came from a talented Dutch musical dynasty, his mother and father both involved in the arts for a profession and hobby, respectively, and his brother a double threat on bass and tenor sax. Born , the boy who would be was only six when he began seizing territory on his father's piano bench. While there were gaps in the pianist's youthful studies, he eventually triumphed in a jazz competition and made performing and composing his life. started his first piano trio in 1954, heavily influenced by the solid, introspective styles of American keyboard masters such as and . Typically for the Dutch jazz scene, opportunities arose for the pianist to head up rhythm sections backing visiting stars from the States. has been associated with Dutch tours involving reed players , , and . One of ' earliest recordings took place when the Wessel Ilcken trio backed hairy-chested flute maestro in 1956.

Subsequently, began performing regularly with his wife, vocalist , their typical program featuring arrangements of vocal music standards as well as bebop material. also crafted scores for both narrative and documentary films. He hosted and presented a television series, Music for All, in which Dutch and international performers regularly collaborate. In the '70s and '80s was well-known for presenting special concerts in the Dutch school system. The Pim Jacobs Theatre in Maarssen was named in his honor. The dynasty continues: nephew Bobby Jacobs is one of the newer additions to Dutch rock veterans . ~ Eugene Chadbourne

Pim Jacobs

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