INTERVIEWS & REVIEWS: cd & book reviews

ALBUM: “JAZZ STANDARD TIME”
ARTIST: Dan Jacobs and the Jacobs Brothers
STYLE: Mainstream instrumental jazz
LABEL: SEA BREEZE JAZZ

Review:
The title to this album says it all. It is definitely “Jazz Standard Time” when Dan Jacobs and the Jacobs Brothers get together to play.

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
www.jazzstandardtime.com

CD REVIEW: FUTURE MEMORIES
ARTISTS: DAN JACOBS AND CHUCK JACOBS
LABEL: SIMPLICITY RECORDS
STYLE: MELODIC NEW AGE

REVIEW:

There is something magical about this music. The more I listened, the more I became pleasantly seduced!

With this CD,"FUTURE MEMORIES" Dan and Chuck Jacobs have created a work of art; something unique yet familiar, original yet somehow recognizable and every melody seems to resonate with the listener to create an effect beyond anything expected.

Coming on the heels of their first successful release, “Dream Sketches” I would venture to say that they’ve hit the jackpot again with this CD.

These two talented brothers have again composed all the tunes on the album and arranged and performed all the music with Chuck on electric bass and Dan on flutes and both brothers playing piano on their individual tunes. Every composition is like a new breath of fresh air to even an experienced listener. It’s obvious that both brothers have a high regard for melody, sometimes a forgotten element of music today.

Dan Jacobs proves himself to be a competent composer with, “Affair Of The Heart,” which cries out to be utilized as the theme to a yet-to-be-released romantic movie. “Wait For Me” also by Dan is one of my favorites with the haunting and yet uplifting melodies and interwoven lines by piano, flutes and strings played by Dan and supported very ably by Chuck on bass.

Chuck Jacobs, also a excellent composer with his tune, “Pastorius,” obviously a passionate tribute to Jaco Pastorius, is able to capture the essence of the emotion so many others felt when Jaco passed away. It is a very moving performance as a bass solo by Chuck as well. “Smooth Sailing” features Chuck as a composer and a performance on piano that grabs you from the first note and doesn’t let go. Very Highly Recommended!

- Sandy Miller, reviewer, MUSIC FROM THE HEART magazine
www.simplicityrecords.com