Artist review: Jon Wirtz -- Sea Level [LP]

Pianist Jon Wirtz with Angie Stevens, right, and Susan Phelan, Angie's bassist.

Jon Wirtz -- Sea Level [LP]

By Jeanie Straub
Colorado Music Buzz

You may know Denver-based Jon Wirtz, forever notable on the Colorado scene since he arrived in May 2003, from his work with local standouts such as Angie Stevens and John Common, but the man has actually performed for millions of people on the national stage, having worked with Grammy-winning producer Malcolm Burn at several junctures and having performed with artists such as Liquid Soul, Shawn Colvin, Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers (he toured the U.S. and Mexico with them), Gin Blossoms, Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Robbie Krieger, Melissa Etheridge, Matt Morris, Charlie Sexton and “even” (that’s his publicist speaking) Justin Timberlake. That and Wirtz shared the stage with Morris on “The Late Show with David Letterman” and has appeared on CBS Early Morning Show’s “2nd Cup Cafe,” “Ellen” and “Lopez Tonight.” I tell you all this not just because his publicist at the Vinefield Agency took the time to write it up so nicely but because after all that buildup as a sideman, Sea Level is one amazing solo debut with which to follow it all. The LP is a display of Wirtz’s original compositions as well as his interpretations of “a few choice covers.” His publicist notes that over the past few years Wirtz has been hard at work studying under Grammy-nominated pianist/composer Art Lande, and this must have been a very good thing for Wirtz, because his passion and energy and spirit as an artist shine through every track. Every track feels something like perfection or heaven or both. On his myspace page, Wirtz ends his lengthy list of influences, which, btw, runs the gamut from B.B. King to Weezer, that he is also influenced by “anyone willing to take risks for their art, those who are always truly themselves.” That’s telling because his debut CD flawlessly showcases Wirtz coming into his own. His publicist calls Wirtz an “emerging jazz pianist,” and his CD absolutely embodies such a magnificent, defining coming out as a solo artist of note.
Genres: Jazz/Progressive/Nu bop

Recorded and mixed by John Macy at Macy Sound Studios, Denver

http://www.reverbnation.com/jonwirtzmusic