Graduated
from the University of Wisconsin in 1994 Jason Weber is since a long
time an integral part of the San Diego jazz scene. He started his solo
career with 1st AVENUE in 1997, followed by Leap of Faith
(1999), Something Blue (2002), Can U Feel Me Now? (2005)
and this year Five.
On his new album
Jason is supported by drummers Steve Ferrone and Duncan Moore,
keyboardists Michael Leroy & Tad Sisler, bassists Nathan Brown & Chris
Kringel, & guitarist Mike DeRose. Jason wrote most of the compositions
in part with producer Marcel East. Guitarist/songwriter/producer
Marcel East is Nathan East younger brother, working with Nathan on
numerous projects including Fourplay, Al Jarreau, David Benoit and
more.
The album starts with the apodictic U Know U Like It. Indeed
this compelling tune offers an addictive melody which
let's you prick up your ears. Jason and Marcel East composed For
The Children for those who will follow us and will hopefully have
a better childhood than Michael Jackson.
Jason Weber follows the often observed
practice to record a cover on his album. La Isla Bonita is a
popular song of Madonna recorded in 1988 for her album True Blue.
Her first pop song with Spanish influence.
With Snapshot Jason builds a
fundamental stone in his contemporary jazz fundament. Some
improvisations are woven in the melody line. Some Day is a
heartfelt melody with a romantic appeal. Mysterious Circumstances
is a song with a narrative background in the style of a film score.
The title song
Five woos recognition with some urban elements. Jason burns the
wall down with his maniac performance. A short Interlude
introduces the audience to Europa. Carlos Santana’s infectious
bolero finds many friends in the smooth jazz scene. Jimmy Sommers
(Time Stands Still), Nils (Up Close And Personal), Marc Vee
(Inspiration) or The Barry Sea Paradox (Lost Soul Found Smooth Jazz),
they are all inspired by this song. Jason's rendition is emotionally
charged.
You Gotta Be,
a song by British pop and soul queen Des'ree has a captivating
potential. The song climbed the charts several times. Skillfully uses
Jason the magic of this song for his own spellbound. A mantra is a
religious or mystical syllable or poem, its origin is in Sanskrit.
Jason's song dives deep into that exotic Asian world. The final D-Funked
shows more of the edgy side of Jason's group. Mike Derouse pushes
the tune into the rock corner.
Jason's new album Five is a
balanced package of ambitious contemporary and popular smooth jazz. We
don't know in which direction the music express is driving.
- Album Information
Title: Five
Artist: Jason Weber
Year: 2009
Length: 0:53:45
Genre: General Jazz
Label: Jayk Weber Music
Tracks:
01 U Know U Like It [3:44]
02 For The Children [4:57]
03 La Isla Bonita [4:40]
04 Snapshot [5:40]
05 Some Day [4:51]
06 Mysterious Circumstances [3:29]
07 Five [5:16]
08 Interlude [1:03]
09 Europa [4:21]
10 You Gotta Be [4:02]
11 Mantra [6:12]
12 D-Funked [5:30]
- Further Review
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