I would first of all like to express my deepest sympathy's to Pete's Family in their loss and may Pete rest forever in peace.Everyone in the London Jazz World Knew what an extraordinary talent Pete Jacobsen was, but the press reviews always use words like "unsung hero" and "underrated". Born in Newcastle in 1950, Pete went on to study classical piano at the Royal Academy of Music. During the 1980's & 90's he worked with Chris Biscoe & Tim Whitehead's bands, recording the album "Silence Between Waves" with Tim. Apart from his excellent piano solo CD "Ever Onward", he has recorded and toured with the fusion band Morrissey/Mullen, Pete King, Bobby Wellins, Don Weller, Barbara Thompson as well as appearances with Level 42.
In my own experience I have never in all my years of playing performed next to such a wonderful Musician,A shining light, an inspiration,A master of harmony and technique and with such a broad sense of Musical styles.
No one could ever be a musical snob around Pete,Just when the Jazzers thought they had claimed him You might catch him playing Abba tunes in a local social club!Or you might find him at home practising Debussy or listening to Jimmi Hendrix records!
Musicians eager for his praise were usually frustrated when it wasn't forthcoming but always went back for more because to play alongside a musical giant like Pete Jacobsen was a humbling and awesome and if you were a confident musician a beautiful experience.
I remember him saying on a Chris Fletcher gig "Never mind all that Jazz rubbish Lets play some funk"!And boy could he play it.
There are many stories that go around about Pete Jacobsen and some good ones and some less favourable ones,I personally don't know which ones are true and wasn't there at there origins but from the moment I first met Pete I found him to be an absolute gentleman Through years of playing alongside him and driving many miles to gigs together I found I could share many personal and family matters with him,He was as he was in Music a great listener and treated even my most mundane problems with the utmost delicacy.I only wish I could have helped him in his real hour of need.
Goodbye Pete
I will miss you big time
You were my personal Music College
Kevin.
To learn more about Pete Jacobsen go to http://www.petejacobsen.com
