Hi, I’m Bill Jacobson, singer and songwriter, and I bring my pre-70’s country, acoustic rock influences, and indigenous spirit influence… to people yearning to hear music once again in community settings.

Early years in a southern california farming community allowed me to listen to local country music stations of the day, mostly the ones my Dad would tune in to… Merle, Buck, Willie, Ernest Tubb, Hank, Hank Snow, Porter Waggoner, Patsy Cline, Tex-Mex and bluegrass. While in high school, college and 2 years with the Army (draft # 16), Willie, Waylon, Kristofferson, Neil Young, Jim Kweskin, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jackson Browne, Missisippi John Hurt, John Hartford, Dylan and street musicians inspired me to keep on listening.

In the mid 70’s, with the support of my fellow high school buddy and Chino Lions club members, I helped bring about an annual Banjo and Fiddle contest, with headlining bluegrass bands… Byron Berline, Steve Gillette, and local southern california bluegrass musicians…  kept my love of live roots music alive…

Then came the late 80′s.  Bruce Sprinsteen and the E Street Band.  What a great troubador Bruce is…  Joe Strummer of the Clash wasn’t so bad either.  Peter Tosh, Burning Spear…

I carry on the lineage of teachings taught by my  parents and Elders. I share this Spirit with the community which I live and serve here in Northern California. I lead ceremony with communities seeking to return salmon to their local waterways, and continue to actively communicate the need for spiritual awareness that will lead to the return of community harmony.

During spring and summer months I play regularly under the Apple Tree at the Rainbow Market on Highway 49 in Nevada City California. (YES, I did co-write a song for this CD , “Highway 49″) www.appletreejam.com

I also play with a Roots group, 3 River Drum.

My first CD, Sippin’ on Memories, Songs from the Country Side, all original work, is now available.

This project was inspired by my neighbor Dick Jenkins who invited me to stop by the Rainbow Market on Highway 49 and join their weekly jam.  Having never played guitar outside of my living room I was a a bit apprehensive. Dick, along with Wayne Retherford, Dusty Ellison, Bill Wilhelm and Doug Wilson - (The Original Apple Tree Gang) – asked me to “come on in and join the circle.”

It was a step into a very new and special world.  Music, song, gathering… for no other reason than to sing and share, and feel good.  I am grateful too for the many Apple Tree Jam friendships, both musicians and listening audience.  With their encouragement, a new musical journey and this CD project came to life.

Feel free to drop me a note… I look forward to hearing from you.  Keep on pickin’ and grinnin!

Bill

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