Dan Jacobs: Writings

CD REVIEW
I've had the pleasure of hearing Dan play live. GREAT MUSIC! WONDERFUL PLAYING! Dan simply has the touch!

There's amazing sensitity and expression in his playing. When Dan plays he creates a whole uinverse of aesthetically pleasing and enlightening communication.. truly amazing and "magical" stuff. When he plays... I just want to listen. :)
-Perry, Richmond BC - CANADA

Review: All right! OK!........If we're the summation of all that we've seen & heard.........Then, trumpeteer Dan Jacobs has chosen a winner to aspire to, in the dedication of his new CD to his buddy & mentor, Bobby Shew (jazz trumpet soloist). If you peruse Dan's take of the (2) eternal standards, 'Angel Eyes' & 'Like Someone In Love,' I sense most will agree with me! Dan's command of his artistry demands careful listening....And unarguably Bobby Shew has inspired a new unique soloist in the guise of Dan Jacobs. I'm trying to suggest that Jacobs has already established his persona as a exceptional player-stylist. His solos are articulate, haunting, expansive, challenging, advanced, accurate, intense etc. Hell, he's simply one of our new great offerings to the jazz world.

"Your solos have a way of making the songs come alive; they mark the arrival of a superb new artist!"

- João da Penha, Host,
Brazilian Jazz Radio

The CD “Blue After Hours”
Since primarily being a composer, arranger and sometime jazz pianist, usually I find myself listening to composers such as Shostakovitch, Stravinsky, Copland, Bernstein, Bartok, Arlen, Porter and the jazz piano of Fred Hersch, Clare Fischer, Keith Jarrett and the young Taylor Eigsti. Seldom do I take the time to listen to other music, although in the past, the horn playing of Stan Getz, Miles Davis and Paul Desmond have been my favorites.

Recently I received a copy of the CD “Blue After Hours” (Simplicity Jazz records) featuring the trumpet playing of Dan Jacobs. Normally I listen to a CD a little at a time, but discovered I wanted to listen to this one in its entirety.

I was impressed, from the beginning, with the beautifully sustained haunting trumpet of the slow first two, “Blue” and “Angel Eyes.” With clear and lovely tones, Mr. Jacobs possesses complete control of his instrument as well as being a sensitive, creative artist.
There is an exciting variety of songs, several of which I’ve not heard before such as “Fields of Gold” but I enjoyed them equally as well. The accompanying musicians, including the Jacobs family, are excellent and Randy Dorman’s inventive, facile guitar is a perfect substitute for a piano. A swinging up-tempo rendition of the old standard “Look For the Silver Lining” especially shows the masterful, creative jazz playing of Dan including an exciting cadenza-like break in the music. This album demonstrates the excellent musicianship of all the players and I would recommend this CD not only to those who enjoy jazz, but also to everyone who enjoys exceptionally good music.
Jack Kimmell PhD
August 17, 2005

"Jazz trumpet recording artist Dan Jacobs' playing is unique and yet familiar; mature and at the same time, innocent; playful and occasionally serious when called for . . . but always supremely satisfying. His playing and solos never leave you wanting for anything . . . except wanting to hear more!"
- Aaron Hunter, staff reviewer, NEW JAZZ HORIZONS magazine

Hello Dan,

I wanted to tell you that your CD, "Blue After Hours," stayed in my car for weeks, then on the
kitchen tabel for a few more weeks and when last sunday morning I opened it and pushed play,
I almost could not beleive my ears.

Its the best jazz record I have heard in 30 plus years...it took me back to
early Chet Baker like maybe his first one or two records or Miles Davis before he got lost in
his own ego. It created the atmosphere that came from those records back when certain
moments were priceless.

This CD is world class in its approach and I could listen to it over and over and over;
if you dropped dead today the CD will live on.

My highest congatulations to you for such a world class artistic
contribution,music just doesn't get any better than this.
WOW!

Tom Wright

REVIEW: BLUE AFTER HOURS
Simplicity Jazz SJ0409

“Plan to spend some time with this album. It grabs you from the first note and never lets go! Trumpeter Dan Jacobs is featured as the primary soloist with some tasty work also by Randy Dorman. All the players are obviously seasoned pro’s and they work together like they love what they’re doing and it shows in the music.

What impressed me first about Dan Jacobs’ trumpet playing, is that it feels young but also saturated with a sense of emotional maturity. It appears he has not lost that excitement of discovery and adventure when experiencing something for the first time. His approach to the music makes it seem like he's playing it for the first time and makes the listener appreciate those songs again.

The buoyancy of youth, seasoned with the maturity of experience stands out in his tone and the freshness of his approach. His playing never sounds dated, stale or repetitive rather it’s almost the voice and song of a child . . . and in a way I guess it is.”

Highly recommended!!!
Five Stars.

Just recieved the copy of "Blue After Hours" and it's absolutely wonderful! I know this is way in the future, but is there any chance you would be able to do a gig for us? April 2006 is our 20th anniversary as a jazz club?
-Betty

GREAT POETRY from a fan:

Dan Jacobs is a philosopher
He plays a wicked horn
Me thinks he's known 'bout greenbacks
Since the day when he was born.

A promoter's mind has he
"Turn good music into cash"
Websites and essays abound
With creative flair and dash.

His vocabulary's magnificent
Here and there a Gothic phrase
'Tis certain he's read Shakespeare,
Freud and those of former days.

He's sensative and caring
His style is silky smooth
His smile has many meanings
If you're not quite in his groove.

If a thought is several sided
He'll examine it to a "T"
With whichever side he takes
You'll probably agree.

Possesed with exacting ear
An embouchure of steel
The smoothness of his tone
Make ladies sigh or squeal.

He writes and plays with style
What's within becomes without
What's there is there and Dan
Unlike "Alfie" knows what's it all about!
J. Kimmell

DAN JACOBS IS . . .
by Jack Kimmell

Dan Jacobs is a philosopher
He plays a wicked horn
Me thinks he's known 'bout greenbacks
Since the day when he was born.

A promoter's mind has he
"Turn good music into cash"
Websites and essays abound
With creative flair and dash.

His vocabulary's magnificent
Here and there a Gothic phrase
'Tis certain he's read Shakespeare,
Freud and those of former days.

He's sensative and caring
His style is silky smooth
His smile has many meanings
If you're not quite in his groove.

If a thought is several sided
He'll examine it to a "T"
With whichever side he takes
You'll probably agree.

Possesed with exacting ear
An embouchure of steel
The smoothness of his tone
Make ladies sigh or squeal.

He writes and plays with style
What's within becomes without
What's there is there and Dan
Unlike "Alfie" knows what's it all about!
- Jack Kimmell, PhD

(Jack Kimmell is a marvelous musician, composer, arranger conductor and pianist and all 'round good guy!)

CD REVIEW:

Eileen,

Al Julian just sent me your latest CD,"Eileen"...it's fabulous!!
I am adding it on our radio show for play in Michigan. You deliver a
song like it should be ...with feeling!!!

Your interpretation of these standards is right on the money and Dan
Jacobs is always the best...#1.

By the way, I understand you are from Michigan too. I like to
feature Michigan artists. Where are you located?
Keep up the good work!

Jim Stone, WLNZ, 89.7 FM

SPARKLING TRUMPET WORK

This album begins very promisingly with Dan Jacobs' flugelhorn and Randy Dorman's guitar on the title tune channelling the spirit of Paul Desmond and Jim Hall from their many '60s recordings, usually in a pianoless quartet or quintet . . . the same vibe exists insofar as relaxing jazz music from quality musicians.

The album is dedicated to veteran trumpeter Bobby Shew, and this is as good an indicator of Jacobs' style as any.

. . .

This album is a showcase for the trumpeter and guitarist and their interplay. Randy Dorman provides some delicious guitar fills and solos lyrically; Dan Jacobs supplies sparkling trumpet/flugelhorn work throughout the album.
-By Michael P. Gladstone

CRITIQUE: OF ITHACA HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ BAND - by BOB JAMES
- Kevin Smith, Director
April 29, 2005

Hi, very nice to meet you Dan. Your playing sounds great!

Well, well, well . . . Kevin asked me to be a critic and critics have not always been very kind to me during my career. On one level it’s an opportunity for me to be on the other side of it and temporarily be a critic so that could be kinda cool except that I don’t think I’m going to be able to find much of anything but nice things to say, which is not usually what critics do.

You guys just sound fantastic! I was thinking, is this really a high school level? Students? Most of you are what? 15 - 16 – 17 years old? Fantastic! Wish I had that opportunity when I was in high school. We had a pretty good music program but we had nothing in the way of jazz education in those days. I think things have come a long way and there are a number of places that teach jazz. I always had mixed feelings about it, like jazz education to me in some ways was kinda a misnomer because what I always loved about jazz as opposed to classical music was the freedom and the fact that you got to do what you wanted to do that is not always written down. When you’re in a classroom there is a little bit of discipline involved particularly with a big band situation.

I was the most impressed with this piece that you did what I like, which was to . . . you had the control over the discipline of the arrangement but you also had the bravado to relax in the spirit of having fun. You’re playing music that under a lot of circumstances, people would want to be dancing to it. So the biggest thing, immediately for me that I liked was, thank you very much, you were taking care of business right from the first measure. This kind of piece is really hard too because from the count off, instantly you have to get into the groove. He goes 1,2,3,4 and then instantly you have to be in this Latin groove and you did it, you nailed it! And that makes a complete difference with the way the piece is going to come off because everybody is ready to go, sets up the solos and so on. I thought that was very cool.

Dynamics, I love the way that you played with a lot of dynamics and saved your loud stuff for when it’s really appropriate to be loud. Some jazz falls short for me in that area maybe more than any other area because very often you’re playing music that is not completely written down in the sense that you have to play forte here or a crescendo there. My experience is, even with big band charts, dynamics are usually pretty minimal and you have to work out internal in that you decide for yourself whether you’re going to make a crescendo and whether you’re going to make the music more dramatic. Music becomes so much more powerful in an ensemble when there is a clear sense of where you’re going dynamically.

I felt that in the solos, quite obviously the man with the experience was the man who could really drive home things in the solo area and I think he showed all of you how you can start with just a brief statement, when you’re playing a solo, which lets people know that you’ve got the ball. And then it becomes a little miniature composition, which, the way this arrangement was played out, it has to build. Dan took his time, he knew that there was going to be the moment when the background ensemble was going to come in underneath, which is sort of a built in crescendo in his solo, so he saved some of drama of it for when the background stuff was coming in. All you guys were playing dynamics behind all the solos really, so that they all built. I loved that.

Those are the things that I thought of. I don’t have anything else major to say in terms of being a critic. My short role of being a critic is over. I’d rather be back there playing the piano rather than telling somebody else how to play music, particularly in the jazz area because jazz has a million different ways that it can be expressed, that’s another thing that I love about it. It isn’t just one big style or one individual way of playing it, it’s a very free spirited kind of music and that’s the way all of you approached it. I’m very happy to see that. I would have been disappointed in a jazz program that was too constricted, too disciplined. Even though you’re high school students when you should be emphasing practicing and becoming disciplined because this is the best time of your life to do that because later on when life gets too complicated, you probably won’t practice.

So just for whatever it’s worth, my own feeling about this genre is that it’s best when it has a very good balance between discipline and freedom. Too much discipline then it loses it’s feeling of uninhibited, free-flowing, jazz spirit. If it’s too free, without discipline supporting it, then to my ears, it becomes chaotic and an excuse for not being fully prepared. If you have the chops, you practice, if you have the discipline, then there is a great deal of being able to relax and be free and enjoy the free spirit of jazz in that way. I encourage you to do plenty of the practice because the freedom will flow easily out of that.

One other thing, it’s interesting that the improvising part to some people might seem like it’s easy because theoretically you can do whatever you want to do. That’s the whole idea of improvising; you can just be yourself and act spontaneously. But at the beginning stages of learning about that, improvisation can be the most mysterious, the most difficult to teach, I’d like to sit in on one of Dan’s classes because the times when I’ve tried to do anything in terms of teaching it, I find myself tongue-tied. I never had a method when I learned how to improvise. For some of us it’s a kind of an instinctive thing and you feel comfortable with not knowing what’s going to happen next. A lot of very good musicians, classical musicians are still mystified by the concept. They’ve spent their lives practicing and practicing to perfect something that is a known, written out thing. But, if you just told them to play something without knowing anything about what is going to happen, they would be at a loss to do anything. I can imagine, without hearing Dan’s classes, that what he will have to offer in that way, is some kind of a foundation, a place to start from so that it isn’t just chaos, so that it isn’t just this unknown situation, so that you have weapon, so you have phrases, so that you have knowledge so that when you have the opportunity to jump out there and start something new, you have all things to work with and it isn’t just a complete random effect.

Dan: It’s freedom, but within certain, specific guidelines.

As weird as it may sound, the more discipline you have, the more freedom you can have as well . . . there are so many directions that you can go.

- Bob James, a mainstay of the contemporary jazz scene since the early ’70s, keyboardist-composer Bob James has released 38 solo albums, won two Grammy awards, and topped jazz charts as a member of the super-group Fourplay.

WONDERFUL PHRASING -- beautiful expression of great music.

Reviewer: Bruce Knepper, professional trumpeter

I love Dan's phrasing on this recording. Just when I think he's going to breathe, he doesn't. It keeps your attention on the music, and makes you wonder how much more he's going to express. This is a very musical endeavor by everyone on the recording.

"I'm impressed with trumpeter Dan Jacobs' sense of space in his playing which is very evocative and heartfelt. I love guys who are so confident in what they have to say that they're not afraid to let the silences add depth to the overall picture." -John Hammel, JAZZ RADIO HOST, WNTI-FM, NEW JERSEY

"The wonderfully controlled trumpet and flugelhorn from Dan Jacobs is a model of taste and feeling. " Highly recommended!” -Brian Robinson, LONDON JAZZ JOURNAL

Dan Jacobs's music speaks for itself. Listen and you'll understand, as one listener from Los Angeles had to say:

"Dan Jacobs has the best tone I've ever heard recorded on trumpet. It really is stellar. When I put on "Like Someone In Love" I breathed a deep sigh like, "ahhhhh . . . now there we go. That tone . . . I could listen to it all day." - J. Michael, LOS ANGELES

Dan Jacobs is the consummate musical artist. His music emanates from within. It is unique in a way that only the true artist can achieve. He just sounds like himself! As one reviewer put it:

"He has what every musician strives for and rarely achieves . . . their own identity. Dan Jacobs' trumpet solo style is unique and original, his tone is clean and pure and he can go upstairs on a moments notice. He is among the finest of the players carrying the message of our music. Thank you for playing JAZZ as it should be!" - John Gilbert, JAZZ REVIEW.com

Dan Jacobs’ music is a rare gift to the world of jazz and music in general. Savor it while you can.

DAN JACOBS AND "BLUE AFTER HOURS"

"Once you've listened to jazz trumpeter, Dan Jacobs and 'Blue After Hours', you'll understand why he's the #1 choice of celebrated critics and jazz connoisseurs around the world. His passion for quality in jazz is apparent in his approach of, "uncluttered complexity," allowing the message to come through to the listener from the melody, harmony and rhythm, just the way it should be! From the depth of quality in his tone to the maturity and sophistication of his solos, he creates and unforgettable experience you simply won't find anywhere else. Highly recommended." - Seth Allan, jazz reviewer, NewJazzHorizons.com

REVIEW FROM BOB HARRIGAN

“Clifford Brown has always been my favorite and I once said no one will ever compare to him. Now that I have heard Dan Jacobs, I might have to eat those words!”
- Bob Harrigan, Music Advisor/Artist Liaison: JAZZ FESTIVALS/FLORIDA

Review: BLUE AFTER HOURS
Artist: DAN JACOBS

The world is full of good musicians who work hard in studios and on tours with various bands, playing a variety of music styles flawlessly, yet whose names never become household musical calling cards. Trumpeter/flugelhornist Dan Jacobs is this type of musician.

Blue After Hours is softly seductive without the need for splash, overproduction or flaunting of technical chops. Tasteful is the watchword here!

One reason being is the incredibly clean and erudite playing of the rhythm section. Randy Dorman’s guitar is right out of the Ed Bickert school of playing only what is necessary and no more – perhaps the hardest style of jazz guitar to master. When combined with understated drumming (each of the three rotating drummers does Jacobs well in support) and Chuck Jacobs’ cool bass lines the result is music which serves the style and not the ego. It’s too bad there’s not more music recorded with this as the aim.

Dan Jacobs’ beautiful lines remind one of Chris Botti, except that Jacobs’ work brings more extended improvisation to the mix and a much fuller, darker, smoother and more luxurious tone than any mink coat, and twice as shiny.

You won’t want to take the disc out of your player for just this reason.

The trumpet/flugelhorn overdubbing on Sting’s “Fields of Gold” is elegant and stylish at the same time. The interplay between Dorman and Jacobs on Dorman’s “Blues d’Jour” is what jazz is all about. The light electronic treatment on “Dream Sketches” is handled just as tastefully as everything else on the recording. Nothing happens fast and there’s certainly nothing flashy on this recording, “Look for the Silver Lining” does swing a bit, but if you love music for the sake of the music you won’t go wrong with this CD.

Reviewed by: Thomas R. Erdmann for jazzreview.com

TRUTH IN JAZZ ORCHESTRA: CONCERT REVIEW

Eddy Curtis, reviewer/trumpeter June 20, 2006

On Monday, June 19, the Truth in Jazz Orchestra opened West Michigan Jazz Society's annual Jazz at the Zoo concert series with a mighty flourish and kicked off the 2006 season off in style. More than 350 guests were in attendance for this exciting concert held on a beautiful and clear West Michigan evening. This is going to be well remembered as one of the best performances for a long time to come.

The founder of this fabulous top notch ensemble, David Collee, trombone and bassist, along with West Michigan's legendary drummer and musical director, Tim Froncek, have certainly outdone themselves once again! This incredible two hour free performance started promptly at 6:30 PM and featured a hand picked selection of 16 of the hottest and seasoned jazz musicians from around our area. The very wide variety of musical selections were impressive from the likes of big band giants such as Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Mel Lewis, and Stan Kenton, just to name a few.

In addition to all the great talent, internationally acclaimed jazz trumpet recording artist, Dan Jacobs, who now currently resides in Michigan, was the featured soloist on a special Latin selection which was written by world famous jazz trumpeter and composer (and Dan's close friend), Bobby Shew. Dan performed this selection brilliantly as it was clearly defined through his complete mastery of the instrument and his uniquely elegant interpretation of the music. The sound quality he produces through his horn was truly phenomenal and continues to be inspirational to many people.

In addition, almost everyone in the orchestra had an opportunity as a soloist as well. The versatility and great talents of every musician combined with the overall blend of the ensemble was amazing. Every section of the ensemble was extremely well represented through the technical abilities of each musician’s sectional contributions. Cleverly written and well played articulate and challenging syncopated passages within the evening's musical arrangements showcased them extremely well and came through to the audience very clean. The reed section was extremely tight and it was refreshing to hear them stand out in many featured portions of the concert. There were many awesome shout choruses from the orchestra that were literally sizzling from the brass section and the lead trumpet’s upper range was out of site! All of this was combined with a most outstanding rhythm section that was delightful to watch and listen to as they kept everything crisp, cool, and swinging hard.

The concert concluded after the orchestra played through a final terrific Buddy Rich selection and the TiJO received a huge and well deserved standing ovation after their performance of Buddy’s chart. The only regret was the evening seemed to have suddenly ended as soon as it began because the overall musical performance and showmanship of this ensemble was timeless. No one wanted the evening to end as the audience was totally immersed in their enjoyment to hear every one of these fine musicians who came out and worked together to put on one of the best big band concerts around anywhere!

For those of you who attended this marvelous concert, thank you for supporting live jazz music and most importantly, the preservation of this truly priceless and wonderful American culture. If you haven't heard this terrific ensemble yet, please take the time to do so and get to know each of these fine artists. They are all wonderful people who continue to have a lot of music to share with you. To discover more about the happenings of the Truth in Jazz Orchestra, please visit www.tijo.org or feel free to email bassandbone@aol.com.

NEW REVIEW OF "BLUE AFTER HOURS" - FROM EJAZZNEWS.COM
By John Gilbert

The brothers Jacobs, plus friends, have another superior album. Dan
Jacobs has developed an individualistic style and a magnificent tone to
emerge as one of the forces in the jazz idiom.

"Like Someone In Love" showcases Jacobs' trumpet mastery at its best.

His soliloquy on this tune is a study in ideation. A nice solo by Randy Dorman on guitar adds a nice message to the mix.

"Look For The Silver Lining" This chestnut is brought forth as brightly as a sapphire in the sunlight....Dan Jacobs takes a different approach on this track with a hint of Chet Baker but showing much more muscle.This nice departure adds a lot to an already fine disc.

This is a solid jazz album, as is always the case with Messers Jacobs and company. For those of you who are sick and tired of the plethora of styles ie; con-fusion and swingless tunes with meaningless notes, this recording is a blessing for you true jazzophiles.....5 STARS

An excellent CD! Straightforward jazz that is highly melodic and entertaining. This is fresh, well-executed music. Trumpeter Dan Jacobs shoulders most of the lead with great sensitivity and panache, backed by the fine flowing and intuitive guitar of Randy Dorman. -FERDINAND MAYLIN, JAZZ NOW MAGAZINE

An excellent CD! Straightforward jazz that is highly melodic and entertaining. This is fresh, well-executed music. Trumpeter Dan Jacobs shoulders most of the lead with great sensitivity and panache, backed by the fine flowing and intuitive guitar of Randy Dorman. -FERDINAND MAYLIN, JAZZ NOW MAGAZINE

This CD is a gem! Dan Jacobs has succeeded in what every musician strives for and rarely achieves - - their own identity. His trumpet style is unique, his tone is clean and pure and he can go upstairs on a moments notice. -JOHN GILBERT, JAZZREVIEW.COM

I was struck by Dan Jacobs’ beautiful sound on trumpet – his warm, full sound, his articulation, vibrato, use of space and thoughtful, logical improvised lines. His approach is clearly about taste and musicality. Technique serves the music! -WINTHROP BEDFORD, JAZZ IMPROV MAGAZINE

This is a great CD! It rarely gets better than this!!! This is the first time I have ever given 5 points out of 5. I highly recommend it to any jazz enthusiast. The Brothers have some really cool arrangements of some jazz standards, the recording is just right and all of the players have great tone. This is an excellent CD! - SOUTHOFMAINSTREAM.COM/REVIEWS

Dan Jacobs is one helluva trumpet player! Everything on this CD is pleasing to the ear. -JIM CLARK, JAZZ MUSIC DIRECTOR/HOST, KUSD-FM

Excellent album! It has been in full rotation, all tracks since I received it. -JOHN SUTTON, HOST, JAZZEXCURSION.COM, JAZZ RADIO

I was struck by Dan Jacobs’ beautiful sound on trumpet – his warm, full sound, his articulation, vibrato, use of space and thoughtful, logical improvised lines. His approach is clearly about taste and musicality. Technique serves the music! -WINTHROP BEDFORD, JAZZ IMPROV MAGAZINE

This is a great CD! It rarely gets better than this!!! This is the first time I have ever given 5 points out of 5. I highly recommend it to any jazz enthusiast. The Brothers have some really cool arrangements of some jazz standards, the recording is just right and all of the players have great tone. This is an excellent CD! - SOUTHOFMAINSTREAM.COM/REVIEWS

Dan Jacobs is one helluva trumpet player! Everything on this CD is pleasing to the ear. -JIM CLARK, JAZZ MUSIC DIRECTOR/HOST, KUSD-FM

Excellent album! It has been in full rotation, all tracks since I received it. -JOHN SUTTON, HOST, JAZZEXCURSION.COM, JAZZ RADIO

This is a great CD! It rarely gets better than this!!! This is the first time I have ever given 5 points out of 5. I highly recommend it to any jazz enthusiast. The Brothers have some really cool arrangements of some jazz standards, the recording is just right and all of the players have great tone. This is an excellent CD! - SOUTHOFMAINSTREAM.COM/REVIEWS

Dan Jacobs is one helluva trumpet player! Everything on this CD is pleasing to the ear. -JIM CLARK, JAZZ MUSIC DIRECTOR/HOST, KUSD-FM

Excellent album! It has been in full rotation, all tracks since I received it. -JOHN SUTTON, HOST, JAZZEXCURSION.COM, JAZZ RADIO

One of the most impressive instrumentals is offered by Dan Jacobs who does a haunting, very stirring "Pilate's Dream," which Jack Kimmell has arranged for trumpet, rather than retaining it as a vocal segment. That was a touch of genius, and the young trumpet player is equal to the writing. 1971

January 27, 2007
"This new CD brings a goodplay. But this is serious play, play of substance and meaning, play that explores the external and ephemeral in the life. I enjoyed !" Carlos Cardenas

REVIEW: JAZZ STANDARD TIME – The Jacobs Brothers
April 16, 2003

ALBUM: “JAZZ STANDARD TIME”

ARTIST: Dan Jacobs and the Jacobs Brothers
STYLE: Upbeat mainstream instrumental jazz
LABEL: SEA BREEZE JAZZ

Review:
The title to this album says it all. It is definitely “Jazz Standard Time” with Dan Jacobs and the Jacobs Brothers. This album is like walking down a familiar street and noticing some new stores you’d never seen before. The standards are familiar yet with a new, refreshing approach. It’s like the first time these songs have ever been recorded. The Jacobs brothers are three extremely talented musicians. Dan, on trumpet, has a command of his instrument that is as comfortable as it is exciting to hear with a gorgeous tone and fresh ideas, he is a player due for wider recognition. Chuck, on electric bass, sounds so much like an upright bass, I had to check the liner notes to make sure. He does exactly what is called for in this setting though it’s obvious he is capable of anything. Check out his composition, “Desert Sunrise” and his soloing and playing on that number where the excitement never stops. Rod, on drums, is the consummate, drummers' drummer. He is in the pocket, with the right sounds at the right time. You never have to wonder if he’s going to be there . . . he’s right on the money! Guitarist, Randy Dorman, is a surprisingly welcome addition with beautifully complex chords and VERY tasty soloing that you’ll never grow tired of listening to. This is my pick for favorite jazz album of the year! FIVE STARS!!!

- Aaron Hunter, reviewer, NJH magazine