THE MYSTICAL TALE OF A LATENT SCHOLAR WITH SO MUCH SCHLEPPER POTENTIAL
Evan M. Jacobson was born in 1968, Brooklyn, New York. I was raised in Staten Island (near Fresh Kills), New York, from 1968-1993. Why did this New Yorker live in four plus states?
Age 11: 3 years of piano lessons, and sang in the school chorus as a soprano. Glass shattered when I sang “Hallelujah.”
Age 13: Drum Set begins.
The very first drum set configuration: A loud, obnoxious 22 inch Zildjian Cymbal from the dark ages, a chrome snare drum, camber Hi Hats, and an 18 inch oscillating Fan from K-mart–an ideal setup for playing Judas Priest and Freedom Rock tunes.
Age 14 Drum Set Upgrade: Blue sparkle Tempro (sic) setup was purchased for $100.00 with the big bucks that I earned from Shea Stadium as a vendor.
Age 14: “Omega” Experience: An idealistic band with great expectations and fun moments. We thought we were great because the guitar player, Mike Twombey (RIP), had skills. We perceived ourselves as groundbreaking, while others were afraid, e.g., High School Students. It was so fun to play with Mike, Kenny, Jon, and Anthony.
Age 15: Evan begins intensive studies with Joe Bedford, a very talented drummer.
Joe introduced me to a Chick Corea album called, “The Leprachaun.” Joe said that serious drummers emulated Steve Gadd, Terry Bozzio, Simon Phillips, Billy Cobham, and a ton of other schooled drummers. If you want to be good, study these guys and open your mind to other music as well. Luckily, my high school friends listened to Progressive Rock and a variety of Jazz music. By the end of high school, I learned a great deal about many musical genres and ready for more musical challenges.
In 1987, I attended community college and became a Jazz Radio Disc Jockey on WSIA, Staten Island’s only FM station. I opened my mind to more “complex” music. I also studied with Steve Liotta, a Berklee student, monster show reader, and theatre percussionist. I also jammed with several Rock groups, wedding bands, and Jazz trios…
One night in 1987 (the quantum moment, according to Dr. Dyer), I went to Mikell’s Club in New York City to see the Michel Camilo Trio with Dave Weckl on drums. I am not sure what happened to my brain at that point…Weckl was ON FIRE and playing with such an incredible facility. After picking up my Jaw from the floor, I met Weckl after the show, and he gave me a pair of his Vic Firth sticks (they are still hanging in my basement in 2020). He autographed my 1986 issue of Modern Drummer; he’s on the cover. Weckl set a new standard for drummers worldwide. After this awe-inspiring event, I REALLY had to learn more.
I transferred to SUNY Oswego in 1988 to study Music and Communications. Interestingly, I was not finding what I needed inside the music program and realized that I had to experience groups outside of the music department to understand what was required in the real performance world. In 1988, I was blessed to become part of a contemporary fusion Jazz group called “Street Talk.” We played selections from Spyro Gyra, Tom Scott, David Sanborn, et al. Learning drum parts in the Jazz Fusion genre was challenging. This was another incredible experience. Thank you Mark Gaffney, Eric Davis, Mark Giordano (RIP) at the science lab, and Mike Dan for pushing me to do greater things.
After the demise of Street Talk, I joined a fantastic group: “Mending Wall.” We played a mixture of RUSH, INXS, The Cure, The Cult, U2, Elton John, Pink Floyd, The Police, etc. Additionally, I learned how to book gigs, deal with hardcore businessmen, create flyers, and have FUN! Special shout outs go to Mark, Craig (Looch), Christian (Clangw@gmail.com), Dave, and especially Chris Valentine (Cvalent282@aol.com), who continues to be a huge source of inspiration in my life.
In 1990, Chris Valentine (bassist) and I put together a group called “Menachem Ded,” which consisted of guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, a singer, and a horn section. We wanted to be different than the other college groups which played mostly classic rock, fraternity rock, freedom rock, “DEAD” tunes, and various 30 minute jams resembling Santana’s “Black Magic Woman.” Menachem Ded’s repertoire consisted of Toto, Joe Jackson, Living Color, Robert Cray, and more horn-oriented material. The group was short-lived, but I learned a great deal about arranging horns, bigger ensembles, and dealing with multiple personalities. Move on to PART 2 for musical life post graduation…
My Musical Bio: A Chronological Timeline, Part 2 of X
After graduating from SUNY Oswego in 1990, I began working on Studio Engineering and Production in Florida, NY, and NJ. Moreover, I studied drumset with Frank Bellucci, and performed in a few different groups: The Jag, Laura Diamond and Like Rabbits. This covers 1990-1993.
In 1993, I felt as if I was not progressing as a player, and was ready to make a move. I studied drumset with the late Al Miller in 1993. He helped me with reading Big Band charts and various transcriptions, which inevitably led me to enroll in the Masters program at Radford University in Virginia. I packed up my New York life and headed south in 1993, having no idea that I would spend 7 years in Virginia. While at Radford University, I worked on Drum Set, Percussion, various Music Technology, and becoming a better musician.
Radford University was a life-changing experience. My Percussion Professor, Al Wojtera, was a very musical percussionist. On the other side of the department was a brilliant man, Dr. Bruce Mahin, who helped me with so many things that I lost count: Computer music applications, technology, MIDI, life, and being a dedicated overachiever. I wrote a Master’s Thesis entitled, “The 21st Century Drumset: Combining New Technology With Traditional Instruments.” This document was the answer to why I attended Radford, the synthesis of my thoughts, and an impressive work which required over 1,000 hours of brutally hard work. There were other benefits from Graduate work, such as meeting many famous musicians: Tony Verderosa (V-Man), Pat Mastelotto (formerly of Mister Mister and presently with King Crimson), Kenwood Dennard (Jaco Pastorius, Diana Reeves, solo), et al. My thesis research derived from Modern Drummer Publications, the aforementioned live interviews, and various percussion texts.
On the not-so-serious side of Radford, I performed with “The Brain Police.” Later on, they renamed themselves “The Titanic Booty Unit.” I’m still unpacking that one… Moving forward, we were a trio: I played drum-set with electronic triggers, John played guitar and backup vocals, and Eric sang while he played bass in his overalls. We recorded a few covers and originals on a 4-track machine. I’ve recently resurrected the tunes by transferring them from cassette to CD. At some point, I’ll put them on the page. It was fun working with them and really gave me the opportunity to be less serious; it was an escape from a very demanding Music Program at Radford University…
Along with the not-so-serious musical endeavors, I am proud to mention that I was part of a dream band with Robert Cozart, Brad & Brad: Ants N Pasta. Rob sang the lead vocals, Brad Dietz performed bass and backup vocals, Brad Harrington performed piano and backing vocals as well. The 3 of them are incredibly talented. We played only one live cheesy talent show in April of 1995… There is a paradox here. The 3 of them can perform a wide range of musical styles (Classical-Jazz-Rock) and were also VERY SERIOUS in the Music Department. I guess we all needed to blow off some steam and decided to perform a 13 minute parody of tunes for a talent show. It was over the top and I’ll include the URL for you to peruse: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1025750892764&subj=1594566369 Sit back, relax, and see how ridiculous we really were in 1995…
From 1995-1997, I performed in a Progressive Rock group, “Restless Planet.” Our musical repertoire consisted of complex cover tunes and originals. We recorded some incredible original compositions despite the fact a CD was never released. Please stay tuned to purchase music directly from this website…
The Divided By trio (1996-1998) consisted of Richard Jesse on Guitar, Will Bajzek (sic) on Warr Guitar (sic), and Evan “Spanky J” on drum set (don’t ask). Our original music was a wonderful blend of Rock, Jazz, Fusion, Middle Eastern Themes, ambience, and hypnotic ostinati. Unfortunately, the group ended, but we recorded a CD with some incredible and magical moments, which I still respect today. Please stay tuned to purchase music directly from this website…
GT SWING was the LAST group I performed and recorded with in Virginia (Tennessee, Myrtle Beach, & The Carolinas) before moving to Seattle. For 2 consecutive years, WE PERFORMED IN FRONT OF 20,000 PEOPLE on July 4th. The obnoxious lime-green Zoot Suit was the icing on the cake, and the ladies really dig the color… In 1999, I met Marla and moved to Seattle, WA. Move on to PART 3…
My Musical Bio PLUS real-life activities: A Chronological Timeline, Part 3 of X
I lived in Seattle from 2000-2003. I briefly subbed in a few groups: Jim Basnight, Guitarist Bob Early, and the legendary Rob Stevenson; his music was challenging on a Frank Zappa level, yet blended with state-of-the-art technology. It refocused my attention to creating original music.
In 2003, I was aggressively recruited by New York City to teach English & language, and reconnect with friends on the East Coast.
2003-2010: Five beautiful years were spent on the Lower East Side of Manhattan (Alphabet City); 2 years in Hunt’s Point, the Bronx. Year 7 was one of my best teaching years.
2010: I unexpectedly relocated to Maryland to support my wife’s career…
2010-Present: English Teacher at Montgomery County Public Schools
2010-Present: A genealogist addicted to ancestry.com & other sites…
2010-Present: Foodie and Bagel Reviewer–Please stay tuned for my bagel video show…
2010-Present: Producer, Performer, Pianist, Percussionist, Drummer, and Recording Engineer…
My Musical Bio: A Chronological Timeline, Part 4 of X. WE COULD MOVE THIS TO ANOTHER PAGE…
Here are specific names of musical groups and my role (not just as a drummer) from 1987-2010:
Performer, “Street Talk” Contemporary Jazz/Fusion/Groove 1987-88
Performer, Manager, “Mending Wall” Rock/Alternative 1988-89
Performer, Manager, “Menachem Ded” Rock/Funk 1989-90
Performer, “The Jag” Rock, Funk, original material 1991-92
Performer, Producer, “Laura Diamond” Pop/original 1991-92
Performer, Producer, “Like Rabbits” Classic Rock 1992-93
Performer, R.U. “Percussion/Marimba Ensemble” 1993-95
Performer, Radford “University Jazz Ensemble” 1993-95
Performer, Engineer, “The Craniums” Rock/Jazz/Folk/AOR 1993-94
Performer, Director, Arranger R.U. “MIDI ensemble” 1993-95
Performer, Rob Cozart Composition Recital on 2/15/1995
Performer, “Bill Nye Jazz Quartet” Jazz/Variety/Latin/Club 1995-97
Performer, “Restless Planet” Progressive Rock/Funk/Alt. 1995-97
Performer, “Blacksburg Community Band” Concert Band Music 1996-97
Performer, “South Pacific” Musical, Blacksburg, VA. 8/19-8/23, 1996
Performer, “Divided By” Original/Fusion/Rock/Mega Blend 1997-2000
Performer, “GT SWING” Jazz/Swing/Clubdate/Variety 1998-2000
Performer, “Jim Basnight, Michael Hershman, & Leslie Byrd Trio 2000-2002
Performer, “Christopher J. Valentine” Progressive Rock, instrumental, and movie soundtrack music, 2002-PRESENT
Performer, “Rob Stevenson” Progressive madness with vocals and G4 Laptop, 2002-2003
Performer (Percussionist) “She Loves Me,” A musical for the Wingspan Arts Summer Conservatory, New York City, 2005
Performer, BREADLESSINJERSEY, my diverse solo material 2006-Present
Performer, Drift, 2007-2009
Performer, Russ, John, & Rebecca, original music, 2009-present www.myspace.com/rebeccajohnandruss
Performer, Antagonist (Punk and Parody) Premonition (melodic metal, rock and something else), 2008-present
THIS IS A RESUME:
*Masters in Teaching, Western Washington University, Seattle Extension, Secondary Education, August 23, 2003
*Master of Arts Degree in Music, Radford University, Radford, Virginia, December 1995
*Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications and Music, SUNY Oswego, Oswego, New York, May 1990
*Drummer/Musician/Producer: See Musical info above and on the home page…
*Food Service Specialist; cross-trained: Catering Lead, Chef, Grill Cook, Prep, Barista, Schlepper, Slave For Hire, Translator, Good Guy, 2002-3
*Music Instructor, Drum Lessons, Musical knowledge, 1987-2003
*Freelance Spanish Translator and Interpreter, 1999-present
*Sales, Radio Shack, 1997-2000
*Server, Expediter, Prep, Host 1995-1997
*Graduate Music Assistant, 1993-1995
*Salesman, Electrical Supplies, 1983-1993
*Studio Engineering & Producing 1990-present
*Disc Jockey, WOCR, SUNY Oswego, N.Y. 1988-1990
*Disc Jockey, WSIA, Staten Island, 1986-1988
*Pizza Delivery Guy in dangerous NYC streets, 1986-87
*Counselor, Waiter, Dishwasher, and Camper at Camp Louemma 1981-1986
*Vendor at Shea Stadium for NY METS, 1983-1986