Weber Band
Chicago, Illinois, United States | SELF
Music
Press
"EPs are always a bit difficult to review because just when you think you're beginning to understand where a band/artist is coming from, the disc is over and you're left wanting more. That said, from what we're hearing on Sidewalks, Chicago's Weber Band most certainly seems to be on the right track. The band writes and records smart, thick, modern pop that reminds us of The Police and Peter Gabriel. The band's songs are accessible and extremely well produced. Six cool cuts here including "Watch You Leave," "Sidewalks," and "Jumpin' On The Bed." - Babysue.com
"Weber Band's debut Self-Titled EP released in August is no disappointment in their claim to be original local music. No strangers to the Chicago music scene Al Weber (lead vocals and acoustic guitar), Greg Skelly (drums), Brian Spagnolo (bass guitar) and Andrew Weber (keyboard) have certainly created a unique sound for the Chicago scene. The band claims to have a number of influences including rock, pop, jam band, folk, reggae, hip-hop, rap, experimental, jazz, and indie. These influences are showcased throughout the entire EP. From the opening track "We Can" to the ending track "Fold" each song adds a new sound to the album. Between Weber Band's combination of musical styles and high energy the album flows from beginning to end with ease and is truly easy to listen to. If you are looking for some original Chicago rock look no further, Weber Band is here to satisfy all your needs."
-Libby Daggers - Openingbands.com
"Weber Band have morphed from the solo efforts of singer-songwriter Al Weber into a four-piece acoustic jam band in the vein of Dave Matthews Band or Guster. Helping keep our attention on the band’s self-titled EP are Weber’s heartfelt vocals and some engaging piano and organ work from Al’s brother, Andy. With their snappy pop delivery, the Weber boys, along with rhythm section of Greg Skelly and Brian Spagnolo, make their admitted interest in “blowing up” more than obvious."
– Joseph Simek - Illinois Entertainer
"The second performer of the nights was Weber Band. This band used a combination of acoustic and electric sounds during their performance. The popularity of the Weber Band was immediately felt for as soon as the band took the stage the crowd began to cheer and groove to the music. The band opened with a lively tune that had electric piano accompaniment. The use of the keyboard played was a critical addition to the bands alternative sound, for it provided more depth and dimension to each song. For instance, during the song, Momma, the keyboard supplied a more funky style.
Performing fan favorites like Dig, Walking and We Can, this reviewer enjoyed how the Weber Band would quickly jump right into the next song without any long intros. Instead, the band chose to strategically place their extended instrumental breaks during the more climactic period of their songs. Weber Band’s music kept the audience moving to the lively beat. There was never a moment a standstill moment in the audience. Southside highly recommends this band if you enjoy great alternative music that will have you dancing. For more information about Weber Band, visit them at www.weberband.com or www.myspace.com/weberband."
- Southside on the Town, Fearless Radio.com (Live Review of Going.com's Battle of the Bands)
- Southside on the Town (Fearlessradio.com)
Discography
Sidewalks EP (2010)
01 : watch you leave
02 : right on time
03 : momma
04 : sidewalks
05 : record low
06 : jumpin' on the bed
CD Liner Notes
produced, engineered, and mixed by Jay Marino
co-produced by Al Weber
additional mixing by Chris Harden
recorded and mixed @ IV Lab Studios, Chicago IL
additional recording @ Pragma Studios, Chicago IL
mastered by Dominick Maita @ Airshow Mastering, Boulder CO
art direction and design by Jason Caldeira @ Flycasual
all songs written by Al Weber
all music written by Weber Band
copyright 2010 Weber Band
all songs Alan Robert Weber Jr (ASCAP)
horn arrangements written by Eric Miller for tracks 1, 3, & 5
horn arrangement written by Jonathon Edwards for track 2
horn arrangement written by Cosmic Unity Horns for track 6
Weber Band EP (2006)
01 : we can
02 : self infliction
03 : name
04 : behave
05 : distracted
06 : walkin'
07 : fold
CD Liner Notes
produced by Jay Marino and Al Weber
engineered by Jay Marino
recorded january and february 2006 @ Gravity Studios / The Cottage
mixed by George Balogi @ Gravity Studios
mastered by Danny Leake @ Urban Guerrilla Studios
art direction and design by Bobby Aiken
photography by Patti Farfan @ Green Eye Photography
all songs written by Al Weber
all music written by Weber Band
copyright 2006 Weber Band
Available for online purchase at:
CD Baby - http://cdbaby.com
Awarestore - http://awarestore.com
iTunes
Photos
Bio
The Facts
Weber Band released their second EP, titled "Sidewalks”, in May 2010 to a near-capacity crowd at Chicago's historic Double Door. "Sidewalks" was recorded at IV Lab Studios in Chicago with producer Jay Marino, and exhibits a full and developed sound sure to please new and old fans alike. Since its release, Weber Band has inked four licensing contracts with MTV, and their music has been played on over 100 college radio stations.
Since being formed by singer/songwriter Al Weber in 2005, Chicago-based Weber Band has performed at many notable venues and street festivals (Lincoln Hall, Schubas, Double Door, Park West, Metro, House of Blues, Old St. Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party, Sheffield Garden Walk, etc.). They have toured the Midwest, and performed at Milwaukee’s Summerfest 2009 and Indianapolis’ Midwest Music Summit 2005.
Weber Band is honored to have shared the stage with notable acts such as Zac Brown Band, Blind Melon, Josh Kelley, Smashmouth, The Samples, Freddy Jones Band, Trevor Hall, Virginia Coalition, Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root, and Michael McDermott.
Weber Band is Al Weber on lead vocal and guitars || Andy Weber on keys and organ || Greg Skelly on drums || Jay Marino on bass and backing vocals.
Weber Band is often joined on stage and in the studio by the Cosmic Unity Horns || Eric Miller on trombone || Jonathon Edwards on baritone saxophone || Jim Schram on tenor saxophone.
The Music
Weber Band is groove-heavy, catchy, and eclectic pop - incorporating elements of reggae, soul, funk, rock, and jam.
Weber Band’s lyrics are heartfelt - sarcastic commentaries, whimsical observations, reflections on constant battles within oneself, songs about coping with personal tragedies, etc.
Weber Band’s fun and energetic live shows make people move, and keep them moving.
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