Ron Helman's new album, you might detect a strong insinuation of line and form, of motion, elegance and grace - and for good reason. Before becoming a jazz musician at the ripe age of 44, the New Jersey-born, New Mexico-based Helman spent years as a dancer and gymnast. In his former life, he served as a dance coach with the Juilliard School Drama Department and even provided choreographical expertise to the likes of Sting, Al Pacino and Julianne Moore. A certified life coach and business coach, Helman also trained as a classical trumpeter and performed in off-Broadway productions. He calls 'It Never Entered My Mind' an autobiographical album, and for the most part, the music on the disc is as compelling and diverse as Helman's life story. Produced by Mike Mainieri, the program of 11 jazz standards unfolds with a sense of thematic balance, alternating hard, biting swing and misty balladry. Helman's solo on a gusty 'Just Friends' provides flash and pop, and later a guest turn by vocalist Ann Hampton Callaway on 'Born To Be Blue' luxuriates in slow, deliberate gestures. Helman's tone is of the airy, wind-blown sort, and positions him squarely on the Miles Davis/Chet Baker end of the timbre spectrum. But it's a tone he adapts to varied contexts. On 'All Or Nothing At All', he engages in flinty dialogue with saxophonist Steve Wilson, generating sparks in the heated exchange, while on the album-closing title track, he converses with pianist Rachel Z Hakim and guitarist David Spinozza in whispers. Bassist James Genus and drummer Joel Rosenblatt add crisp accompaniment no matter the setting or style, and Mainieri's clean, attentive production ensures a crystalline glow."
Brian Zimmerman - Downbeat Magazine
"Ron has been a powerful advocate for many of us on the NYC music scene for years. He supported many dreams of young musicians and brought many of us to the forefront through his dedication, caring, and daring. This project was an opportunity for musical friends to join together to help Ron realize his dream of recording a CD with a unique combo of musicians who had been touched by his light!
Ron has a voice that empowers the soul and encourages the heart! His flugelhorn voice is a comfort—a warm embrace from a friend. Let this music take you to a peaceful place...enjoy!"
"Ron- It’s a gem! You have to be ecstatic about this album. That’s all I can say.... I’ll be listening to it again on the way to Geneva-Montreux Jazz Festival. Limo pulling up in 30 minutes. Congrats all around."
"New release! Proud to be part of jazz trumpeter Ron D Helman’s beautiful CD “It Never Entered My Mind” singing Mel Torme classic “Born to Be Blue”. Finally got to listen to this romantic, late-night collection of elegant standards played in every shade of blue with the great band he assembled—Steve Wilson, James Genus, Mike Mainieri, Rachel Z, David Spinozza and Joel Rosenblatt. Love the songs—every one is a jewel—and Ron’s playing is stunning. Check it out!"
Ann Hampton Callaway, VocalistConnect or book my band for your special event.