• Ronley's Bio
  • Press
  • The Band

    The Synopsis of the Ronley

    The Ronley is quite a peculiar creature. Because of the unusual spelling and pronunciation of the Ronley, many have been surprised to find that the Ronley is not a burly man named "wrong" but is in fact a member of the tribe of singer/songwriters. Ronley's music is a "syncretic" mish mash of styles crossing: Roots, Jazz, Blues, World Pop, and Folk. Ronley's music has been described as reminiscent of the stories of Tom Waits, the soul of Cassandra Wilson, and the girlishness of Ricky Lee Jones.

    A brief History: Ronley performs as a solo artist, duo, trio, quartet, and quintet, encompassing sounds of the acoustic guitar, violin, bass, mandolin and a slew of musical guests including lap-steel, and trumpet. Every show is different, bringing to the songs elements of world and jazz improvisation. Ronley continues to mentor new songwriters organizing and hosting open stages around Toronto. She performs for many charitable organized fundraisers, and produces interactive music workshops with the developmentally challenged.

    Ronley is currently in preproduction for her upcoming February recording "I Caught Holden Smiling", her follow up to the successful 2001.debut album "Stories From The Tray".

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    Press

    The latest Ron in print Press...

    ...fingerpicked guitar backed by violin, trumpet, piano, she cranks out a groove reminiscent of Stevie Nicks during her "Not Fragile" period, and injects a musical surprise by adding an Irish reel as instrumental counterpoint. This artist is clearly not afraid to take chances when mixing disparate styles... Robert Resnik Oct.16/02 Seven Days pg.37a Burlington, VT. USA.

    Waitin'
    Tonight, Baileys' Cafe in Saratoga Springs hosts Ronley Teper, who's drawn comparisons to everyone from Rickie Lee Jones to Cassandra Wilson with her album "Stories From the Tray" (on Fly Butta Records)...TIMES UNION - Nov.2/02 Albany, New York.

    Stories From The Tray" CD review.
    "Alone in a bar after a few drinks is where the muse of Stories From the Tray resides. Approaching Tom Waits territory, but stopping well short of the alcohol consumption that begets his deep self-examination and self-pity, Teper's straighforward narratives emerge when the horse race on TV, the photos on the wall and the strain on the servers face take on amplified significance. Accoutrements such as violin, trumpet, Hammond organ and piano tastefully complement her folksy guitar lines and earnest, jazzy vocals, while the whole is brought to life by Teper and Keith Mariash's sparkling production job" Ryan Watson, EYE Magazine January 17, 2002. CD Review ***

    "Teper has been able to build up a loose collection of jazz musicians to bring her eclectic songwriting to life. That's not to say she considers herself a jazz performer. On the album, trumpet, guitar loops, percussion, piano, dobro and a host of other instruments float dreamily through Teper's free-form songs, behind haunting vocals." Eric Volmers - Nightlife Magazine ­ Arts Culture 11/01

    "Please don't mistake her sweetness for meekness. Ronley Teper, brings the stripped down power in her songwriting to the forefront. Soft, story filled lullabies pour from her strong, slightly restrained voice. Teper reminds me of a less baby-doll Rickie Lee Jones. She sounds more genuine than most chicks on the acoustic-female circuit" Frank De Blase from 'The week's best picks' in CITY, Rochester N.Y.'s Alternative Newsweekly Vol.30 #51, 09/12/01.

    "Ronley is a singer/songwriter who combines graceful guitar playing with a strong lyrical ability. She has a gift for storytelling." Dennis Halsey, bestfemalemusicians.com

    "Her music is intelligent, groovy and jammed with soul...and that combined with her unique and impeccable vocal stylings and an incredibly honest presence, makes her an absolute pleasure to hear and watch". Suzanne de Bussac - Tranzister Records

    "Versatile to say the least. One minute she sounds like the old man in a run down tavern and the next minute like a sweet pixie." Karen Kosowski - EstrogenMusic.com

    "Stories is a number of things: experiential, descriptive, observant, and objective" Roger Merrick, The Annex Gleaner June 2002.

    "Indie musician rediscovers her Judaism" By Jon Waldman ­ The Canadian Jewish News July 2002 pg.15.

    "Waitress/singer shares her Stories from the Tray" Friday, May 10 pg.8 Villager/Annex Guardian

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    The Band

    Christopher Bartos     - Multi-instrumentalist (Guitar, Mandolin, Violin, Cello, Bass). Christopher Bartos studied at the Berkeley College of Music, along with private studies with Mat Maneri, and Gary Peacock. He has played with artists including, Juno award winner Jenny Whitely and Django Swing Band Grand Bouche. He is currently on tour with Warner recording artists the Ennis Sisters.

    Stephen Zsirai- Bassist Stephen Zsirai, continues to make a mark on the Toronto Jazz, Blues and Pop scenes. He began his music studies at Carlton University, followed by a degree in Music from Humber College. Steve has recorded with Art Bergman, and continues to perform in a number of ensembles including Laura Hubert projects, other artists include Kinnie Starr, Kathleen Edwards, Kenny Kirkwood, Michael Keith, and more.

    Stephen Ruppert - dobro, electric guitar, voice and piano. He's a singer/songwriter as well as an amazing guitar player. He performs with his long-time musical project www.hitchikersunion.com His sounds add a rich gritty texture and wonderfully contrast the more melodic jazzy rootsy arrangements.

    Other extended family occasionally joining the journey...

    Kevin Mallon - violin. Born and raised in Celtic Irish traditions. Currently, Kevin manages and performs in the Baroque Ensemble Aradia; as well as, performing in the classical orchestra Tafelmusik.

    Chris Jennings - Bassist Chris Jennings completed a bachelor in Jazz Performance at the University of Toronto. Originally from Calgary, he is active in both the Calgary and Toronto music scenes, and has had the opportunity to perform with Mike Murley, Jens Lindemann, PJ Perry, Egdar Meyer and Nexus. Chris has just finished a six month residency at the Banff Centre for the Arts and is studying in Paris.

    Mark Adam - drums & percussion. A master's degree in Marimba and drums, from the University of Toronto, along with incredible music projects ranging in styles from classical, to bossa nova, pop and jazz. Mark just finished a music professor position in Nova Scotia, Canada.

    Lina Allemano - trumpet. The beautiful rich melodic tones of this Edmonton native. Lina has a degree in music from the University of Toronto. She performs with incredible acts including Juno Award winning big band NOJO, her own band Carn & Allemano, and studio sessions ranging in styles from jazz to pop to world music.

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