It’s Never Quite the Same (Mood Records)
In a city that has produced more than its share of piano giants, Chicagoan Jon Weber stands out. For those who have admired his playing at the Four Seasons Hotel or heard his splendid debut recording of three years ago, “Jazz Wagon” (IMI Records), his newest release will fulfill expectations, and then some. The two-CD recording is devoted to music by the venerable songwriting team of Jay Livingston and Roy Evans, whose hits include “Mona Lisa,” “Never Let Me Go,” “Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera)” and many more. Weber reconceives all of this material, reshaping melody lines via unusual meters and refreshing standard chord changes with unexpected harmonies. In every instance, though, the pianist retains the spirit of the original, all the while bringing to this music a tonal elegance and easygoing keyboard virtuosity that are distinctly his. The independently produced recording is currently available at Borders on Michigan and via the Internet: www.moodrecords.com.
