Information/Write-up
Jack Tobi (Jack Gabriel / Jack Schechtman): From Soup to Nuts to Spirit
Jack Tobi (also known by his stage names Jack Tobi and Jack Gabriel, and earlier as Jack Schechtman) was born in the Bronx, New York, and became a celebrated figure in the world music scene, whose rich musical palette spans reggae, folk ballads, and global sounds. After spending formative years in Toronto, he recorded his debut album From Soup to Nuts (Columbia, 1972), a collection lauded by Record World Magazine critic Mitchell Fink for its poetic simplicity and uncompromising honesty. Released just as he and his wife Susan were expecting their first child, the album established him as a songwriter deeply connected to both universal themes and personal milestones.
A true musical polymath, he went on to release eight albums on his own imprint, Nisa Records, showcasing his creative independence and vision. From 1980 to 1994, Tobi served as a musicologist at the CBC, where he played a vital role in expanding the reach of eclectic and under-heard music, carving out a reputation as a passionate curator and storyteller. On-air, he earned the affectionate title of the “Dean of the Obscure” on the CBC program Finkleman’s 45s, while also hosting Variety Tonight with his trademark eclecticism.
Known for his magnetic stage presence, Tobi’s live shows were praised by Bruce Kirkland of the Toronto Star as uniquely engaging. In 2007, he performed alongside the Jerry Garcia Band at the Harmony Festival in Santa Rosa, California. Earlier, he was part of the 1970s ensemble Firecloud, blending folk, reggae, and world sounds.
Later in life, he expanded into spiritual work, studying music, prayer, and counseling at P’nai Or Rabbinic Ordination (1986–1990). He served as a rabbi, composer, mentor, and Kabbalist, working with congregations in Sonoma and Colorado, and from 2019 to 2020 as Hillel Rabbi at Colorado State University. He now resides in Boulder, Colorado, balancing roles as a musician, producer, journalist, and spiritual guide.
-Robert Williston
All songs composed by Jack Schechtman
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