"The Baron" John Von Ohlen
"The Baron" John Von
Ohlen
Wherever the Stan
Kenton Orchestra has appeared, the most-asked question has been, "What is the
Baron doing?"
"Baron" John Von Ohlen has been busy, very busy putting together the sounds
and rhythms in which he fervently believes. For two years, while on the Kenton
tour bus, John related his ideas and ideals pertaining to his music, and it is
extremely gratifying to know that he has realized his goal of having his own
group - a wonderfully fresh, exciting, dynamic force in the field of jazz,
combining the best of the many musical idioms of today. It would be easy to
believe that John was born with a cymbal or tom-tom in his mouth, or at least
had them waiting in his bassinette. At the ancient age of four, he began the
study of piano; this was followed by trombone at age ten, and topped off with
drums at seventeen. Several years and many beats later, he toured with Ralph Marterie, performed with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra under Warren Covington,
played with Billy Maxted's Manhattan Jazz Band, and with Woody Herman. The
year spent providing the rhythmic pulse for Woody was a memorable and maturing
experience for the Baron, made infinitely more exciting by the jazz greats who
helped to spark the band. His experience led to a two week tour of Japan with
Mel Torme' and the Marty Paich Orchestra, followed by a series of recording
sessions with Carmen McRae.
To perform with Stan had been the primary objective in his life since the age of
twelve and, in May of 1970, this goal was realized. The Baron was not entirely a
newcomer to the Kenton organization; he has subbed briefly for Dee Barton a few
years before, during the Mellophonium era. A strong "mutual admiration
society" was formed - John loved the band and Stan, and they returned the
affection. As a connoisseur of musical sounds with the drums, coupled with his
energy, drive, and excitement, the Baron had no peer, and recognition of his
talent was instant among the Kenton aficionados.
In addition, John's devotion to teaching in the "Jazz Orchestra in
Residence" programs has furthered the ambitions and abilities of many students
of percussion. The time (and overtime) he has spent helping young musicians to
achieve better rapport with their instruments, or improving their compositions,
has led many to a fuller understanding of the rhythm section as the fundamental
group in an orchestra. The Baron's friends are legion throughout the music
world, and they have been eagerly awaiting his new ventures in music.