ROBERT "JAKE" JACOBS
Drums
“Great drumming isn’t about playing louder, it’s about making every musician around you sound better.”
BIOGRAPHY
Robert “Jake” Jacobs is an internationally respected drummer, educator, producer, and arranger whose career has spanned decades of performance, recording, and music education. A professional musician since the age of thirteen, Jake has built a reputation for exceptional musicianship, versatility, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Mentored by legendary drummer Hal Blaine of the famed Wrecking Crew, Jake developed not only a close personal friendship with one of music’s greatest session drummers but also a deep appreciation for groove, dynamics, and serving the song above all else.
Throughout his career, Jake has performed and recorded with an extraordinary list of artists including Natalie Cole, Al Green, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Clarence Clemons, Three Dog Night, Spencer Davis, Ellis Hall (Tower of Power), Ollie Wood (Temptations) and many others. His production and arranging credits extend into television, film, commercials, video games, children’s productions, and numerous studio recordings.
As an educator, Jake has inspired generations of musicians through private instruction and his work as Band Director at the Orange County School of the Arts. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance and teaching credentials, he has dedicated his career to passing on the knowledge, discipline, and passion that define truly great musicianship.
An endorsed artist with Drum Workshop (DW), REMO, Sabian Cymbals, Vic Firth, and Latin Percussion, Jake brings world-class experience and professionalism to Brothers After All. His powerful groove, musical sensitivity, and dynamic approach capture the spirit of the legendary rhythm section that continues to inspire audiences around the world.
WHY I PLAY
The drums are more than keeping time, they’re the heartbeat of the band. Every groove, every fill, every dynamic change helps shape the emotion of a song and creates the foundation that allows every musician to perform with confidence.
I’ve been fortunate to spend a lifetime learning from incredible musicians, both on stage and in the studio. Those experiences taught me that great drumming isn’t measured by how many notes you play, but by how well you listen, support the music, and elevate everyone around you.
The music of the Allman Brothers has always represented everything I love about live performance: groove, interaction, improvisation, and musical conversation. Every show is an opportunity to recreate that spirit while bringing fresh energy and excitement to every audience.
When the rhythm section locks in and the music begins to breathe on its own, that’s where the magic happens and that’s why I play.
MY GEAR
DRUMS
Drum Workshop (DW)
DRUMHEADS
Remo
CYMBALS
Sabian
STICKS
Vic Firth
HARDWARE
Drum Workshop (DW)
PERCUSSION
Latin Percussion (LP)
WHY I PLAY THIS GEAR?
Every piece of equipment I play has earned its place through years of performance, recording, and teaching. I rely on instruments that deliver consistency, musicality, and the dynamic range required to perform at the highest level night after night.
DW drums provide the responsiveness and craftsmanship I expect, while REMO drumheads and Sabian cymbals deliver the tone and versatility needed to move effortlessly from subtle textures to powerful, driving grooves. Vic Firth sticks complete the connection, allowing every nuance of the performance to translate naturally.
My equipment isn’t about endorsements, it’s about trust. When I step on stage, I want to focus entirely on the music, knowing my instruments will respond exactly the way I expect.
Whether performing a quiet ballad or an extended improvisational jam, every choice I make is guided by one principle: serve the song, support the band, and give the audience a performance they’ll never forget.
“The groove isn’t created by one musician, it’s created when everyone breathes together.”