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Jacob Merlin: Bringing back an old school sound, with a new styling of funky, jazzy, pop rock. Have you ever wondered what music would be like if you combined James Brown, Chicago, Stevie Wonder, Dave Matthews, Jack Johnson, and Steely Dan? JM’s songs blend these varied influences with personal lyrics and a palpable youthful energy that makes this group’s music original. ” A firey funk-fueled rampage anchored
by Merlin’s hard rock honky tonk piano playing and gritty tenor.” - KINK FM
The group's founding member, Jacob Merlin, is a Portland Native who learned to tickle the ivories at the wholesome age of four. Brought up on both classical and jazz standards, Jacob began to develop his music ability in composition, orchestration, and performance throughout his high school and college years. In 2000 Jacob moved to Nashville and immersed himself in the city’s music scene. With a newfound confidence and experience, he returned to Portland to start a band of original funk and rock inspired music. He found a city teeming with local talent and ready for something new. The other Jacob Merlin band members are...
Drummer Jordan Ruback began acquiring his chops at the age of 12. Studying with a local and national master of the craft, Mel Brown, he honed his skills and developed his own unique style. Jordan and Jacob have played in groups together for years, and it's easy to tell when you experience their natural ability to create a pocket groove.
Filling out the rhythm section is bass player Erik Mimnaugh. Eric is a fantastic player who has a background in jazz and classical bass, and earned his degree in bass performance at University of Oregon. With funky “slaptastic” lines, Erik’s driving energy fuels the fire of the group.
Michael Suffin, the band’s most experienced member, brings a great energy and incredible talent with his saucy electric guitar skills. With over 30 years of performance experience and schooled in all areas of rock and jazz, Michael adds a great blend of memorable lead lines and accents to the mix.
Rick Tippets is a well-versed trombone/flugle horn player with enormous skill. He also happens to be Jacob's father and the source of his middle name, Merlin. The name Merlin has been passed down through three generations, making Jacob the fourth firstborn son to share the legacy of musicians with this historical middle name. Sharing in the band's vision, Rick saw the potential of his son's group and signed on. Adding a touch of jazz and arrangements inspired by old school horn bands like Chicago, The Meters, and Jazz Crusaders, Rick brings depth and freshness to JM's catchy tunes.
Andy Fuller has played with Jacob Merlin now for approximately 2 years. Andy has a reputation of being a strong lead player that plays everything from fiery trumpet solos to flugelhorn solos that soothe the heart. Andy loves playing with the Jacob Merlin Band, and feels that he has found home. Andy's resume is long and very diverse. He has played with Arturo Sandoval, Diane Schur, The Temptations, Nancy Sinatra, Frankie Valli, Little Anthony, The Mill's Brothers. The list goes on and on. He also currently plays with Conjunto Alegre, a great Latin Band that Andy has played with for over 20 yrs. He also plays with Carl Smith and the Natural Gas Band. In the last few years Andy has played with Border Patrol, Steve Cannon and the Blowhards, and also teach's clinics and private lessons in the area. Andy's mentor and close friend is Mic Gillette of Tower of Power, Andy strives to be a major contributor to the Jacob Merlin Band.
Ron Regan is the latest addition to the Jacob Merlin Band and is an amazing soulful sax player that fits the band like a great pair of shoes. Ron is well known in the area and has over 25 years experience playing professional. Ron has a great musical history, having played with Atlantic Recording Artists and Grammy Nominated Band " Nu Shooz". He has appeared on Solid Gold and American Bandstand back in the 1980's. In the 1990's Ron played with the Crazy 8s and Body and Soul. Ron also performed with the Mills Brothers, Frankie Valli and Mary Wilson. He has played with and been a member of the band Soul Vaccination. Ron also played on various river boats based out of New Orleans and the Northwest. Much like Andy, Ron is excited about playing with a band that isn't a cover band. Ron's funky style and awesome jazz chops are a great fit for the Jacob Merlin Band.
The Jacob Merlin band’s stage performance is driving and exhilarating, making it hard not to get up, let loose, and dance until your feet hurt! The brilliance of the combination of old school and new school sets this group apart from all others, and elevates them to another level. Jacob Merlin's mesmerizing melodies and poetic lyrics will make you want to listen intently to what this singer/songwriter has to say.
Just looked at your upcoming shows and WOWZERS! Talent, OR?!?! That's near my hometown! You guys are on the move. Pretty soon you'll be heading beyond the great state of OR, becoming 1st a national sensation and then an international sensation! Travel safe! :o)
Okay Jacob Merlin...these are the times of our lives! Are you ready for your next chapter? I hope you have a GLORIOUS and ON FIRE CD release party! You have worked so hard to make this happen and I wish you all the successes in your endeavors. :) Tear it up and light the night on fire baby!!!! PJ
Sorry we couldnt connect when I was in town... I actually cried! ok maybe not, but what if I did? Anyways, till next time baby... and when you reach the stars, remember to bring back some star dust for the rest of us!!!!
Just wanted to stop by and say thanks and to let you know we posted the
final mixes for "The Nickajack EP (Part One)" today. We'd love it if
you stopped in for a listen and let us know what you think.
So Im so excited to hear there will be a little one in your life. How exciting for you both. I still miss seeing ya...Im gonna still try to make it out soon. Just life gets busy...as Im sure you know. But when I come out I will make sure I come up and say hello :)
Nice page...Comin thru 2 show sum luv..Please... feel free to check out my music your time is appreciated, and please show some luv and leave a comment.. thanks alot -Yung Royal-
can't make the cd party (Twice Baked is playing for the Susan G. Komen fundraiser 9/19). Have 
and continued success!
