Jacobs, Dale - Live at Puccini's

Tracks

Side 1

		Track Name	Length
	1	Discovery (CBC Radio Olympic Theme)	03:03
	2	Visions of Rio	06:24
	3	Splash	05:18
	4	Without Reservation	02:59

Side 2

		Track Name	Length
	1	What Else	05:31
	2	It's Only The Perfect Love	05:42
	3	A Last Look at the Summer	07:08

Photos

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Information/Write-up

Dale Jacobs was a pioneering Canadian keyboardist, composer, and producer whose innovative fusion of jazz, funk, and electronic music left a lasting imprint on the 1970s and early 1980s music scene. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Jacobs was renowned for his mastery of synthesizers and his ability to blend traditional jazz elements with emerging electronic sounds.​

Jacobs gained significant attention with his 1977 live album Live at Puccini's, recorded during a 14-week CHQM Radio series at Puccini's Restaurant in Vancouver. The album featured collaborations with notable musicians such as electronics innovator Ralph Dyck, saxophonist Wayne Kozak, and vocalist Hans Staymer. Tracks like "Discovery," composed by Dyck for CBC Radio Canada's Olympic coverage, and Jacobs' own "Visions of Rio" showcased his skill in creating immersive, genre-defying compositions. ​

In 1978, Jacobs released Cobra on Epic Records, further cementing his reputation in the jazz fusion genre. The album, described as "an instrumental Steely Dan record on synthesized steroids," featured a lineup of talented musicians, including Jim Vallance, Tom Lavin, and Ralph Dyck. Tracks like "Scouting Party" and "Computer Samba" exemplified Jacobs' ability to craft funky, electronic jazz-rock pieces. ​

Beyond his albums, Jacobs was a prolific composer and producer, contributing to over a hundred songs for movies and radio shows. He was also involved in designing electronic recording equipment, showcasing his technical prowess alongside his musical talents. ​

Dale Jacobs passed away from lung cancer on September 10, 2000, in California. Though his life was cut short, his innovative spirit and contributions to music continue to resonate with enthusiasts and musicians alike.
-Robert Williston

The annual 14 week C.H.O.M. Radio series “Live at Puccini’s” provided the opportunity for special guests Ralph Dyck, Wayne Kozak, Albert St. Albert and Hans Staymer to perform in concert with the Dale Jacobs Trio. The high energy of a packed house contributed to produce a new, and highly audience-oriented, electronic musical experience for the audiences as well as for the artists.

Electronic instruments are unique in their ability to reproduce the many sounds of traditional instruments and the sounds of nature. By merely altering the direction of the music into many different modes, the band can sound like many various combinations of instruments.

Discovery, composed by Ralph Dyck for C.B.C. Radio Canada as the C.B.C. Olympic coverage theme, sets the international flavor of the album. The other selections, written by Dale, are mostly reflections of his experiences. Visions of Rio, a Latin insight into South America. Splash [a reflection of the rainy season of the West Coast], Without Reservation with vocal of Hans Staymer [a young boy’s outlook on his opportunity to succeed], What Else [the title song for the Radio Series], It’s Only The Perfect Love [the group’s feeling towards music itself] and A Last Look at Summer [the beauty of the start of fall in Stanley Park], provide a varied and well-paced musical listening experience.

Without a doubt, a visit to Puccini’s Restaurant to relax and enjoy the musical presentation of the Dale Jacobs Group leaves one almost mesmerized by the varied musical selections and the superior performance of their electronic music which encompasses the best of jazz, RnB, and funk with strong classical overtones.
-Ken Singer

Dale Jacobs: Roland Piano, Roland SH-2000 synthesizer with space echo, backing vocals
Ralph Dyck: Roland EP-30 electric piano, Roland SH-5 synthesizer, Roland String Ensemble; sequencer on "What Else"
Wayne Kozak: soprano sax, multi-voice tenor sax, backing vocals
Brian Harrison: electric bass, phase bass
Doug Cuthbert: drums, backing vocals
Albert St. Albert: congas
Hans Staymer: lead vocals, backing vocals
Helen Manels: backing vocals

All tunes composed by Dale Jacobs, Singwell Publishing, except *Discovery composed by Ralph Dyck, Ralph Dyck Electronic Music
Produced and arranged by Dale Jacobs
Recorded at Ocean Sound and Singwell Studios, Vancouver, British Columbia
Engineered by Dave Thomas, Edward John (Ocean Sound)
Engineered by Roger Monk (Singwell Studios)
Overdubs, transfer, and remix by Ralph Dyck
"Without Reservation" and "Discovery" recorded at Singwell Studios

Photography by Gar Lunney
Cover Design by Doug Cuthbert

P.S. The great Italian food of Puccini’s undoubtedly makes for a perfect night.

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