Jacob Melchior
Drummer, Percussionist, Bandleader, Teacher and Composer
Jacob Melchior is a versatile Jazz drummer, who often receives praise for his calypso, afro-Cuban and Brazilian grooves, not to mention a strong swing feel and funk pocket.
On October 1, 2010, Jacob released his second studio album, It’s About Time, which showcases his talents as a drummer, bandleader, arranger and composer. It’s About Time features Tadataka Unno on piano, Hassan JJ Shakur on bass, and Special Guest Vocalist Frank Senior. The album has achieved notable radio-play and critical acclaim across the United States. It was also a major personal achievement for Jacob, due to the length of time between his debut and sophomore releases (hence the title). Prior to the Jacob’s debut release Steppin’ Up was released on Music Mecca in 1999. The album featured: Thomas Fryland, Eric Alexander, Sam Yahel, Vanja Santos and Debbie Cameron.
In addition to his own records, Jacob co-produced and appeared on Listening in the Dark with Frank Senior, which was released in 2008 on Smalls Records. He has also appeared on several recordings by other artists, including On Your Mind with Henry Dee, and Bon Appetit with Carolyn Lee Jones.
Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, Jacob arrived in New York by way of Brazil, where he spent six months honing his skills playing Latin rhythms. While in Rio De Janeiro Jacob performed at the 1991 Carnival with first prize winners: G.R.E.S. Acadêmicos da Rocinha. Since his arrival in New York in the mid 90’s, He has seen the view from the throne of The Blue Note, The Iridium, Smalls, Augie’s, Dizzy’s, Kitano, Smoke and Lincoln Centre.
Beyond New York City, Jacob has performed internationally at the Montreal Jazz Festival, Wall Street Jazz Festival in Kingston, NY. The Black Potato Music Festival, Notting Hill Carnival in London, UK and the Copenhagen Jazz Festival as well as The Blue Note in Seoul, Bossa Nova in Abuzzo Italy, the Copenhagen Jazz House. He had a regular gig at Cirque Voador, in Rio De Janeiro.
Jacob has drummed alongside a slew of the city’s top Jazz musicians including: Eric Alexander, Patience Higgins, Gerald Hayes, Grant Stewart, Joel Frahm, Bob Mover, Claire Daly, Harry Allen, Stjepko Gut, Bent Jædig, Harry Whitaker, Bertha Hope, Tommy James, Bob Dorough, Rob Bargad, Sam Yahel, Steve Ash, Joe Cohn, Jack Wilkins, Saul Rubin, Ron Affif, Bruce Edwards, Satoshi Inoue, Hassan Shakur/J.J. Wiggins, Neal Miner, Kengo Nakamura, Frank Senior, Tulivo Donna Cumberbatch, Ghanniyya Green & Debbie Cameron.