PREMIERE | Jacober, "Once I Was"
Navigating the long and winding roads on Jacober’s new album Light Years; press photo courtesy of the artist.
In the latest Baltimore news, local percussionist legend David Jacober announced the new Jacober solo album Light Years for Crafted Sounds, sharing a first glimpse at the record's shimmering glow with the debut of the lead single "Once I Was". Working with Tariq Ravelomanana (of Infinity Knives, Loris) and Allison Clendaniel (Mind On Fire’ Collective) and a mixing/mastering assist from Rob Girardi; the Dope Body drummer and company chronicle the passages and pains of personal growth told in a life affirming song cycle of uplifting progressions and movements. From the exchanged soul glances of "Mirror Trade", the Marimba futurism of "Friends", the high tight rope rising "Using Brakes", the eyes affixed heaven-ward shine of "Cellophane", to the shimmering splendor of the title track — the senses of breakthroughs abound on Light Years, bursting with emanations of sheer joy on "Safe", the rhythmic mechanized tabulations and recollections of "Time", the affirmations of self and strength on "Like Stone", to dancing off into the sunset with much heart and healthy perspectives via "One Thing".
"Once I Was" begins the Light Years story, as Jacober reconciles the past, the paths forward and the movements toward safe and sound higher grounds. Employing a delightful menagerie of percussive notes, keys and an assortment of corresponding rhythmic components, the roads of life are recalled like a curious array of rest stops, truck stops, roadside themed attractions and all the concrete highway corridors that lead back to the artist’s home in Baltimore. The genius at work is how Jacober condenses autobiographical reminisces and a strong sense of being grounded in the present by way of a cleverly concocted dance track. Upbeat hooks are encoded into the track’s DNA, a glowing bouquet of smiling stems begging to be extended into remixes to suit the style and sensibilities for all of tomorrow’s discotheques (in a slowly reopened, reawakened and sleepy world). “Once I Was” is a must listen for all weary world wanderers in pursuit of that ever elusive road to healing and happiness.
Jacober and azure skies; press photo courtesy of the artist.
David Jacober provided the following exclusive thoughts on the creation of Light Years:
As far as what went into the soul searching to make this song, and the record:
"Once I Was" is the lead single off of Light Years and is basically a microcosm for the feel and energy of the entire record. That energy is about projecting optimism and positivity onto those who are living amidst chaotic times and going through constant change. Making Light Years was a cathartic process that allowed me to express myself on my own terms, while also making fun, marimba-based songs that I discovered could fuel a party atmosphere. Over the three years that it took me to write, record, and mix Light Years, I had several experiences that brought my solo music to life through reactions of friends and in performance environments. In particular, a house show in Saratoga Springs during October of 2018 stands out as a personal highlight where the energy of my music was fully realized. That house show is the source of the art on the record cover.
Here's a clip from that show:
I've been writing marimba-based pop music for over a decade, but with Light Years I've finally cultivated a sound that I am happy with. It was recorded mostly by myself at home in Baltimore, and was mixed with Rob Girardi. It features a lot of my best friends playing various roles throughout. I am very grateful for everything they contributed as Light Years would not be not be the same without them.
Light Years will be available May 7 via Crafted Sounds on vinyl, CD, tape and digital. You can pre-order today via Bandcamp or Crafted Sounds.
