Jon Wirtz Music

Midwest tour dates to be announced–check back soon for details!

admin — Sun, 05 May 2013 21:05:40 +0000

I’m very excited to announce that Nuskool will be playing its way across the U.S. as part of a busy summer, traveling to the midwest.

Please check back very soon for updates on specific dates and locations. In the meantime we’ll be busy rehearsing, tightening up, writing, and adding more songs to our repertoire.

Can’t make it to the midwest? Check out the SHOWS page for opportunities to catch us live, as well as me playing solo, around Colorado. I look forward to seeing you at a performance real soon!

Gratitude.

admin — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 18:13:34 +0000

I know I’ve said it before, so I hope my sincerity comes through in this message.

THANK YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH.

Once again, I was floored by the overwhelming love and support of friends, family, fans, and the music community. It was truly a dream come true to play my own music with the highest caliber musicians, to a packed house at such a beautiful venue for my Tourist album release party. I want to offer my most heartfelt thanks to all of you who attended the show, as well as those who texted, called, and emailed to offer their support. It’s moments like this that remind me of why I’m the luckiest musician I know.

I know many of you who weren’t able to make the show have been asking how you can get ahold of the new record, Tourist. Well, here it is. Just click the icon below to buy the album via iTunes:

Please feel free to share the link with friends!

You can also log on to iTunes and search “Jon Wirtz Tourist.” In case you’re not an iTunes user, the album is also available for download at Spotify, Amazon, Google Play, Rdio, Deezer, Xbox Music, Rhapsody, eMusic, Simfy, Muve Music, iHeartRadio, Nokia, MediaNet, VerveLife, and of course live performances.

I’m thrilled with the kickoff for the release of Tourist, and excited to know that the best is yet to come. Once again, thank you so much for your continued support.

Best wishes,

Jon Wirtz

CD Release Tickets available right here!

admin — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 00:33:33 +0000

As the CD release party for my new record, Tourist, draws near on April 13 at the Soiled Dove Underground, reserved seating is already sold out. There are still some general admission tickets still available, however, so buy yours now before they’re gone. Plus you’ll save a few bucks by buying ahead of time. CLICK RIGHT HERE TO BUY YOUR TICKETS.

Thanks again for your support, see you at the Soiled Dove Underground on April 13!!

What folks are saying about Tourist . . .

“All of that experience shows here as Wirtz puts forth on Tourist an incredibly rich album steeped in jazz that is far beyond his years . . . Wirtz showcases a massively vast range, virtuoso phrasing and impeccable taste.” — Brian Johnson, Marquee Magazine

“As the CD slowly unfolds you will notice most of the songs are quite dynamic reminiscent of free form piano jazz masters: Vince Guaraldi, Billy Cobham, Dave Brubeck Quartet, Chick Corea, Miles Davis . . . Last but not least – the playing, writing and production abilities of Jon Wirtz at the helm are to die for. Just hit play, sit back and see where this amazing journey takes your mind, body and spirit.” – Cyrus Rhodes, Indie Music Digest

“Shades of Ahmad Jamal are thrown in juxtaposition to minimalist hues full of positive energy and catharsis. The piano is the center of it all, but to label Tourist piano music is misleading. This is music music, and from my interview with him it is clear that Wirtz is a musician’s musician.” – David Paul Kleinman, Glide Magazine

New album “Tourist” is finished!! CD release date/details . . .

admin — Fri, 01 Feb 2013 19:12:38 +0000

After a significant amount of time, effort, creativity, writing, blood, sweat and tears, it’s finally finished.

I’m proud and excited to announce that my second full length record, entitled “Tourist” will be released on iTunes and various other online outlets on April 16. To celebrate, I’m throwing a CD release party at the Soiled Dove Underground in Denver, CO on April 13. And there is more great news–you’re invited! This performance will feature some of the region’s top musicians, many of whom are also featured on the album. As an added bonus, the Old Souls will be kicking off the evening with their own unique brand of old-school soulful R&B.

I’m sooooo excited to share this music with you all. I’ll hope you’ll join me for a night of great music April 13 at the Soiled Dove Underground. You can CLICK HERE TO BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW. From Friday, February 1 until the end of the day on Sunday, February 10, you can purchase two tickets for the price of one by simply entering TOURIST as the promo code. That not only makes for a great Valentine’s Day gift for your sweetheart, but a cheap date come this spring.

Thanks so much to all of you for your continued support. I’ll see you on April 13!!

Jon

2013 Live Performances . . . New Year, New Approach . . .

admin — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 21:14:05 +0000

New Year’s Day has always been a favorite holiday of mine, or at least in my top two.

Not because of the nostalgia, or even the parties, but because of the fresh start. 2012 was a great year, and has the new year approaches, I find myself in the midst of a creative period. I feel inspired to write and learn, excited to be continuing with Nuskool, eager to start lessons with a new teacher, proud to be releasing a new record, and curious to see what I’ll discover as I continue to delve deeper into my solo piano performances. Naturally, I’d like to share all of this good stuff with you. Here are some chances to come hear what I’m up to these days; I look forward to seeing you at a show real soon. Click on the venue name for address and info.

March 3, with Nuskool . . . . Herb’s, 9:00pm – 1am

March 20, Solo Performance . . . . Black Crown Lounge & Accents, 6-10pm

April 7, with Nuskool at the Crown Pub, 7-10pm

APRIL 13, CD RELEASE PARTY AT THE SOILED DOVE UNDERGROUND, with special guests The Old Souls . . . . doors at 7pm, show at 8pm

Check back often for updates, including info regarding the release of my new record Tourist . . . in the meantime, happy new year and see you soon!

Jon

2012 . . . Thank you!

admin — Mon, 24 Dec 2012 23:07:02 +0000

Hopefully you are enjoying time with friends and family this holiday season, and staying warm with loved ones. As the year draws to a close, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your support over the past 12 months.

2012 was an eventful year for me, the biggest leap to date with my music career. I recorded my second album, Tourist, which will be out in April of 2013, formed an innovative new trio called Nuskool, provided the soundtrack for Adam Schlosser’s award winning short film In The Body (link included here), had my song “Country” chosen from a nationwide pool to be included on a compilation cd for a charitable cause (not allowed to disclose details for this project yet), and quit my day job.

It has been a tremendous ride so far–exciting, fun and scary at times–but your support has helped make it all possible. I sincerely hope you have a wonderful and relaxing holiday, and that 2013 brings you nothing but the very best for you and your loved ones.

Happy holidays and thank you,

Jon Wirtz

p.s. Interested in more Christmas tunes? Click here!

Debut record “Sea Level” available for download

admin — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 18:22:53 +0000

Thankfully, a lot of folks have been asking recently, “Where can I buy your album?” While I sell physical copies at live performances, you can also download my record Sea Level by clicking RIGHT HERE. Voted one of the best Denver albums of 2010 by the Westword, it includes eight original compositions, as well as covers of “Someday My Prince Will Come” and Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun.”

And check back to the site often, as my second full length record, Tourist–featuring the best musicians Colorado has to offer–will be coming out in early 2013!

“Sea Level by Jon Wirtz is a brilliant collection of music.” — Cyrus Rhodes, Indie Music Digest

“There was a lyricism, a beauty and intimate melodic feel that really comes through in every song regardless of what else is happening…” — Michael Anderson, Gear Diary

“Sea Level is one amazing solo debut . . . his passion and energy and spirit as an artist shine through every track.” — Jeanie Straub, Colorado Music Buzz

“Sea Level by Jon Wirtz is an impressive collection of music. The more you look at, the more impressive it really is.” — Markus Druery, Indieshark

“I get the same sensation with Wirtz as I do Joshua Redman, Herbie Hancock, and even Coltrane.” — Music Emissions

Check out more reviews here.

Fall/Winter Performances . . .

admin — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 02:02:14 +0000

When the temperatures are falling, leaves are changing, and snow is soon to cover the landscape, great music seems to just accentuate the beauty of it all. Venues become just a little bit more intimate as people huddle for warmth, so I’m excited to be preparing for another winter of shows. Here is a brief schedule of performances that are scheduled in the meantime. Check back often, as more shows are still being booked . . .

November 3, sitting in with Flobots (album release party) @ Gothic Theater, Englewood CO . . . 9pm

November 17, Solo performance @ Black Crown Lounge, Denver CO . . . 5:30pm

November 29, Solo performance @ Johnny’s Cigar Bar, Boulder CO . . . 9pm

December 2, NUSKOOL @ Herb’s, Denver CO . . . 9:30pm

December 7, NUSKOOL @ Skylark Lounge, Denver CO . . . 9pm

I look forward to seeing you at a show real soon, thanks!

Let it go . . .

admin — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 21:05:28 +0000

I recently read something online about artists clinging too hard to their art, and as a result, it is never to be seen or heard by the world. Why? Simply because the artist has imposed too much judgement upon his or herself, comparing their own work to that of their heroes. While comparison can sometimes be useful in helping us grow, it can also act as a hindrance in truly sharing beautiful things with the rest of the world. I admit, I’m very guilty of this myself. So as an exercise in letting go, I decided to hit record and post this before I had time to edit or talk myself out of it. Here’s me jammin’ on the theme from “Frasier” (weird choice, I know, haha).

Goodnight everybody!

Introducing Nuskool

admin — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 20:44:55 +0000

Everything happens in its right time. Or so I’m told.

Since I moved to Colorado over 9 years ago, I’ve played with countless great musicians, all over the state and country. And I’m grateful for every gig, every band, every friendship I’ve made, and every note played with so many great people. For years I’ve had in mind a trio arrangement that would combine originality, groove, improvisation, jazz, experimentation, and the courage and attentiveness of its collective members to stray from the plan when the music calls for it.

Enter Nuskool. With this new creative endeavor, which is performing music from my upcoming record, it looks as though this goal is coming to fruition. Here’s a sample of one of the songs we play from the record; the song is called “Camouflage For A Sunny Day.”

After a successful trio debut at this summer’s Underground Music Showcase in Denver, I’m excited to start playing out live with this project. As the lineup is still being solidified, it’s been a blast working with various talented musicians in the meantime. Come out and see for yourself, as we have a few dates to announce right now. Check back soon, as the schedule will be updated as more are confirmed:

August 12, Nuskool @ Bohemian Nights Festival, Ft. Collins CO . . . 11:50am, Library Park Stage.

September 12, Nuskool @ The Laughing Goat, Boulder CO . . . 9pm

October 12, Nuskool @ Dazzle Restaurant and Lounge, Denver CO . . . 10:30pm

October 17, Nuskool @ The Laughing Goat, Boulder CO . . . 9pm

December 2, Nuskool @ Herb’s, Denver CO . . . 9:30pm

Group short bio: Inspired by the masters of the past as well as the innovators of the present, Nuskool is shaped by elaborate original compositions, pocket grooves, and forward thinking mentality. This is not your parent’s jazz.