Jacob Jolliff Band: The More You Know
Jacob Jolliff Band: The More You Know
Jacob Jolliff comes from a musical family and has spent the last 20 years traveling around the world, playing his mandolin, and perfecting his craft. He studied with the late John McGann and played with Joy Kills Sorrow while balancing schoolwork. Jacob's passion for playing has only grown stronger over the years. Learn more about why Jacob started playing the mandolin and what audiences can expect when they see him on stage.
Why did your dad start you on the mandolin? What made this instrument so special?
As legend has it, he asked me what I wanted to play, and I said “Mandolin!” Though I have no memory of that. For the first few months, I only played the required 10 minutes a day, as part of my school work. But then overnight, basically on a dime, I went from 10 minutes to multiple hours of practice every day…And nothing’s really changed since!
What was it like studying with the late John McGrann?
John was a great teacher and inspiring dude—I really miss him (he passed away in 2012). He was capable of playing many styles very proficiently, which is something I strive for. On top of that, he had just the best sense of humor. He’s still very missed by the Berklee community and the larger music scene.
What was it like touring with Joy Kills Sorrow all over the world while still being in school? How were you able to manage that?
It was a thrill and stressful at points…I missed a lot of class! I was gone from school for the first month of my last semester, touring in Europe with JKS, so I really needed to stay on my teachers’ good side to not flunk out! Overall, Berklee and my first touring gig with Joy Kills Sorrow were both extremely formative and positive experiences. I feel lucky to have gotten to do both.
What is the most memorable experience you’ve had in your career?
Hmm…each era of my touring career has had some distant highlights and moments I’ll never forget. Here are a few:
- playing bluegrass festivals with my dad in middle school and high school
- Celtic Connections with Joy Kills Sorrow in 2011
- Red Rocks with Yonder (several years)
- lots of fun gigs with my own band like Rockygrass, Romp, Fresh Grass
- Hardly Strictly with Béla Fleck
Have you ever taught anyone how to play the mandolin? If not, would you want to?
Yes, I teach all the time and really enjoy it! I feel like I always get better through the process as well.
What can audiences expect when they come to see you perform?
We’re a progressive bluegrass band; we play a combination of complex original instrumental music and traditional tunes. Improvisation is at the forefront. I’d say the main takeaway is typically the chemistry of the musicians in the band and the amount of musical spontaneity!