Rob Jacoby

Bio:

Rob Jacoby is a multi-woodwind player, who has had the opportunity to play music from many different genres, especially concentrating in jazz and classical music. Although Rob began on the tenor saxophone at age 8, he has gained acute abilities on the other saxophones, as well as oboe and English horn, clarinet and bass clarinet, flute and piccolo, and bassoon. He leads a variety of groups in and around New York and can be seen at jazz clubs, as well as with local orchestras. Rob Jacoby grew up in White Plains, New York and began saxophone instruction at the age of 8 with his mentor, Milt Williams, father of actress/singer Vanessa Williams and actor/comedian Chris Williams. By age 11, Rob's interests concentrated on jazz music and he began his studies in this genre elsewhere. Rob's career started by playing in theatrical productions in local theaters at the age of 12, honing his reading abilities and doubling skills. Later, he played with the Westchester County Youth Jazz Ensemble and began to play local jazz gigs. Rob started his own group called the Westchester Blue Notes, a sextet, who performed throughout Westchester County and the rest of the tri-state area. Later, during high school, his abilities advanced and he was recognized as the most valuable musician of the school during his freshman year there. During these years, he was chosen as first tenor saxophonist in the Westchester County School Music Association's All County Jazz Ensemble three years in a row. At the age of 15, Rob began studying with world-renowned saxophonist Ralph Lalama, who took the young musician under his wing and became one of his mentors. During Rob's last year in high school, he was selected as the first tenor saxophonist in the New York All State Jazz Ensemble directed by Mike Holober, performing in both Rochester and Albany. Rob has had the pleasure of recording for renowned jazz producer Teo Macero. The recording included legendary musicians such as Lee Konitz, Dave Liebman, Alex Sipiagin, George Garzone, and others. The album was released in the summer of 2007. In addition to his first sideman recording, Rob also recorded his first album as a leader in 2007. The album is entitled, "Step Up" and is released on the Garagista Music label. The quartet/quintet album features Grammy-award winning trumpeter Brian Lynch, pianist David Hazeltine, bassist John Ray, and drummer Ron Vincent. Over his short fruitful career, Rob has performed at the Blue Note a number of times, Jazz at Lincoln Center's Allen Room and Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, the Garage, the Bowery Poetry Club, and has been seen at Smalls, Sweet Rhythm, Showman's, and the Bar Next Door. He has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with greats including Joe Lovano, Lenny Pickett, Ralph Lalama, Steve Turre, Dennis Irwin, Wynton Marsalis, Chris Potter, Brian Lynch, Joe Magnarelli, Richie Vitale, and Barry Ries. Currently Rob is studying at New York University where he has the opportunity to study with Lenny Pickett. He also has acquired an even greater interest in the oboe and studies with the acclaimed oboist, Matt Sullivan. Through these studies, Rob has regained his love for classical music and is pursuing that as well. In addition to performing jazz and classical music in different settings, he also strives to find commonalities and bring them together.

Member Since:

December 30, 2006

Members:

Step Up Recording: Brian Lynch (Trumpet), David Hazeltine (Piano), John Ray (Bass), & Ron Vincent (Drums)

Influences:

Hank Mobley, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Rollins, James Moody, Jimmy Heath, Ralph Lalama, Joe Lovano, Sonny Stitt, Lee Morgan, Wayne Shorter

Sounds Like:

soprano, alto, tenor, baritone saxophones, oboe, English horn, clarinet (B-flat & A), E-flat clarinet, bass clarinet, piccolo, flute, alto flute, bassoon

Record Label:

Garagista Music