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Jake is a lyricist, songwriter, singer and musician with a diverse array of influences.

Noted for his skill as a ‘blues shouter’ and the ‘swing punk’ sound of his first few albums, he is especially drawn to the roots of American music. You’ll hear blues, jazz, swing, rockabilly, jump, gospel, folk and his distinctive fingerpicking ragtime guitar. Add a little cabaret and some punk attitude, and you’ve got Big Rude Jake.

Powerhouse Songwriters

He started by forming a band that combined his interest in traditional jazz, jump blues, rockabilly and punk. The lyrical style was inspired by his love for powerhouse songwriters like Tom Waits, Jacques Brel and Berthold Brecht. Jake’s fascination for the music and mythologies of cities like New Orleans and New York would certainly show up in the mix. And a mix it would certainly be…
That idea took him around the world and back.

Stuffy Jazz Intellectuals

A history buff as well as a music lover, Jake was drawn to the jazz tradition for its passion and sensuality. He lamented the rise of the stuffy ‘jazz intellectual’ and dreamed up a plan to bring jazz back to its streetwise, rough hewn roots. His stage persona evoked strident passion and longing.

In the first few years, he actually avoided playing in jazz venues altogether. Instead, he performed his jazz and swing influenced compositions in rock venues and blues bars across Canada, where he found kindred spirits who appreciated his dream of a “Bawdy House Jazz” revival.

Originally billed as ‘alternative music,’ Rude’s independent recordings were sold in the ‘rock,’ ‘punk’ and ‘alternative’ sections in music stores, and he proved that jazz and swing, with the right attitude, could have as much street credibility as any rock, soul or hip hop act in the country.

Leaving Canada, he moved to New York and signed with Roadrunner Records, making his third album (the self-titled one). For the next few years, BRJ toured Europe and the United States.

Disappearance

Shortly after returning to Toronto, a cab hit him as he cycled home from a gig late one night. His injuries forced him to cancel the national tour for the independent album he had only just completed (LFDJ). Jake left the recording industry to recover and regroup, semi-retiring.

He returned to playing solo guitar, enjoying the chance to focus on the ragtime fingerpicking style Mose Scarlett had taught him. He got healthier than he’d been in years. And more relaxed, having pursued his interest in Buddhism with vigor.

Big Rude Jake’s return to the recording business was marked by the release of Quicksand in September 2009 – yet another departure, inspired by Americana, Ragtime, Roots, Gospel and Folk.

Stand by, as 3 other new BRJ albums are in various stages of development. Watch for the LIVE album, Jake at The Drake, coming soon!