JON WEBER: Simple Complex

Jon Weber

Simple Complex

© 2004 Jon Weber

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USA;Downbeat:"Giant stride forward."Apopsi;Greece:" Compositions strong & mature." Spain;Cuadernos de Jazz:"Intriguing composer,excellent arranger." Jazznytt,Norway:"Beautiful solos." Italy, "Excellent group dynamics." France, JazzHot:"Worthy of respect."

notes

J O N W E B E R

2ndCenturyJazz Records Artist Bio

FRANCE: "Weber is indeed an impressive musician, not only for his instrumental performance but also for his ambitious compositions. His music distinguishes itself by its assertive complexity, indisputable melodicism, and decisive spirit. A discovery. An ambitious project worthy of respect." (Jazz Hot Magazine; February 2005)

SPAIN: "Intriguing composer, excellent arranger." (Cuadernos de Jazz, Madrid; Mayo/Junio 2005)

NORWAY: "Dense, driving, energetic and with beautiful solos. Gets the pulse and appetite for life. Lightens up the soul. Suddenly the carnival is loose. Easy to like. Warmly recommended." (Jazznytt, Oslo; april/mai 2005)

"Best Jazz CD, 2004." NORWEGIAN NATL RADIO;(NRK Radio Norway).

TURKEY: "SIMPLE COMPLEX emphasizes the collective soul, giving pleasure with its clear positively textured tunes. Jon Weber may be sowing the seeds of a distinctive sound which will only get better." (Jazz Magazine, Istanbul; April 2005).

HUNGARY: "Weber reveals himself most profoundly in his syncopated numbers, showing his virtuosity and uniqueness; but particularly in his ballads, he plays most convincingly. Listening to his performance, you have the feeling that no project is too ambitious for this man." (Fidelio, CD of the Week; March 21, 2005: Budapest)

SWITZERLAND: "Intricate compositions remind me of the Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock masterpieces."(SWISS NATIONAL RADIO)

SWITZERLAND: "Jon Weber delivered a surprise coup giving an insight into the art of improvisation."

GREECE: "...a very talented composer whose music may be complex but can also be easily approachable by the listener. For the listener, what matters most are not the elaborate arrangements and harmonies nor the chord progressions but the natural and direct way that the music reaches his ears. Essential are the right compositions, the tightness and harmonization, the chemistry as we call it. «SIMPLE COMPLEX» wonderfully combines all of these qualities. Weber's compositions are strong and mature despite the fact that most were composed when he was a teenager." (Vangelis Aragiannis, Apopsi; January 7, 2005)

SWEDEN: "Assembling an impressive crew to play entirely his own music, Weber is a technically skilled pianist with an impressive flow in his playing - interesting to listen to, throughout. His album is receiving recognition in numerous American jazz magazines, and deservedly so." (Orkester Journalen, Stockholm; February/March 2005)

FINLAND: "One almost becomes delirious upon discovering a great record from an extraordinary undiscovered artist. His compositions and arrangements are pleasant and quite catchy, and he is very skilled at knowing how to fit guest players into the music seamlessly." (Jazzrytmit Magazine; Helsinki, February 24, 2005)

ITALY: "Very impressed, excellent arranging and group dynamics. Congrats and keep up the dynamite music!" (Radio Antenna Uno; Barletta)

ESTONIA: "#1 JAZZ CD of the Year." ESTONIAN NATIONAL RADIO

UK: "This astonishing US pianist-composer is already my 'Best New Star of 2005'. His arrangements and playing are breathtaking." Chrissie Murray, JAZZ UK

UK: STRAIGHT NO CHASER - JANUARY 2005; UK/JAPAN "Virtuoso stuff, bursting with energy. This band can turn on a dime and they revel in their ability to overlap time signatures, switch tempos and zip from a Cuban montuno to Indian tabla patterns to easy snapping swing without even blinking. A serious grooving independent effort."
"Jazz CD of the Year" - BBC Online

USA: "A giant stride forward." DOWNBEAT Sept 2004

USA: "#1 JAZZ RECORDING, 2004." Chicago Tribune's Howard Reich - "Weber has indeed soared into new regions of expression as composer-bandleader... If any recording can give Weber a fraction of the recognition he deserves, 'Simple Complex' is it... Leading such artists as trumpeter Roy Hargrove, singer Kurt Elling, bassist Avishai Cohen and vibist Gary Burton, Weber unveils original music so unconventional in its scoring, unorthodox in its harmonies and unpredictable in its melodic course as to represent a nearly complete reassessment of his art." HOWARD REICH: CHICAGO TRIBUNE; August 3, 2004.

USA: "You can whistle these tunes in your car, although it will take a few run-throughs to approximate them. Weber and a dozen friends, including venerables Gary Burton and Niels-Henning ÿrsted Pedersen, trade ideas with precision, polish and nuance. Elequently woven strands of musical conversation." JAZZIZ: Top 10 CDs of 2004

USA - All About Jazz, May 2004: "Jon Weber is a virtuoso, pure and simple." (Matt Merewitz)

USA - All About Jazz, May 2004: "Beauty with no other distractions." (Michael P. Gladstone)

USA - All About Jazz, May 2004: "Weber is a serious creative force both as a player and a composer. The disc is a joy to listen to, full of gripping tunes highlighted by a variety of delightful surprises. Throughout the disc, Weber's own playing is inventive and inviting. Weber's compositions settle into undeniable grooves that belie the intricacy of their structures." (Rob Cline)

USA - All About Jazz, June 2005: "Quick-paced music that uplifts with a bursting rhythmic intensity - tightly woven, professionally played with power and precision." (Elliott Simon)

USA: #1 Jazz CD of 2004." Mark Ruffin, Listen Here!

USA: Neil Tesser's Top 20 from 2004

USA: "The originals are excellent; Brilliant pianist. Exploratory playing." - Scott Yanow, LA Jazz Scene

USA: "Long admired for his encyclopedic knowledge of songs, the 42-year old Weber has taken a great stride forward with the release of Simple Complex, which features 10 of his own sophistocated but accessible compositions - executed by an all-star cast." DOWNBEAT; September 2004

USA: "Weber delivers what amounts to a five star effort if only for his all-original program, incisive in its compositional ethic. On 'Simple Complex,' Weber has amassed a stellar line-up of international headliners... Weber's effort is unequalled on several levels by many more well-known artists on major labels." All About Jazz; Matthew Merewitz; "Jon Weber is a virtuoso, pure and simple."

USA: "Every once in a great while, a jazz musician (who really knocks you out) comes along to reinvigorate your faith in the well-being of the music. Jon Weber fits that description, and then some. His CD, 'SIMPLE COMPLEX,' is a rare expression of the kind of excitement we all seek and seldom find. Do yourself a favor and give it some ear.....then tell all your discerning friends about Jon Weber." Mort Fega

USA: "Jon Weber's 'Simple Complex' is the most fascinating new music I have played in years." - GARY BURTON

USA: "Weber plays with extraordinary confidence...the precision is remindful of the workings of a fine watch. A sparkling new listen for us! Weber is not only strong within his own performance and creativity, but blends well with the other musicians in the unforgettable 10 tracks. They are all magnificent." Radioio.com;

USA: "His program of original compositions from moody ballads to several highly-charged romps, Weber offers variety and a touch of class. The leader's driving attitude gives the piece spirit, as they swing fiercely and with passion. Within the clarion harmony, Weber ensures that the ensemble remains cohesive. Throughout Weber's impressionistic world journey, his Jazz roots remain prominent. As the sextet works out on several pieces, you're drawn into the mesmerizing quality of the mainstream and its journey from Ragtime syncopation to Bebop and beyond. Weber says it with backbeats, suitelike movements, and a cast of characters who comply by supplying superb musicianship." Cadence Sept 2004

USA: Live at BIRDLAND; June 20, 2005: "Weber, even on his breathtakingly fast stride work, remarkably crystal clear, all notes in place - delighted a packed-house audience."

USA: Live at Schein Concert Hall; Sanibel, FL; February 15, 2005: "Composer Harold Arlen was well represented on Tuesday on Tuesday February 15, as pianist Jon Weber presented a solo piano concert devoted to 22 of Arlen's 400 published songs. Weber has an easy-going, friendly manner and shows an obvious passion for his craft. He is to be commended for his grasp of the many facts as well as the music that went into his presentation. His concept works: I could easily have listened to the other 378 Arlen songs."

USA: "Jon Weber, through his compositions, makes the complex sound simple, and makes 'Simple Complex' a delight. As a soloist, considering the top-notch talent surrounding him, he more than holds his own... fleet and fluid without being facile." Bo Leibowitz, Strictly Jazz, KCRW;

It's a wonderful thing when jazz insiders from all over the world enthusiastically discover an intelligent, creative young talent like Jon Weber. A spectacular solo pianist, his brilliantly crafted spontaneous orchestrations easily place him in the rarefied company of today's elite musicians.

The youngest of 7 children, Jon's musical passion (plus absolute pitch and recall) surfaced at age 3 on a toy organ. By 6, he internalized 2000 standards from his Grandma's piano rolls, reharmonizing, improvising, and constantly shuffling the deck rhythmically and harmonically.

As a teenager, Jon prodigiously scribbled musical ideas on every piece of paper available. Multiple-clef orchestrations penciled upon hundreds of envelopes, notebooks (and occasionally actual staff paper), filled his room and schoolbooks. By age 19, Jon's jazz quintet (all original music) had opened for Pat Metheney, Buddy Rich, Freddie Hubbard, Angela Bofil, and Stanley Turrentine at major summer jazz festivals.

Jon's compositional flurry raged nonstop until age 22. "I fell under the spell of solo pianists Art Tatum and Dave McKenna, and for the last two decades, I've concentrated on absorbing their orchestral concepts into my own musical vocabulary." Since 1989, Jon has performed a Sunday - Thursday solo gig at Chicago's Four Seasons Hotel with time off for jazz festivals. "Whenever a stellar player joined me onstage (Stevie Wonder; Wynton Marsalis; Bobby McFerrin), I longed to perform with my own original ensemble again."

"Last summer, I rediscovered charts I'd written in high school and started calling every great musician I knew. SIMPLE COMPLEX took on a life of its own very quickly." Weber's quintet, the surprise hit of Melbourne's January 2003 International Jazz Fest, inspired this review by "The Age" newspaper; "The tunes of this vibrating, pulsing unit are mind-bendingly complex with overlapping time signatures, accent shifts, and rhythmic feels that swerve from Cuban montunos to Indian tabla patterns to straight-ahead swing at the blink of an eye. Weber spiked his challenging charts with infectious latin grooves while fellow musicians rode the odd-metered passages with unflappable poise."

SIMPLE COMPLEX, released on January 29, 2004 (2ndCenturyJazz Records), features Jon on piano, drummer Mark Walker, tenor sax master Eric Alexander, trumpeters Diego Urcola and Roy Hargrove, bassists Avishai Cohen, Niels-Henning
ÿrsted Pedersen, and Peter Washington, plus vibraphonist Gary Burton. "How lucky can a guy get?!" adds Jon. "Everybody gave a 100th percentile performance." UK's Jazz Journal International writes; "Jon Weber is a virtuoso pianist with outstanding technique plus boundless imagination and enthusiasm who is bound to make a big impression on the international jazz scene."

Live recordings under Jon's name ("FlyingKeys")are available through Swiss label, Jazz Connaisseur www.jazzconnaisseur@bluewin.ch."Jazz Wagon,"(IMI) is available through www.jonwebermusic.com; CNN, BET, CNBC,Bravo Arts, NPR, Voice of America, and the BBC have profiled Jon Weber's unique musical depth and vast knowledge of his craft. After appearing on Marian McPartland's "Piano Jazz," Warner Bros. commissioned Jon (Mr. Perfect Pitch) to transcribe "Portraits," a book containing 23 of Marian's improvised piano solo compositions.

At the request of composers Jay Livingston & Ray Evans, Jon recorded a double CD, "It's Never Quite The Same" (Mood Records). Violin virtuoso Dr. L. Subramaniam flew Jon to Bangalore; India to appear in a series of concerts and recordings, and he's even been decalared "Man of the Day" by the Icelandic government. Performing a worldwide TV simulcast of his septet's Gershwin Centennial Concert in Estonia, Jon's ensemble won 2nd place in that fest's international composer/arranger competition. Weber has quickly become a favorite at New York's 92nd Street "Y" jazz series, performing duos with Dick Hyman, the late Sir Roland Hanna, Cyrus Chestnut, and Bill Charlap. Jon Weber, supremely talented in so many areas, is rapidly emerging as a youthful, singular personality in modern jazz.
Sextet a big hit at Carnegie Hall full house Monday November 3; B.E.T. event for St. Lucia Jazz Fest Saturday Jan 24th in NYC; 92nd Street "Y" with Dick Hyman Saturday April 10; Live concert in Oslo, April 26th - Norwegian National Radio; with Von Freeman June 25, Peavey Plaza, Downown Minneapolis; Jon's quintet (featuring Mark Walker, Diego Urcola, Matt Clohesy, & Eric Alexander) is also performing at 7:20pm Friday June 25 at Peavey Plaza, Downtown Minneapolis; Jon plays with David "Fathead" Newman Saturday June 26, Peavey Plaza, Downtown Minneapolis. July 12/13 Molde Jazz Festival: Norway; LIVE NPR PIANO JAZZ with MARIAN McPARTLAND July 15 at MUSIC INSTITUTE of CHICAGO; Millenium Park Opening - Main Stage -July 17; August 13/14 Dakota Jazz: Minneapolis; Oct 28; Apollo Theater, NYC; November 8: Carnegie Hall; NYC; W/Jarek Smietana - Chicago's Chopin Theater, November 15; Chicago Cultural Center January 23, 2005 3pm; NPR Piano Jazz with Marian McPartland; early February '05; BIG ARTS, Sanibel,FL February 15, 2005. Solo Piano for B.E.T. @ Cable Awards Show, San Francisco; April 3-5. Ellington's Sanibel, FL; May 11-14. June 25 with Benny Golson, Mercedes Benz Stage, Minneapolis. June 26 with Roseanna Vitro, Peavey Plaza. July 21-24, Vancouver. October 14, New Canaan, CT; November 21, Carnegie Hall, NYC. January 14, 2006: Fine Arts Bldg Chicago 3pm; November 13, 2006: Carnegie Hall, NYC.

[ E ]: jonwebermusic@hotmail.com
[ W ]: www.jonwebermusic.com
[ ITINERARY ]: http://www.jonwebermusic.com/gigs.htm

reviews

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  • Phenomenal -- pristine and mind-bending timing!
    author: Joe Mac

    This disc is in a class by itself. Fantastic, intricate, and mezmerizing. The cohesiveness of this band will captivate anyone who appreciates true musicianship.

  • Magnifiek.
    author: Luc and Greet Van Mol- Vervliet

    prachtige cd van een groot talent. greetings from belgium Antwerp

  • Great album
    author: David Donihue

    Great album. Jon Weber does a great job. I just love to listen to Jon's CD's. Cann't wait for the next one to come out

  • fantastic album, great musicians, recomended
    author: les rothwell

    simple complex,a great title,for a great album, i highly recommend this cd, eric alexander is one of my favourite sax players but all the musicians here are truly inspiring, incredibly well crafted jazz, go and buy a copy you`ll be thrilled.......

  • intelligent and energetic; inventive yet familiar
    author: Robin

    Whenever I want to feel energized and intelligent, I put on this CD. I am amazed at the inventiveness but at the same time soothed by the familiarity of the music. Simple Complex indeed.

  • SImple Complex; inventive and original.
    author: MAria C

    SImple Complex; inventive and original. Great piano sound. Maria C; Portland, OR

  • Saw you at the Apollo & Carnegie Hall. Tremendous!
    author: Pat

    Saw you at the Apollo & Carnegie Hall. Tremendous! PL -NJ

  • An excellent CD - I am a keyboard player and was very impressed
    author: Zorch

    Some great compositions and excellent solos by all of the players on this disc.

  • author: Jonas

    Wasn't too familiar with Jon, but decided to give him a chance based on his sidemen. I was not disappointed. I am really enjoying the cd. It is in heavy rotation in my player.

  • Sweet! Keep up the good work. Raj:Amherst, Mass
    author: RAJ

    Sweet! Keep up the good work. Raj:Amherst, Mass

  • Simple Complex. Great stuff!
    author: Kristof, Den Haag

    You make it sound so simple -and I know it is complex. Great stuff! Especially, «No More Words» with Roy HArgrove. Kristof, Den Haag

  • Mr. Kleckley & Jolie
    author: Matti

    I love it! Matti Oak Brook, Il P.S. Who are Jolie and Mr. Kleckley? They are lucky to have such great songs

  • Simple Complex
    author: Jason25, Tempe, AZ

    I wish that more musicians had the guts to make records like this. Wow Jason25, Tempe, AZ

  • Great CD! I'll be watching for you in 2005.
    author: Steph\ Glebe, Australia

    Great CD! I'll be watching for you in 2005. Steph\ Glebe, Australia

  • Simple Complex sounds like a large group
    author: JPR LV

    Everything on "Simple Complex" sounds like a large group is playing. You guys are onto something brand new. Make more!! J Paul Las Vegas

  • Totally original ideas. Out of this world
    author: KO.....Tokyo, Japan

    Totally original ideas. Out of this world. KO Tokyo, Japan

  • Each arrangement tells a unique story. Simple Complex is Deep.
    author: Terrell

    From the very first tune, each arrangement tells a unique story. "Hot Ice" feels like a kickin' big band. "No More Words" is a prayerful plea. "Drastic Steps" is a full-throttle hard bop. "Mr Kleckley" swings like the Duke's Band. "Simple Complex", the title track is beyond categorie or definition. It just gets 10 times deeper every time I hear it. Every tune is that way. "While She's Dreaming" flows with so much beauty and grace, I didn't even notice that there's a million chords flying by over a dream-like groove which builds to a boiling finale. "Is It Only Me?" is Jon Weber, musical storyteller at his finest. He and the guys hard-bop a Lee Morgan-ish head punctuated with magnificent solos by Avashai Cohen and Eric Alexander. There's even a Blood, Sweat & Tears counterpoint before the last head out. Such arranging. "Is It Only Me?" is a suite in itself. "Jolie" could've been written by Dori Caymmi or Ivan Lins. The sheer simplicity of its bass-line reminds me of J.S. Bach. The harmony is all over the map, but Niels Pedersen anchors the harmony with exactly the right simple, legato quarter notes. The interplay on "Whatever You Say" reminds me of the best Weather Report except Jon Weber's arrangements are much more interesting. His tunes have continuous variety and no boring loops. "Triska Deka" kicks with its catchy melody-line over a constantly-moving kaleidoscope of intelligent harmony. It's a perfect climax to the best jazz disc of 2004, by far. Terrell D Cleveland, Ohio

  • Brainy Cool of Jazz: Rocker Energy
    author: Zach: San Francisco

    Simple Complex has the energy of a rock cd, but the brainy cool of a jazz cd. Zach: San Francisco

  • The overall design is breathtaking. Way to go!
    author: Judi

    The overall design is breathtaking. Way to go! Judi Tampa, FL

  • Stay Independent
    author: Old BLue Eyes ; - |

    Only an indie could make a SimpleComplex. Majors make risk-free safe jazz, and consequently don't break any ground. Stay independent, Brother Jon. Don't ever dilute your art. Sinatra

  • Brendan, jazz trumpeter
    author: Brendan, jazz trumpeter

    Magnificent! Brendan SC

  • Simple Complex is uncompromising fine art....and great fun
    author: Dallas

    Simple Complex is uncompromising fine art.......and great fun. M'OR.... Dallas, TX

  • Whatever you say/ Simple complex
    author: Luc/ Brussels

    flawless execution. Whatever you Say brings the house down. Luc /Brussels

  • Gary Burton on Simple Complex
    author: SD Colorado

    Gary Burton is a wonder and a delight on Simple Complex. Suzan- Boulder, Colorado

  • past. present. future. super!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    author: Heikko T HElsinki, Finland

    This is a complete grasp of jazz--past, present, and future. SUPER!!!!!!Heikko, Helsinki, FINLAND

  • Something new every time
    author: Robin Lang Burbank, CA

    I listen to Simple Complex 3x in a row and hear something new every time. Fantastic RL

  • Stellar writing, arranging, soloing, and concept!
    author: Meredith

    Stellar writing, arranging, soloing, and concept. Simple Complex. Where did you come from, Jon Weber? :-)) Meredith from Toronto

  • Simple Complex CD cover

    I like the languages on the cover. They all say it (Simple Complex) in a bunch of languages. I love the dna helix with the music notes. You are a really great artist! Royal Oak, Mi

  • Great Pacing
    author: Peter; Naperville, IL, USA

    Every part of Simple Complex is paced so well. It ebbs and flows but its always going somewhere. Never heard a CD like it. Peter; Naperville, IL

  • Very, very impressive!
    author: Todd. Norfolk, Virginia

    Very, very impressive! Todd Norfolk, Virginia

  • A wonderful performer/fantastic CD
    author: Harriet Johnson Naden

    The variety of songs and the artist's virtuosity are what make this CD very special, indeed. We listen to it at home and in our car, finding the range of emotions, of approaches to jazz phenomenal. Having heard J.W. w/Marion McPartland in Evanston this past summer, we learned of his work. We never tire of revisiting the CD. Superb in all ways!

  • sampling
    author: joe in mount carmel

    can you make the sample lengths longer?

  • 2nd Century Jazz
    author: Caitlin {Tiburon, CA}

    ushers in a new era for jazz; 21st Century Jazz; 2nd Century Jazz; Simple Complex is brainy and intense; so good, it's funny C-Kat

  • Many others will follow
    author: J. Thomas New Orleans

    I have heard every track of Simple Complex on the radio. I am happy to see the man behind this great record, Jon Weber, enjoying such great success with this amazing work. From Hot Ice to Triska Deka, this is an important album for musicians and non-players alike. It is forging into an unexplored musical landscape to which many others will follow. There is so much effortless grace balanced with unbridled energy on Simple Complex that I don't know which tune to talk about first. Each one is so complete and each transition is so cohesive that the overall immediate impression is that this is clearly the work of a great musical genius. The harmonies and chord leadings are so appealing and the melodies are so easily internalized - and masterfully performed by world-class jazz icons - I wonder what he's going to do next. Keep your eye on this Jon Weber.

  • Completely Original
    author: Michelle from Charlotte, NC

    Simple Complex: a completely original artistic statement and an instant classic. Michelle: Charlotte, NC P.S. Great photography

  • Tour de force
    author: LM Luzerne, Switzerland

    Einfacher Komplex, Complexe Simple. A tour de force of beautiful musicianship. Brilliant. LM

  • Groundbreaking, significant work of art. Complex and simple.
    author: Mike: Wheaton, IL

    Groundbreaking, significant work of art. Complex and simple. Heard it on WDCB. Mike

  • Best album of the year
    author: Jim Santa Fe, NM

    Jon Weber's Simple Complex is a masterful high point in today's jazz scene. Legendary musical giants have always made impossibly complex things appear simple enough for everybody to grasp and enjoy. This will become a legendary record. Simple Complex is the best jazz album of the year, and simply one of the best jazz albums ever. JA

  • author: Dr. Billy Taylor

    Really enjoyed it, Jon

  • Simple Complex / 1960's Miles Davis
    author: Robert -New York

    reminiscent of 1960's Miles Davis / picks up where those great groups left off / evolves into a brand new place / Robert

  • Obviously, Jon Weber loves what he does
    author: John F: Montreal, Quebec

    Obviously, Jon Weber loves what he does. And he knows how to make other jazz connoisseurs love what he does. Simple Complex is one of those rare moments of brilliance whose vitality speaks for itself. It is an intellectual high-octane, 18-wheeler-with-no-air-brakes masterpiece. It's inspiring AND humbling to hear what sounds impossibly complex and eloquently simple at the same time. John in Canada

  • Simple Complex = Future Classic
    author: Josef Heidenreich - Mannheim, Germany

    Solid grooves all the way around. Simple Complex is a Future Classic -

  • What a great line--up!
    author: Zsigmond:Budapest, Hungary

    What a great line-up! John Weber, a phenomenal talented player himself surrounding himself with spectacular cast. 5***** stars for SIMPLE COMPLEX

  • Simple Complex---Creative beyond BELIEF
    author: Mary J

    Jon Weber: Your Simple Complex is creative beyond BELIEF!!!!! The playing is so energetic and the arrangements are out of this world. This is, honestly, the greatest jazz CD I have ever heard. Keep making them!!! M-Jay: Berklee College

  • Innovative Jazz Composer And Pianist
    author: Rick

    Wow! What can I say?! Jon Weber is an innovative jazz composer and pianist. Really complex tunes! Probably too complex for the real book, although you make them sound pretty simple. Bring your band to Austin this summer!

  • Simple Complex Review
    author: Ahmed

    Dear Jon: You have very deeply satisfying compositions and orchestrations....Ahmed A...Stockholm, SE

  • Congratulations - you are charting new musical territory with Simple Complex.
    author: Betty and Tim Corbett

    Congratulations, Jon! You are charting new musical territory with Simple Complex. We saw you at Carnegie Hall last November. Great job! Keep doing what you're doing. All the best to you, and say hi to your mom and dad for us. Tim and Betty

  • superior
    author: Amsterdam

    What a multitude of talent. Superior! Carmen in Amsterdam

  • new direction in jazz
    author: Kevin

    Cd review// Jon Weber Simple Complex represents an absolutely new direction in jazz. The times (signatures) they are a-changin' & the grooves are so complex, they're simple. FIVE BIG STARS Kevin (Portland, Oregon)

  • siMPLE coMPLEx takes chances
    author: CR from Monterrey

    siMPLE coMPLEx takes chances and wins - a pioneering jazz CD. Cathy

  • Jon Weber's next album
    author: Danielle

    looking for Jon Weber's next album...come to Bellevue, Washington and play for us

  • first time buyer
    author: Gene

    To CD BABY: This is the first CD I ever bought on the net. It's complex but simple. Very Truly Yours, Gene in New Haven

  • sounded like a new Herbie Hancock CD
    author: Elizabeth, NJ

    I heard this on the radio and thought it was a new Herbie Hancock. Simple Complex was hard to find, but worth the search.

  • Jon Weber's duet with Roy Hargrove, No More Words, is fantastic. Cassandra
    author: Cassandra

    Jon Weber's duet with Roy Hargrove, No More Words, is fantastic. Cassandra

  • Simple Complex is a jazz breakthrough record like Kind of Blue by Miles Davis.
    author: J - Rolling Meadows, IL

    Simple Complex is a jazz breakthrough record like Kind of Blue by Miles Davis. Very, very good JK

  • Simple Complex is a grammy winner in the making. It's about time.
    author: Lindsey

    Simple Complex is a grammy winner in the making. It's about time. Shaw, NC

  • Simple Complex has superlative composing and soloing. Uncompromising.
    author: David

    Simple Complex has superlative composing and soloing. Uncompromising. David Z: Berlin

  • 2004's best jazz cd
    author: B. Kline

    2004's best jazz cd B. Kline Vancouver, BC

  • Jon's left hand sounds like Art Tatum
    author: Taylor

    Jon's left hand sounds like Art Tatum. If Tatum was alive today, he'd love Simple Complex. Taylor

  • Eloquently woven strands of musical conversation; precision, polish, and nuance
    author: Jazziz

    "Eloquently woven strands of musical conversation; Simple Complex works on the emotional level...with precision, polish, and nuance. You can whistle these tunes in your car, although it will take a few run-throughs to approximate them. Trumpeter Diego Urcola, tenor Eric Alexander, and Weber (on piano) lay out fluid solo lines full of unexpected turns and implications."

  • one of the greatest piano players that I've ever heard
    author: Ramsey Lewis

    Jon Weber is one of the greatest piano players that I've ever heard!

  • Buy this CD! 10 Stars! Jazz of the highest order!
    author: John Conlin

    This CD has jaw-dropping, virtuosic playing that sounds deceptively simple...and simply great. Tasty tunes that are a treat to listen thousands of times!

  • Interesting ensemble writing from an established jazz piano guru
    author: Tom Schrickel

    Everybody knows Jon Weber is a great piano player, but his compositions for small jazz ensemble were hidden until we heard Simple Complex. Listenable at all levels, but for the serious musician the writing is very rewarding. These are jazz classics with a twist - the meters (5/4, 7/4, 13/8) and the instrumentation (oboe!) keep you wanting to hear more.

  • Great album, easy listening with delightful surprises
    author: jerry maynard

    I loved this CD. Jon is a virtuoso piano player and he has put together a great group of side men to play his collection of his compositions. Many were written when Jon was beginning his musical career, and contain wonderfully innovative passages.

  • Phantastische Jazzklänge zum Entspannen und Abkoppeln
    author: Christoph Kirfel

    Zu dieser gelungenen CD kann man nur gratulieren. Jazz, der einfach und kompliziert zugleich ist, beim Zuhören aber weich ins Ohr fliesst. Hier kann man entspannen und einfach zuhören. Virtuos und melodiös zugleich. Ein Kunstwerk!

  • my favorite jazz album in awhile
    author: Jerry Holstrom

    The best jazz album I've heard in awhile. Really neat compositions and arrangements. All originals, I believe. It swings and its got rhythm too. WOULD RECOMMEND HIGHLY FOR BEGINNERS: this one gives you something long term to shoot for if you want to play really good jazz.

  • Optimistisk, komplisert, djup, leikande, spennande, utforskande....
    author: Grethe Nina Hestholm

    Optimistisk utan å vere naiv, komplisert utan å vere ugjennomtrengeleg, djup utan å vere depressiv. Leikande, utforskande, spennande... Musikk ein kan leve lenge med!

  • An injection of musical charm, skill and energy.
    author: Marion Hestholm

    Jon Webers Simple Complex is easy to love. It offers pianistic virtuosity that makes you laugh in disbelief - well matched by a group of first class performers. Weber's a learned musician and an inspired tune smith: the tracks Drastic Steps trigger wildest musical energy and humour, Triska Deka makes the time signature 13/8 sound natural, while the lyricism in While She's Dreaming and Jolie make me - AND my mother sing along!

  • author: Scott Yanow: LA Jazz Scene

    Brilliant pianist....the originals are excellent

  • Speachless!!
    author: Chris Michalek

    I've known Jon for the past several years. He is above all else a very special soul. I've yet to meet a person that is more generous and genuine as Jon. The music speaks for itself and I am too lowly a musician to begin to comment on it. Do yourself a favor and buy this disc now or better yet invite him to your house for egg rolls... It worked for me and I am eternally greatful.

  • It swings and is really good
    author: Sammy

    Great blend of musicians and some cool songs. If you are into modern swinging jazz, highly recommend it.

  • A fantastic journey into jazz for the new millenium
    author: George Doctoroe

    Sublime, enchanting, catchy and does indeed range from the simple through the complex. An ensemble of great artists back up composer/pianist Jon Weber. You'll enjoy this CD the first play, but as you hear it again and again, you'll appreciate it even more. Highly recommended.

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