JAY JACOBSON

Called “one of the most distinctive voices in pop music today” (Video Music Stars), and known to captivate audiences through his uniquely magical voice, singer-songwriter Jay Jacobson offers a melodic experience of emotional trip-hop, soft ballads and elaborate dance grooves. His musical catalogue consists of five full-length albums of his original work which have been played on radio and podcasts around the world. Named "The One to Watch" on the "Off the Charts" UK radio show, Jay's talent for creating meaningful songs reflect his genuine passion for connecting with people through music. 

 

Originally from Philadelphia, Jay, now Los Angeles based, grew up with a diverse slate of musical influences. Jazz and classical music courtesy of his father, and mother's show tunes made considerable impact. "I was raised on Frank Sinatra, show music and Burt Bacharach," he adds. "But Joan Armatrading, Jackson Browne, Joni Mitchell -- they spoke to me." At Temple University, he first encountered world music, an influence that would later color his song writing template. With a sterling suite of original songs, a stunning tenor voice and an incandescent vulnerability, Jay Jacobson revealed himself as a striking craftsman with his debut album, "Infinite Man". Foremost, Jacobson avows, "I followed a lyrical path that led me past fear -- that's what my songs are about." Continuing his musical journey, Jay released his follow up album "Ready", which included the Top 10 internationally charting single "Boy". Loaded with expressive song craft and melodies infused with unsuspecting waves of electronica, Jay coined the album's sound as "Emotional Trip-Hop". Contrasting with the modern, layered sound, two songs on “Ready,” "Open Your Eyes," and "Silence in My Head," feature his vocals accompanied by guitar and piano, an emotional breathing space in perfect counterpoint to the CD's orchestrations.

 

Framed and orchestrated in his emotional trip-hop style, his 12-selection song cycle, "Revelations" – his third album release – is an undeniable benchmark in his evolution as an artist. "This project pushes the limits," Jacobson notes. "It's time for me as a person and an artist to dig deeper into themes, to create more incisive lyrics; to discover new melodies in uncharted territories." In 2010 he released his first music video, one of the most popular tracks from "Revelations" entitled, "Love is Love", which created a buzz and was highlighted in “USA Today”, “On Top Magazine”, and “Towleroad”, additionally going on to win multiple film festival awards.

 

His fourth effort "Peace At Last" delivers warm pop grooves, expressive classical elements and gorgeous harmonies. From the defiant opening track "Still Standing", the gut wrenching heartbreak of "And Now", and the inspiring chorus of the title track "Peace At Last", the album's 11 songs weave a stunning trail through the ups and downs of human existence. Jay's soaring falsetto glides over melodious electronica telling us how we are "So Small" in a world so large. Jay's 5th studio album "The Ride", finds the talented wordsmith effortlessly blending the soulful sounds of beautiful ballads, harmonious melodies and upbeat tunes, and includes the song, “I Lived” for which Jay created an acclaimed animated music video. 

 

In addition to his writing and singing his own music, Jay sang back-ups for Liza Minnelli on "The Tonight Show" and at Universal Amphitheater in LA as part of the Ewing Concert Chorale. In the summer of 2012, he produced his first live theater show, "Mental Creatures" featuring the bouncy piano driven bonus track "Human Nature" from his album, "Peace At Last", along with other songs from his catalogue. The show, written and performed by Jay, and a hit with critics and audiences alike, had a very successful six-week run at The Lounge Theater in Hollywood., California.