George JacobsGuitarist, Songwriter, Composer, Arranger, Producer, PerformerWith a musical style similar to Carlos Santana, George Jacobs has been a musical force ever since the release of his 1975 Gold-record album with the group called Chango, and for the past 3 decades, this world-renowned guitarist and songwriter has performed, produced, and written songs for major acts in rock, metal, blues and jazz as well as fusion and Latin American music.The virtuoso session guitarist has recorded with such names as The Brecker Brothers and the Saturday Night Live band, and he has toured with Journey, Styx, Tina Turner, Robin Trower, Chick Corea, Bob Seger, Fania All Stars, and many other music legends. And now with his group Second Chance, he’s more dazzling than ever, rejuvenated with a real second chance after recovering from a life-threatening illness.George’s first album to bring attention to his guitar mastery was Chango, as part of the group of the same name, which signed to ABC Records in the 70’s. The album went gold, selling more than 500 thousand copies. George’s second record was on Mercury records.
He also produced, co-wrote and played guitar with a group called Apache, signed to Atlantic records. All the records reached the Billboard charts.When Chango was re-released in 1975, his work was glowingly described as “Santana IV,” taking even farther the fusion of rock and Latin American music pioneered by Carlos. A music critic proclaimed: “For anyone who likes the early Santana vibe, then you are in for a treat, cause Chango goes where Santana let up. That’s right – forget ‘Soul Sacrifice’ and get ready for some serious jamming. This is Santana IV, the culmination of heavy Latin groove rock. There are few albums ever that contains this kind of energy and instrumental virtuosity and combines that with a strong melodic sense.
A true masterpiece and a really undiscovered gem.”Chango is still available today and can be found on CD Baby, iTunes and at over 100 other digital outlets. A few decades later, George returned to the studio to record more of his own work. He has been in the studio recording a rock CD (George Jacobs Rocks – The Second Coming), and he has also completed a backing track CD called George Jacobs – Second 2 None. More recently, George’s Under the Influence CD has had major exposure and has been played on over 550 radio stations worldwide. The CD, which has sold more than five thousand copies without a major release, features world class players from the Rippingtons, who have over 10 gold CDs.George has created a new group too. It’s called 2nd Chance because just a few years ago he suffered a life-changing incident, nearly dying of a blood clot, twice. The experience has given him a fresh approach and a new found love for his music.
For him, it also means a second chance to play guitar and to write great music. George just completed recording in Miami for his upcoming EP, 2nd Chance – Sky’s The Limit. ASCAP and major industry executives are raving about the EP; and the title song, “Sky’s The Limit,” has received considerable praise from ASCAP and radio programmers around the country. George is about to start a National Radio Campaign featuring “Sky’s The Limit” as the single. All six songs from this EP have the potential to become singles.With an ability to perform most styles of music – Pop, Rock, Metal, Blues, fusion, smooth Jazz – George Jacobs is taking his 2nd Chance for all it’s worth!
Q: First of all tell us about the start of your professional career?
I started by practicing 10 hours a day for 2 years, after that I joined a band called Chango. Chango went on to be signed by ABC Dunhill records, and the album we recored went gold. We toured the USA 4 times over with well know groups at the time. Tina Turner, Journey, Pete Seeger, Lesly west, and many more.
Q: What advice would you give to beginners who are nervous? Nervous?
Remove that from your dictionary, be bold and confident, and practice your God given talent.
Q:When you decide it’s time to make a new record, is that more exciting or stressful?
Much more Exciting, my gifts come from God, and I ask God to give me songs I did not write melodies I did not create, and start creating it’s beautiful.
Q: How easily do songs tend to come to you?
When I am in touch with the almighty the songs come very easy, some are instant, and some take time.
Q: What’s your motto or the advice you live by?
Keep on keeping on mo matter what, or what anyone says. That is if you really have a legit talent, no a wish.
Q: What is you favorite song to belt out at the bar/in the car right now?
I don’t do cover songs, I write my own music, I don’t play bars, I play concerts. I am a Pro. Never played a copy tune.
Q :What are your future goals as a music artist?
I am currently writing a lot of music for TV and film, I have 9 songs on TV, and one song just got picked ip for a Movie trailer.
Q: What was your most memorable performance to date?
There are many I am a perfectionist, so not really one but many have turned out well.
Q :How can we follow you on social media ??
George Jacobs Youtube over 1 million views, Facebook. I have tons of music on Youtube. And of Coarse Spotify, Apple Music. 2nd Chance George Jacobs, Second to none George Jacobs. Under the Influence George Jacobs. A’I. George Jacobs Movie Trailer.
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