Fullerton Jazz Orchestra with guest artist Tom Ranier

Bill Cunliffe, director

About the guest artist:

One of the top pianists and arrangers performing today, Tom Ranier also plays saxophones and clarinet.  You’ve heard him on scores of major motion pictures and television soundtracks since the 1970’s.  You’ve heard him on the Academy Awards every year.  He’s everyone’s top accompanist from Barbra Striesand, Christina Aquilera, Placido Domingo, Barry Manilow, Natalie Cole to Tony Bennett’s latest CD with Lady Gaga.

At the keyboard, he reveals a personal style that bears the influence of Oscar Peterson’s bravura and bluesiness, Chick Corea’s at once intricate and beautiful melodies, and Bill Evans’s chordal brilliance.   As a jazz improviser, he’s both technically resplendent and emotionally open.  As a composer and arranger, he has a broad orchestral palette and a keen sense of melody and harmony.

His clarinet and alto and tenor saxophone playing is top-notch as well.

Fullerton Jazz Orchestra consistently receives high scores and acclaim at major west coast jazz festivals. They have been featured on a live radio broadcast across North America as part of the Playboy Jazz Festival, and in 1991 and 1992 won the Pacific Coast Collegiate Jazz Festival competing against groups from 50 colleges and universities in seven western states. Jazz combos receive high marks as well, with CSUF’s top combo winning the 2004 and 2006 Reno College Jazz Festival. Fullerton Jazz Orchestra has performed, by invitation, at many leading Southern California festivals and events. They have produced five recordings including their latest, “Sabor!” which features vocalist Freda Payne. To purchase “Sabor!” email the School of Music.