Search - Eberhard Weber :: Rarum Xiv: Selected Recordings (Dig)

Tuneful and Compelling

Karl W. Nehring | Ostrander, OH USA | 07/10/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had almost forgotten how enjoyable the music of bassist Eberhard Weber is until I listened to this compilation, which includes more than 70 minutes of gently tuneful, compelling music. For this album, Weber has chosen cuts from some of his albums as a leader and others where he was a sideman. The liner notes present some fascinating background information (e.g., that Pat Metheny's delightful composition, "The Whopper," was named after the highly hyped hamburger), and the whole production is first-class.



One thing I have always especially admired about Weber is that he never seems to be showing off, unlike that other famous bassist of that period, the late Jaco Pastorius, who at times seemed to be simply incapable of directing attention away from himself. Listening to this recording, which features Weber in a variety of ensembles, you can hear a consistency of style, and you can hear the focus at times being placed up on the sound of the bass, but always in service of the musical whole, never in service of making Weber himself seem like the center of attention.



There are doubtless some readers out there who have never encountered the music of Eberhard Weber. For them, this recording would be the perfect introduction. And if you are planning on taking any long drives in the summertime, this CD is great for just cruising and musing. Enjoy!"