Music
Press
Merlin. The name conjures up the images of wizards, hats, castles, and the magical alchemy that is inherent to the Arthurian legend. It is also the name of a talented, young musician whose musical alchemy stirs up a sorcerer’s brew of magical musical treats.
Orchestrated horn interplay with the keyboards and main band and Merlin’s vocal work and it all works so sweetly. At times one could close their eyes and imagine that this could be the band Chicago playing back in the 70’s (when they were tight, creative and had not become the formulaic hacks that they became in the three decades after that). At other times Merlin and company sound a bit like Steely Dan or Earth, Wind and Fire. Whatever they are doing, they need to keep it up because they have a superb sound and create really impressive music. If you like jazzy, funky stuff with great vocals, keys and horns then do not miss this CD; Jacob Merlin is a man on a mystical mission of musical wizardry!
Reviewer Steve Jones is secretary of the Crossroads Blues Society in Rockford.
- Crossroads Blues Society in Rockford.
The Bite of Seattle
The Jacob Merlin Band, an original band out of Portland came out to the KJR Fountain Lawn Stage at 5:00 and blew the crowd away with some New Orleans, Memphis and Oakland style funk influenced by legendary groups, like Tower of Power, Little Feat, The Meters and a lot more. - Seattle Examiner
- Seattle Examiner
The Bite of Seattle
The Jacob Merlin Band, an original band out of Portland came out to the KJR Fountain Lawn Stage at 5:00 and blew the crowd away with some New Orleans, Memphis and Oakland style funk influenced by legendary groups, like Tower of Power, Little Feat, The Meters and a lot more. - Seattle Examiner
- Seattle Examiner
" This is definitely old school stuff that'll be attracting lots of new ears, as the template for a sound so drenched was almost lost not long ago." - Peterborough Folk Music Society Acousticmusic.com - Peterborough Folk Music Society Acousticmusic.com
"Nutty frat boy fun that genre bends so many different sounds you can’t quite put your finger on what it is you are hearing at any given moment. With a mix of Memphis and Nawlins running over a patina of soul show band, Merlin has a big dose of Preservation Hall mixed into his personal soul but it’s simmered with a whole lot of other stuff to keep this on the far side of old timey. Grab a PBR and the good times flow." – Midwest Record Chicago, IL - Midwest Record Chicago, IL
"Nutty frat boy fun that genre bends so many different sounds you can’t quite put your finger on what it is you are hearing at any given moment. With a mix of Memphis and Nawlins running over a patina of soul show band, Merlin has a big dose of Preservation Hall mixed into his personal soul but it’s simmered with a whole lot of other stuff to keep this on the far side of old timey. Grab a PBR and the good times flow." – Midwest Record Chicago, IL - Midwest Record Chicago, IL
"Alchemy of Soul is a delightful disc that will bring to mind those heady days of the 70’s, when funk and soul ruled supreme on the airwaves. If you remember those days fondly, you owe it to yourself to check out this album."- Phoenix Blues Society - Phoenix Blues Society
" After hearing "Alchemy Of Soul" and the incendiary groove it sets up, we guarantee you'll be up and dancing at the first note!" - Nashville Blues Society - Nashville Blues Society
" After hearing "Alchemy Of Soul" and the incendiary groove it sets up, we guarantee you'll be up and dancing at the first note!" - Nashville Blues Society - Nashville Blues Society
"Local favorites, The Jacob Merlin Band began the festivities with a bang. With the full complement of horns, JMB got everyone’s attention right away with a funk fueled musical rampage on Berbati’s sparse stage. Elbow to elbow, they blasted through a dynamic set anchored by Merlin’s hard rock honky tonk piano playing and gritty tenor. The ever crowding bar patrons all turned and boogied right along. With the right mix of witty lyrics, bright musicality and brass (literally) the Jacob Merlin Band showed why they have been growing in popularity around
town."
- KINK-fm
Amazon Editorial Reviews
Product Description
"From start to finish Jacob Merlin takes you on a journey through a world of soul and funk that begins with a dixieland parade, energizes your feet with a fiery funk-fueled rampage, then takes you to church with inspirational gospel. Once you're done, you'll want to start the journey all over again! Features Mic Gillette of Tower of Power carrying that old school horn driven soul band sound."
- Amazon
If you’re looking for just an all-around stellar album, Jacob Merlin’s Alchemy of Soul is it.
From beginning to end, Alchemy of Soul delivers a sucker-punch of great music. The songs are fun and energized, while maintaining the mellowness typical of R&B. However, this album is by no means generic R&B.
The R&B/jazz scene tends to be very guitar-driven, with other instruments serving primarily as complements to the guitar. On Alchemy of Soul, however, this isn’t the case. Instead, it’s the songs revolve more around the trumpet and keyboards/piano, which adds a certain flair to the music.
Throughout, the album never loses its energy, and manages to completely draw in the listener. There is not a low point to Alchemy of Soul—every song stands strong both on its own and in conjunction with the rest of the album. A particular highlight of the album, though, is the track “Hammerhead.” Jacob Merlin kicks an already impressive album up a notch on this song, in every way possible.
Alchemy of Soul is an absolute must-listen, regardless of where your musical tastes usually fall. The end of each song leaves the listener looking forward to the next song, and by the end of the album you can’t help but want even more.
Carly Doenges—MuzikReviews.com Staff
- MuzicReview
If you’re looking for just an all-around stellar album, Jacob Merlin’s Alchemy of Soul is it.
From beginning to end, Alchemy of Soul delivers a sucker-punch of great music. The songs are fun and energized, while maintaining the mellowness typical of R&B. However, this album is by no means generic R&B.
The R&B/jazz scene tends to be very guitar-driven, with other instruments serving primarily as complements to the guitar. On Alchemy of Soul, however, this isn’t the case. Instead, it’s the songs revolve more around the trumpet and keyboards/piano, which adds a certain flair to the music.
Throughout, the album never loses its energy, and manages to completely draw in the listener. There is not a low point to Alchemy of Soul—every song stands strong both on its own and in conjunction with the rest of the album. A particular highlight of the album, though, is the track “Hammerhead.” Jacob Merlin kicks an already impressive album up a notch on this song, in every way possible.
Alchemy of Soul is an absolute must-listen, regardless of where your musical tastes usually fall. The end of each song leaves the listener looking forward to the next song, and by the end of the album you can’t help but want even more.
Carly Doenges—MuzikReviews.com Staff
- MuzicReview
Discography
Live at Jimmy Mak's - June 2012
Alchemy of Soul - Sept. 2009
Simple Threads - August 2007
Photos
Bio
From the first note to the grand finale, Jacob Merlin takes the audience to a new depth of musical experience with
his energetic, youthful approach to R&B, Blues, Soul, and Funk music. With varying styles, JM has the ability to write
songs that sound familiar yet are truly original. You’ll find yourself haunted hours later by the memorable melody lines
and lyrics. Mixing new and old covers with his original tunes, it is sometimes difficult to discern the difference making
for a seamless show. Whether it’s creating a dance party or setting the mood, Jacob Merlin is always the perfect host
with the highest quality music that transforms any event into unforgettable experience!
Jacob Merlin is a Portland Native who learned to tickle the ivories at the wholesome age of four. Brought up
on both classical and jazz standards, Jacob began to develop his music ability in composition, orchestration, and
performance throughout his high school and college years. In 2000, Jacob moved to Nashville and immersed himself
in the city’s music scene. With a newfound confidence and exposure to the music industry, he returned to Portland to
start a band of original funk and rock inspired music. He found a city teeming with local talent and ready for something
new.
Establishing his base and his brand, JM has worked with many charities and organizations from all over the Pacific
Northwest. He’s performed at benefits for Doernbecher’s Children’s Hospital, Abertina Kerr, Juvenile Diabetes
Research Foundation, Race for the Cure, and many others. Recently, the band shot a music video with the Portland
Trail Blazers as they performed their version of the Blazer’s theme song! Jacob has also worked with the Portland
Winterhawks, KINK FM, KMHD FM, KGON FM, and radio stations up and down the west coast, as well as being featured
on CBS’ Live Studio 6. Last summer, the JM band broke into Seattle and was featured in the Seattle Examiner after
performing for the Bite of Seattle, one of the city’s largest festivals. The Jacob Merlin Band has opened for the Cherry Poppin' Daddies; Curtis Salgado; Storm Large; Tim Reynolds. Jacob was nominated for the 2011Portland Music Awards as best male vocalist.
Jacob Merlin’s show is an experience that you have to see to believe. With the traction they have in the
Northwest, they are quickly branching into new markets and finding new fans across the country. It’s no stretch to say
that Jacob Merlin will be a household name and we will say, “I knew him when…”!
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