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12-string guitarist Neil Jacobs is based in Columbus, at least for the moment. Then again, when a guy has a disc out named 'American Gypsy', one isn't quite sure where he is going to wind up. In 1985, Jacobs was invited to perform in the Soviet Union. Then, on a German television special, for the Polish Army and later settled in Spain on a grant, to study the Gypsies. On top of that, Jacobs has been on Hungery, Bulgaria and the Balkans.
Luckily, OhioOnline correspondent Peanuts cornered the roaming guitarist long enough to do some 'American Gypsy' related Q&A.
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| OO: |
What first got you interested in music? |
| NJ: |
"As a kid, I concocted an instrument comprised of a shoebox with rubber bands stretched across it. My parents bought me a coronet, but strings were it for me. Luckily, my fifth grade teacher, Larry Kozak, helped get me started on guitar." |
| OO: |
Are you a Columbus native? |
| NJ: |
"I was born in Cleveland. My family moved to Hinckley, aka Buzzardtown, when I was age 3. The ten years I spent there probably represents my longest stay in one place. At 13, my family moved to Indianapolis and then Dayton. I graduated from Centerville High and spent one year at Ohio University. There I met a singer/songwriter from New York City and began performing around Ohio. By spring quarter, we landed a record contract and I moved to New York City to make my fortune." |
| OO: |
And they lived happily ever after? |
| NJ: |
"After a couple of miserable years in New York, not making any fortune, I returned to Ohio University and formed a group called Cold Fish. I was having a great time putting together music that didn't fit into a neat genre. The music touched on what perhaps is now called fingerstyle guitar and incorporated folk, classical and jazz. We didn't have a drummer and Cold Fish became a favorite for many national touring acts at the time to open their shows." |
| OO: |
For instance? |
| NJ: |
"Spyro Gyra, Alan Holdsworth, Herbie Mann, Janis Ian, Airto & Flora Purim and Jeff Lorber." |
| OO: |
How would you describe your music? |
| NJ: |
"How about Fingerstyle, Gypsy, Blakan and modern classical 12-string." |
| OO: |
Have you found any Ohio bands to match up with? |
| NJ: |
"Lately, I have been doing a lot of matching up with some very talented solo guitarists. There are many great innovative players out there. I find being a guitarist is a never-ending exercise in humility. I will be participating in the annual 'Woodchoppers Ball' on December 7 at the Tri-C Ballroom in Parma. This is a great venue to catch a dozen great players" |
| OO: |
Where was the new disc cut? |
| NJ: |
"'American Gypsy' was recorded in Columbus and mastered in Nashville. I'm currently working on another solo cd titled 'Secret Places'." |
| OO: |
How did the studio process go? |
| NJ: |
"Its an agonizing process that I dread. Producing quality products on a severly limited budget leads to painful compromises." |
| OO: |
Favorite Ohio venue to play? |
| NJ: |
"Big venue would be the Ohio Theatre in Columbus. Of late, I have to add the Bellville Opera House." |
| OO: |
Finally, what's the long term plan? |
| NJ: |
"First of all, finish and release 'Secret Places'. I have been offered a teaching position at Alfred University. I may be teaching 'Ethnomusicology' for a semester or two and continue to perform concerts." |
