Ron Moewes
1944-03-05 2011-09-16"Denver Post" - Wednesday, September 21, 2011:
Ronald H., 67, of Lakewood passed away suddenly at home Friday, Sept. 16th. Survived by wife, Patricia, son Brian. Funeral Service Friday, Sept. 23, 2011 at 11:30 with a visitation prior at 10:30 both at Aspen Lakewood Chapel, 1350 Simms St.
Drums, Composer, Vocals, Arranger
He started singing on gigs when he was working with Ellyn Rucker in her piano trio. But he began singing on a regular basis when he started working with Joni Janak, beginning in 1979.
Not only was he sought out as a drummer, but also as a percussionist. Since retiring from teaching in the public school system, he had more time to devote to one of his passions: composing. He wrote both lyrics and music and was superb in each area.
Some of his originals can be heard on his own CD: Ron Moewes and Friends, All This You Gave to Me and on Centerpiece Jazz' Get Outta Here! He is also heard on Joni Janak's Let's Live Again and JMJ Productions' recording, Always. This album featured all Irving Berlin tunes, plus an original Song dedicated to Ralph Sharon. Mr. Sharon was Tony Bennett's accompanist for many years. Mr. Sharon plays piano and Joni Janak sings on this CD. JMJ Productions (Joni Janak, Ron Moewes and Jim Janak (Joni's brother)) produced this album.
He plays on several of KUVO-89.3 FM 24-hour-a-day jazz radio station's Performance Studio CDs that are compilations of musicians used for fund-raising premiums.
Ron has worked with such notables as Carl Fontana, Clark Terry, Marian McPartland, Herb Ellis, Ralph Sharon, James Moody, Zoot Sims, Pete Christlieb, Sonny Stitt, Jon Hendricks, AI Grey, Buddy DeFranco, Doc Severinsen, and Peter Appleyard. In Colorado, he has worked with Joni Janak, Ed Stephen, Dean Ross, Ellyn Rucker, Rich Chiaraluce, Dale Bruning, The Gordon Dooley Orchestra, Ken Walker, Mark Simon, Eric Gunnison, Jeff Jenkins, Les James, Spike Robinson, and Bud Poindexter.
His performances in the Irish Derry Jazz Festival in 2002 and 2006 were highly acclaimed. From his 2002 appearance, he was inspired to write both the music and lyrics to You're in Derry, a beautifully wistful song that can be heard on Centerpiece Jazz' CD, Get Ouffa Here!
His CDs are available at www.cdbaby.com.
A native of Colorado, drummer Ron Moewes (pronounced Mavis) received his Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Later, he earned his Master's Degree in Creative Arts from Lesley College in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
With his degree in hand, he began a 31-year career teaching instrumental music in the Jefferson County school system. While he taught during the day, he gigged at night and on the weekends, making himself an indispensable drumming staple in Colorado.
Little did I know when my older son, David Johnson, was taking drum lessons at Rockley Music on Colfax that Ron was a classmate. I do not remember Ron in school at all, but was surprised to find him here. I wish I had known back when. Bobbie
tribute by Bobbie / Robertine Fletcher / JohnsonI will always remember Ron (and Bill) from music theory class with Mr. Wallace.....talented, fun, funny, creative, and struggling with ear training. The drum duet they wrote and performed for us was a highlight of WRHS talent shows.Go in peace Ron. Your music will keep you alive in our hearts.
tribute by Sarah ChandlerI didn't know Ron well in high school (my husband knew him better through music) and we've just returned from the service held in his memory. It was pleasing to see so many in the 'music community' there to honor him.... a real tribute of respect and honor from those who played with and knew him well ... his contemporaries. Tunes, Ron composed, were played at the service. Music speaks and his music tells of a caring and sensitive man. I regret that I didn't know him better.
tribute by Georgene Tuley JohnsI will always remember the afternoons in the auditorium with Ron and Bill on the drums. They could keep it going for hours and it was very enjoyable. He was a great talent.
tribute by Alice Graue Smith