#1) JON WEBER - "SIMPLE COMPLEX"
"Weber ranks among the most fluid improvisers in the business…but even Weber's most ardent fans never could have guessed that the man can write at such an exalted level. The originality of his compositions, the ingenuity of his arrangements and the high sheen of the ensemble performances he leads on simple complex force the listener to reassess Weber's gifts….unstoppable energy. "

- THE YEAR's BEST RECORDINGS by Howard Reich, Tribune Arts Critic; Sunday December 12, 2004

>>> Read entire December 12, 2004 review        >>>Read August 3, 2004 Review

"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."

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"Weber has taken a giant stride forward with the release of Simple Complex."

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"…eloquently woven strands of musical conversation."

"Weber and a dozen friends, including venerables Gary Burton and Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, trade ideas with precision, polish and nuance."

"You can whistle these tunes in the car, although it will take a few run-throughs to approximate them."

JAZZIZ Feb 2005 CD Insert - JON & ROY HARGROVE join all-star cast of Tony Bennett, Lalo Schiffrin, Chris Botti, Eldar Djangerov, Enrico Pieranunzi, Al Green, Michael Davis, Russ Freeman and David Benoit.

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

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

"Jon Weber is a virtuoso, pure and simple. Weber delivers what amounts to a five star effort if only for his all-original program, incisive in its compositional aesthetic."
-- All About Jazz   -- Read entire review >>

" The story behind pianist Jon Weber’s Simple Complex stretches credulity, but the music speaks for itself...quick-paced music that uplifts with a bursting rhythmic intensity...tightly woven music, professionally played with power and precision."
-- All About Jazz- June 2005 -- Read entire review >>

"Jon Weber, through his compositions, makes the complex sound simple...he more than holds his own" - Bo Leibowitz, KCRW Radio

"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

Neil Tesser's Top 20 - Miles Ahead
Mark Ruffin Listen Here!
WBEZ FM's Top 20 for 2004

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