Arriving on the Denver scene just a few years ago, Jon Wirtz has since performed for millions of people both locally and nationally. Over the past 10 years he has performed mainly as a sideman, having worked with Grammy winning producers Malcolm Burn and John Macy, and shared the stage with artists including Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey, Robbie Krieger (The Doors), Melissa Etheridge, Joe Bonner, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Matt Morris, Charlie Sexton and even Justin Timberlake. In addition to performing with Matt Morris on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” Wirtz has also appeared on “CBS Early Morning Show,” “Ellen” (the Ellen DeGeneres Show), and “Lopez Tonight” (George Lopez). For the past 5 years he has studied under Art Lande, an internationally respected jazz educator and Grammy nominated pianist/composer. In 2011 and 2012, Jon Wirtz & The Debut was nominated as a finalist in the national Telluride Jazz Competition.
Despite these successes, Wirtz is more driven than ever to share his creativity with listeners all over the world. In the fall of 2010, he took one more step in that direction by displaying his versatility on his first solo album entitled Sea Level, which showcases original compositions as well as his own unique interpretations on a few choice covers. Since debuting the record to a sold out audience at the world renown Dazzle jazz club, the album has received rave reviews, including its recognition as one of the best Denver albums of 2010 by the Westword.
Two and a half years after the release of his first record, the anxiously awaited second album from Jon Wirtz, entitled Tourist, will be released April 16, 2013 via iTunes and many other digital outlet stores. Featuring some of the region's top musicians, including John Macy, Stephen Malloy Brackett (aka Brer Rabbit of the Flobots), and Dan Schwindt (The Motet, Kyle Hollingsworth Band) among many others, Tourist spans the full range of style and emotion. Folk, jazz, R&B, funk, progressive, gospel--nothing is off limits on this record. Arrangements range from as small as solo piano up to a six piece band at times. The result is a stellar sophomore effort sure to satisfy both the most hardcore and casual jazz listeners. Having drawn comparisons to Joshua Redman, Herbie Hancock and even Coltrane, Wirtz feels as though he is just now getting warmed up; based on the path he has already begun carving for himself, the future is extremely promising.
More info available at www.jonwirtzmusic.com .
