City Newspaper Archives - 9/2007
Eberhard Weber "Stages of a Long Journey"
ECM
Published by Ron Netsky on Sep 05, 2007
Eberhard Weber is no stranger to fans of 1970s art-jazz records. His output as a leader has been thin since the 1980s, but Weber remains an innovative and superb bassist. In 2005, he celebrated his 65th birthday by writing new charts for his (and others') compositions and playing them with the Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra. The resulting live album, "Stages of a Long Journey," leaves no doubt about the electricity he can still generate. Weber made excellent choices when selecting his sideman, as evidenced by vibraphonist Gary Burton's jubilant solo on Carla Bley's "Syndrome." There are many wonderful solos by pianist Rainer Bruninghaus. And an unlikely musician, Nino G., is featured with a spectacular beatbox solo on Weber's "Hang Around." Any doubts about the classical-jazz fusion are magnificently dispelled by Weber's popular 1970s tune, "The Colours of Chloe," and "Yellow Fields," with saxophonist Jan Gabarek surging over the orchestra's percussive accompaniment.
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