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Jazz Improv Magazine
 "BLUE AFTER HOURS" April 2005, Vol. 5
Dan Jacobs has his fingers on just the right notes (most of them blue)
and just the right tunes for those "after hours" moods and occasions.
The title track, "Blue," establishes the groove with Jacobs blowing
clear, long and mellow.
He can, like the greatest horn players (e.g., Miles and Jacobs' friend
and mentor, Bobby Shew) contain multitudes in each note, whether
"inside" melody or legato lines, or "outside" with ingenious runs, or
sensitive obbligato statements in support of the superbly tasteful and
choice sounds of guitarist Randy Dorman.
"Angel Eyes" and "Like Someone in Love" are given the slow, soulful
treatment deserving of the familiar lyrics. A slow tempo needn't mean
negative restraint however, as this outpouring of feeling proves.
Dorman's commiseration and restraint on Jobim's "Amor en Paz" offer yet
another case in point.
Shew's composition, "Nadalin" and Jacobs' own "Dream Sketches"
demonstrate a kinship no doubt recognizable by the entire membership of
the Trumpet Guild. The popular hits, Jones' "Don't Know Why" and
Sting's "Fields of Gold," are something of a surprise in the line-up;
however in Jacobs' interpretation, it's the surprise of a tearful smile.
The concluding track, "Silver Lining," though not demandingly bluesy
certainly fits the blues impulse and sensibility: the ability to hope
despite the sadness and often tragedy of life. it's this "sound" and
feeling that make Jacobs the bluesman he is."
JAZZ REVIEW MAGAZINE
Featured Artist: Dan Jacobs
CD Title: Blue After Hours
Year: 2005
Record Label: Simplicity Jazz
Style: BeBop / Hard Bop
Musicians: Dan Jacobs (trumpet), Chuck Jacobs (bass), Randy Dorman
(guitar), Rod Jacobs (drums), Jonathan Jacobs (drums), Lynn Hammann
(drums), Tom Roady (percussion), Brian Kilgore (percussion), Daniel
Hebert (background vocals).
Review:
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. Included in
the list of artists he’s worked with are Woody Herman, Bob James, Bobby
Shew, Roger Ingram, Bill Watrous, Rob Smith, Bill Chase, Clark Terry and
Greg Gisbert. He has also recorded, toured or worked with Mel Tormé,
Linda Ronstadt, The Four Tops, Aaron Neville, The Lettermen, Kenny
Rogers, Billy Dean and in the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar (rock
opera). In addition to his two CDs as a leader he has produced over 30
other albums for others. After a long stretch of working in California
Jacobs today calls Lower Michigan his home.
Blue After Hours is a collection of eight covers and one original done
in a sweetly singing manner. The music is all performed in a quartet
setting (guitar, bass, drums) with the occasional augmentation of light
percussion or background vocals. The disc is softly seductive without
the need for splash, overproduction or flaunting of technical chops.
Tasteful is the watchword here with the reason being 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.
At times Dan Jacobs’ beautiful lines and arrangements beg for a loft of
string accompaniment. “Like Someone In Love,” for example, would have
fared well in the new Sinatra-treatment style ala Chris Botti
environment, with the exception being 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.
Tracks: Blue, Angel Eyes, Like Someone In Love, Don't Know Why, Fields
of Gold, Amor En Paz, Blues d'Jour, Nadalin, Dream Sketches, Look For
The Silver Lining
Record Label Website: http://simplicityrecords.com
Artist's Website: http://www.danjacobsmusic.com/
Reviewed by: Thomas R. Erdmann
All About Jazz
Dan Jacobs | Simplicity Jazz Records
By Michael P. Gladstone
This album begins very promisingly with Dan Jacobs' flugelhorn and Randy
Dorman's guitar on the title tune channeling the spirit of Paul Desmond
and Jim Hall from their many '60s recordings, usually in a pianoless
quartet or quintet. Of course, I can't really compare Jacobs' horn with
Paul Desmond's alto, but the same vibe exists insofar as relaxing and
non-demanding 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. The tunes consist of
standards and pop tune covers, plus two originals from Jacobs and Shew.
Both Don't Know Why, ¯ associated as Norah Jones' biggest hit, and
Sting's Fields of Gold are very radio-friendly and deserve smooth jazz
airplay. Other tunes, like Angel Eyes¯ and Like Someone In Love,¯ are
perfect for unwinding. The closest that the album gets to cooking is an
updated version of Jobim's Amor En Paz¯ and a closing version of Look
For The Silver Lining performed in a '50s Chet Baker style. Only on
Jacobs' own Dream Sketches¯ does the music wander into other areas (eg.
New Age) with the use of what sounds like a guitar synth.
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.
Jazz Director
WTIP-FM
The most recent release by Dan Jacobs, and his band of brothers, is Blue
After Hours. The rich, smooth tones of Dan's trumpet blends beautifully
with Randy Dorman's guitar for a really pleasing and easy listening
album.
From classic jazz tunes to contemporary pop hits, the mood is mellow and
sounds are sweet. I never thought "Don't Know Why" could sound so good
without Nora Jones voice, but Dan Jacob's horn sings the melody nearly
as well. As a slight departure, and real treat, I really like the Dan
Jacob's original tune Dream Sketches. It has a real unique sound and
quality. One that begs to be heard over and over again, which is true
of this entire CD.
Mike Raymond Jazz Director WTIP-FM
NEW JAZZ HORIZON
ALBUM: "Blue After Hours"
ARTIST: Dan Jacobs
LABEL: Simplicity Jazz Records sjr0409
STYLE: Instrumental Jazz Quartet with originals
Review:
Dan Jacobs is a jazz trumpet artist. His playing is totally unique and
yet familiar; mature and innocent at the same time; playful and
occasionally serious when called for . . . but always supremely
satisfying. He has definitely found his own musical voice.
Randy Dorman on guitar, is as tasteful as I've heard, with sensitivity
and depth both in his comping and his soloing. Chuck Jacobs on bass,
lets you relax and know that he's always going to be right where he's
supposed to be with exactly the right note at the right time. Rod Jacobs
on drums is inventive and interesting as is Jonathan Jacobs and Lynn
Hammann also on drums on various tunes. Percussionist Tom Roady, is a
welcome addition, not too much, not too little . . . just right! It all
fits together perfectly.
But what hits home for me, is the trumpet tone from Dan Jacobs. From the
first note, he's got you! And his soloing never leave you wanting for
anything . . . except to hear more! This is a great CD you can listen to
again and again! FIVE STARS!!!
- Aaron Hunter, reviewer, NJH
BRAZILIAN RADIO HOST
Dear Mr. Jacobs, first of all so sorry for the delay in my
response, but I was quite busy the last weeks.
I'm a journalist, host of a radio show, author and professor. I write
articles and essays for many Brazilian cultural publications. I wrote
since last December 2 books (about Jean-Paul Sartre, a French
Philosopher. Do you know his work?) and I am currently completing a book
on the art of vocal jazz. Therefore, please, so sorry...one more time.
I'm happy to inform your CD has been very well received by the
listeners. By phone, as usual, they selected their favorite tracks:
"Angel eyes", "Don't Know Why" (my second favorite track ), "Amor em paz"
and "Blues d'jour" (my first favorite track; your interpretation is
magistral, lyrical, and the solos of Mr. Dorman bring out the inner
beauty of the song ).
Well, what else can I say? First of all: what a joy to hear you and your
impressive musicians. I link you with the jazz tradition of great
trumpeters. Chet, the genius, is happy. You have a strong sense of
melody. Your solos have a way of making the songs come alive. In short:
"' Blue after hours" makes the arrival of a superb artist!
A Brazilian hug from your fan,
Joćo da Penha
CD Reviews: EJAZZNEWS.COM
Dan Jacobs - Blue After Hours -
Simplicity Jazz Records - 2004
Posted by: January 13, 2006
By John Gilbert Hi
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 Messer's Jacobs
and company. For those of you who are sick and tired of the plethora of
styles i.e.; con-fusion and swing less tunes with meaningless notes,
this recording is a blessing for you true jazzophiles..... 5 STARS
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JAZZ
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