Biography:

 

    Jacob was born in Pasadena CA, in the late 70’s, the early years of Jacob’s life were steeped in the rhythms of music, a legacy inherited from both parents. His mother, a singer, honed her craft in musical theater at South Pass City College and performed with The Sandpipers. His father, initially a saxophonist, later became a proficient upright and electric bass player, a path that serendipitously led him to his future wife’s band in the late seventies. Their union sparked the origin of a lifelong connection to music, though Jacob’s own instrumental journey began uniquely.

 

Piano lessons at age ten marked the initial foray, followed by exploratory phases with clarinet, trumpet, and drums. It was at fifteen, amidst personal upheaval, that a profound interest in music truly took root, particularly as a means to connect with his family. The bass guitar emerged as the chosen instrument, a 16th birthday request that brought an ’80s Japanese P-bass into his hands. His Bass playing quickly forged a powerful bond with his brother, an accomplished guitarist seven years his senior. Their collaboration ignited a passion that would become the driving force of his musical identity.

 

Formal instruction began under the tutelage of George Borovich at The Fret House in Covina, where fundamentals of music theory, scales, and notation were ingrained through R&B and simple structures. This foundation rapidly propelled him into performance, securing the bass player position for Charter Oak High School’s jazz band, an ensemble he played with until graduation. During his senior year, demonstrating a clear dedication, he received special approval from counselors to immerse himself further, earning credits by attending Jazz combo classes at Citrus College.

His post-high school years saw a bold, unconventional pursuit of higher musical education in the San Francisco Bay Area. Despite collegiate rejections due to academic struggles stemming from an ADHD diagnosis and lifelong challenges with reading, Jacob ingeniously navigated the system. He would approach directors of improvisational music programs at junior colleges and universities, offering his rare skill as a bassist. Often accepted into jazz ensembles without formal enrollment for a semester or two, he absorbed knowledge until administrative discovery necessitated a move to the next institution. This period, while unconventional, cultivated invaluable practical experience and resilience. He also successfully enrolled in musicianship and harmony classes at San Jose State University through their Open Enrollment program before the demands of a day job shifted his focus.

 

The subsequent years were filled with diverse performance experiences, across the Bay Area with a local band, to stints in jam, blues, and R&B groups. However, the most significant arc of his development has been his profound dedication to the two-hand tapping technique. Tuning his bass E-A-G-D-C, he unlocks a higher register, enabling him to articulate melodies with his right hand while simultaneously laying down basslines with his left. This mastery has distinguished him as a lead soloist, transforming the bass into a remarkably expressive and versatile instrument.

 

For the last several years, this singular vision has culminated in Puzzle Piece, a trio that embodies his philosophy. The band’s name, inspired by Shel Silverstein’s “Picture Puzzle Piece,” reflects his belief that each musician, like a lost puzzle piece, possesses infinite possibilities. Every collaboration creates a unique sonic picture, distinct from the last. Currently, Puzzle Piece thrives with long-time friend Mark Danley on drums and percussion, and colleague Michael Sult on guitar. His commitment to continuous growth is evident in ongoing studies with renowned bassist Michael Manring, focusing on musicianship, creative mindset, composition, advanced music theory, and the ergonomics of electric bass play.

Jacob’s journey is one of relentless passion and unconventional dedication, a testament to how challenges can forge a unique artistic voice. As the driving force behind Puzzle Piece, he continues to explore the limitless possibilities of the bass, crafting intricate sonic landscapes one, Picture Puzzle Piece at a time.