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Jeff Jacobs | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Jeffery Jacobs |
| Also known as | none |
| Born | May 9, 1962 [[Chicago]], [[Illinois]] |
| Genres | Rock, pop, jazz, classical, blues |
| Occupation(s) | Singer-songwriter, pianist |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, Piano, guitar, harmonica, accordion, organ, hammond organ, melodica, clavinet, drums, harpsicord, percussion |
| Years active | 1988–present |
| Labels | Columbia, Family Productions, Famous Music, Sony Classical |
| Website | www |
Jeff Jacobs [born in Chicago 1962] is a multi-instrumentalist/producer most notable for recording and touring as keyboardist with multi-platinum recording artists Billy Joel [1] and the popular classic rock band Foreigner [2]. He currently is working on his second solo CD, a long awaited follow-up to the release of his 2005 tribute to the blues "All Blue To Me" [3]. Jeff also runs a production company "Big Dog Bites Music, Inc.", and produces and manages various established artists and up-and-comers such as; Wayne Baker Brooks [4] [son of blues legend Lonnie Brooks], and country artists "Breaking Southwest" [5].
Musician
editEarly Years
Born in Chicago in 1962, Jeff Jacobs expressed an interest in music at the early age of 5 yrs old, influenced by listening to his mother's piano lessons he quickly began studying the keys himself. A natural-born, quick student of the art form, Jeff began playing songs by ear off the radio almost immediately. As his musical inspiration progressed, Jeff found his thirst for knowledge directing him towards Jazz music while studying with acclaimed Chicago based teacher Alan Swain [6].
Graduating in 1984 from the University Of Indiana with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, Jeff remained in Bloomington Indiana for 4 more years to study with Jazz great David Baker [7] to hone his own writing and producing skills while traveling in a 7 piece funk band called “Kilo".
Billy Joel and Foreigner
After moving to New York City in 1988, it didn't take long for things to start happening for Jeff. Within 6 weeks he was on the road with American singer-songwriter Grayson Hugh, and just 1 month later was asked to Join the illustrious Billy Joel Band for his new record and tour. Well, the new record happened to be Billy's chart-topping come-back album “Stormfront” and the Billy's new producer for this project was guitarist/singer/songwriter/producer Mick Jones of Foreigner fame. Jeff went on to record two records with Billy Joel, "Storm Front" and "River of Dreams", and has toured the world playing every top venue in every city with the Piano Man. Jeff can be heard played the first notes of Billy’s last two number one singles, “We Didn't Start the Fire”, and “River Of Dreams”.
Songwriter and Producer
editSongwriter
Jeff Jacob's fascination with music holds no real biased, but if asked, his heart ultimately belongs to blues and jazz. So then it's no wonder that Jeff's first solo endeavor is a blues tribute titled "All Blue To Me"-- a testament to his love of blues, although peppered with many genres and influences throughout.
Big Dog Bites Music
Jeff's music production and management company, BDB Music offers artist's an opportunity to work with someone who knows the inside out of the industry, and has an impeccable ear to boot.
Family Man
editJeff is married and has two beautiful children that he lives with in Dallas, TX as of 2011.
References
edit- ^ Billy Joel - Wikipedia
- ^ Foreigner - Wikipedia
- ^ All Blue To Me - Jeff Jacobs 1st solo CD at iTunes
- ^ Wayne Baker Brooks - Wikipedia
- ^ Breaking Southwest - Country artist's website
- ^ Alan Swain - Music Instructor
- ^ David Baker (composer) - Wikipedia