Erik Jacobsen is an American record producer, song publisher, and artists manager, born May 19, 1940 in Oak Park Illinois on the west side of Chicago. His early musical influences were wide ranging, including a unique opportunity of listening to the first urban radio stations broadcasting polka, blues and country. He is best known for his work in the 1960s with Tim Hardin, The Lovin' Spoonful, The Charlatans, Sopwith Camel, and later with Norman Greenbaum and Chris Isaak.
MUSICIAN
In high school he played the tuba and sousaphone. Later, at Oberlin College he began playing bluegrass style banjo and by his senior year, took over leadership of the Oberlin bluegrass band, The Plumb Creek Boys. After graduation in 1962, he formed the The Knob Lick Upper 10,000, with Dwain Story and Peter Childs, also Oberlin graduates. They performed at The Bitter End coffee house in New York City, where they were signed by manager Albert Grossman. They recorded two albums for Mercury Records, Introducing The Knob Lick Upper 10,000 (1962), and Work Out!!! (1963), and were among the first folk and bluegrass artists to play Carnegie Hall.
In 1964, after hearing The Beatles, Jacobsen quit The Knob Lick Upper 10,000, intending to produce records combining folk music instruments with electric instruments and drums.
Returning to New York, he soon met John Sebastian, who had similar ideas, and they began working with other musicians, including Jerry Yester, Zal Yanovsky, Jesse Colin Young, Cass Elliott and Denny Doherty. Jacobsen produced various demos for different combinations of these musicians, prototypes of the folk rock style, some of which were issued on the 1966 Elektra album What's Shakin', and others on a 1999 compilation The Magic Circle.
THE LOVIN' SPOONFUL
Starting in 1965, Jacobsen produced the albums Do You Believe in Magic, Daydream, and Hums of the Lovin' Spoonful, which yielded seven straight top-10 singles, including "Do You Believe in Magic," "You Didn't Have to Be So Nice," "Daydream," and the number one hit, "Summer in the City," which was subsequently voted the number one summertime single of the 20th century by BillBoard Magazine. The Lovin’ Spoonful also recorded soundtracks for Woody Allen’s first movie What’s Up Tiger Lily as well as Francis Ford Coppola’s You’re a Big Boy Now. Jacobsen published the band's original songs through his Faithful Virtue Publishing Company and was a major factor in their development. Sebastian has said, "I felt like Erik, just as a collaborator, was a fifth member of the Spoonful" (Interview with John Sebastian by Lewis Shiner, 8 Jan 2012).
TIM HARDIN
Jacobsen discovered singer-songwriter Tim Hardin in 1964, began working as his manager and produced his first album, Tim Hardin 1. The album includes modern classics like "Reason to Believe," "Misty Roses," "Don't Make Promises" and "How Can We Hang on to a Dream." To encourage Hardin to write original songs, Jacobsen bought him a tape recorder and paid him $50 for every song Hardin recorded that had at least two verses and a chorus [liner notes to the original version of "Hang on to a Dream: The Verve Recordings". Songs that Hardin later recorded as demos for Jacobsen also include "If I Were a Carpenter" and others that appeared on Tim Hardin 2. Hardin's songs were published through Faithful Virtue Music Company (Tim Hardin Songs & Poetry by Tim Hardin 1968). In 1965 Jacobsen also produced the original blues style recordings that were eventually later released as Tim Hardin 4 on Verve Records.
OTHER ARTISTS
Jacobsen expanded his search for talent to California and worked there with the first of the newly emerging San Francisco rock bands, The Charlatans. While having little recording success, the band served as a launching pad for the extraordinary songwriter and singer, Dan Hicks, composer of the iconic song “I Scare Myself,” among many others. In 1966 Jacobsen recorded the group Sopwith Camel, their song “Hello Hello” was the first pop hit to come out of San Francisco’s psychedelic era.
In 1968, Jacobsen began working with singer songwriter, Brian Elliot. One album was released by Warner Brothers Records. In the late 1970’s the Elliot/Jacobsen Publishing Company had their song “Papa Don’t Preach” covered by Madonna. Her record went on to become an international number one hit, selling over one hundred million copies. Elliot and Jacobsen have continued to work together recently, in 2014, releasing an album, Mr. Brian Elliot, which can be heard on his website.
In 1968, Jacobsen began working with Norman Greenbaum. They made three albums together. "Spirit in the Sky" became a #1 worldwide hit that went on to be one of the most licensed recordings of all time, in over 30 films, and many TV shows and commercials.
In 1969, Jacobsen produced and published the song “Mill Valley”, a number one Adult Contemporary hit for Rita Abrams, a kindergarten school teacher, singing with the Strawberry Point School Third Grade Class. They were featured on the cover of Life Magazine and were guests on the Smother’s Brothers TV show. For more information about Abrams and to watch the video of the song, made by Francis Ford Coppola visit www.ritaabrams.com.
Between 1980 - 1984 he produced two albums with the San Francisco ska and reggae oriented band, The Tazmanian Devils (Warner Brothers records).
In 1981 he teamed up with Chris Isaak, as producer, publisher and manager. They worked and toured together through 1998, making five albums, including the double Platinum album Heart Shaped World. The break through single, “Wicked Game,” was eventually made into a music video, which has been voted one of MTV’s sexiest male video of all time. Isaak’s music has also been featured in numerous movies, TV shows and advertisements.
Though semi-retired, Jacobsen continues to manage many of his published songs and masters for various uses.
SONG PUBLISHER
Jacobsen's song publishing credits include, among others:
- The Lovin' Spoonful and Tim Hardin published by Faithful Virtue Music Company
- Sopwith Camel and Norman Greenbaum published by Great Honesty Music
- Chris Isaak published by C. Isaak Music Publishing Co.
- Brian Elliot (including Madonna's hit "Papa Don't Preach") through Elliot/Jacobsen Music Publishing Co.
- Dan Hicks and Rita Abrams, Published by Oh Boy Music Publishing Company
SONG PUBLISHER
- 1963: “The Introduction Of Knob Lick Upper 10,000” – Knob Lick Upper 10,000 (Banjo)
- 1963: “Workout!!!” – Knob Lick Upper 10,000 (Banjo)
- 1965: “Do You Believe in Magic” – Lovin’ Spoonful (Producer)
- 1966: “Daydream” – Lovin’ Spoonful (Producer)
- 1966: “Hums of the Lovin’ Spoonful” – Lovin’ Spoonful (Producer)
- 1966: “Tim Hardin 1” – Tim Hardin (Producer)
- 1966: “What’s Up Tiger Lily?” – Lovin Spoonful (Co-Producer)
- 1966: “The Shadow Knows" – The Charlatans (Producer)
- 1967: “You’re A Big Boy Now” – Lovin’ Spoonful (Producer)
- 1967: “Sopwith Camel” – Sopwith Camel (Producer)
- 1968: “A Boy & His Dog” – Leonard Schaeffer (Producer)
- 1969: “Tim Hardin 4” – Tim Hardin (Producer)
- 1969: “Spirit in the Sky” – Norman Greenbaum (Producer)
- 1969: “Sweet Moments” – Blue Velvet Band (Producer)
- 1970: “Back Home Again” – Norman Greenbaum (Producer)
- 1970: “The Stovall Sisters” – The Stovall Sisters (Producer)
- 1970: "Mill Valley" – Miss Abrams and the Strawberry Point 3rd Grade Class (Producer)
- 1971: “Breakaway” – William Truckaway (Producer)
- 1972: “Petaluma” – Norman Greenbaum (Producer)
- 1972: "Miss Abrams and the Strawberry Point 4th Grade Class" – Miss Abrams and the Strawberry Point 4th Grade Class (Producer)
- 1973: “The Miraculous Hump Returns from the Moon” – Sopwith Camel (Producer)
- 1974: “Tarzana Kid” – John Sebastian (Producer)
- 1977: “Indigo” – Indigo (Producer)
- 1978: “Brian Elliot” – Brian Elliot (Producer)
- 1980: “The Tazmanian Devils” – The Tazmanian Devils (Producer)
- 1981: “Broadway High Life” – The Tazmanian Devils (Producer)
- 1985: “Silvertone” – Chris Isaak (Producer)
- 1986: “Chris Isaak” – Chris Isaak (Producer)
- 1988: ”Christina Vierra” – Christina Vierra (Co-Producer)
- 1989: “Heart Shaped World” – Chris Isaak (Producer)
- 1991: “Wicked Game” – Chris Isaak (Producer)
- 1993: “San Francisco Days” – Chris Isaak (Producer)
- 1995: “Forever Blue” – Chris Isaak (Producer)
- 1996: “Baja Sessions” – Chris Isaak (Producer)
- 1998: “Speak of the Devil” – Chris Isaak (Producer)
- 2006: “Best Of Chris Isaak” – Chris Isaak (Producer)
- 2014: “Mr. Brian Elliot” – Brian Elliot (Co-Producer)
ALBUM RELEASES
Knob Lick Upper 10,000 is the first album by this early 1960‘s folk / bluegrass band, composed of Dwain Story on lead vocal and guitar, Erik Jacobsen on Banjo, and Peter Childs on dobro.
- The Cuckoo 2:46
- Train 45 2:10
- Little Willie 2:47
- Bowling Green 2:07
- Corey 3:20
- Kickin' Mule 1:47
- Battleship Of Maine 1:49
- Knob Lick Shuffle 2:18
- Kathy Kline 2:13
- Wild Bill Jones 2:50
- Foggy Mountain Breakdown 1:23
- Sing A Song Of Peace 1:45
- Banjo, Vocals: Erik Jacobsen
- Guitar, Lead Vocals: Dwain Story
- Guitar, Vocals: Peter Childs
Workout!!! is the second album by this early 1960‘s folk/ bluegrass band, Knob Lick Upper 10,000.
- Wabash Cannonball 2:28
- Jack Dringo 3:48
- Hard Luck Man 3:25
- Gold Rings On Her Fingers 4:03
- Medley: Maggie, Back-Eyed Susie, Susannah 3:08
- Ashville Junction 2:56
- Two Little Boys 3:10
- Rocky Mountain Water 2:45
- Days Of '49 3:45
- Wayfaring Stranger 3:41
- Stand By Me Stranger 1:51
- Banjo – Erik Jacobsen
- Guitar – Dwain Story
- Guitar – Peter Childs
Do You Believe in Magic is the debut album by the folk rock group The Lovin' Spoonful. It was released in November 1965, on the Kama Sutra label. The album features the hits "Do You Believe in Magic" (USA #9) and "Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind?"
- Do You Believe in Magic 2:07
- Blues in the Bottle 2:12
- Sportin Life 4:04
- My Gal 2:38
- You Baby 2:56
- Fishin Blues 2:02
- Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind 1:59
- Wild About My Lovin 2:36
- Other Side of This Life 2:30
- Younger Girl 2:20
- On the Road Again 1:51
- Night Owl Blues 3:05
- John Sebastian – vocals, guitar, autoharp, harmonica, organ
- Steve Boone – bass, vocals
- Joe Butler – drums, percussion, vocals
- Zal Yanovsky – electric and acoustic guitar, vocals
Daydream is the second album by The Lovin' Spoonful, released in 1966. It features two hits, the title track, which reached No. 2 in the U.S. Billboard Top 40 charts, and "You Didn't Have to Be So Nice"
- Daydream 2:21
- There She Is 1:58
- It’s Not Time Now 2:49
- Warm Baby 2:03
- Day Blues 3:15
- Let the Boy Rock and Roll 2:34
- Jug Band Music 2:53
- Didn’t Want to Have to Do It 2:06
- You Didn’t Have to Be So Nice 2:29
- Bald Headed Lena 2:25
- Butchie’s Tune 2:37
- Big Noise from Speonk 2:21
- John Sebastian – vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, autoharp, harmonica, keyboards
- Steve Boone – bass, vocals
- Joe Butler – drums, percussion, vocals
- Zal Yanovsky – electric and acoustic guitars, vocals
Hums of the Lovin' Spoonful is the third album (excluding one soundtrack album) by the folk rock band The Lovin' Spoonful, released in 1966. It peaked at No. 14 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart.
- Lovin You 2:29
- Bes’ Friends 1:54
- Voodoo in My Basement 2:29
- Darlin’ Companion 2:22
- Henry Thomas 1:43
- Full Measure 2:42
- Rain on the Roof 2:13
- Coconut Grove 2:43
- Nashville Cats 2:35
- 4 Eyes 2:53
- Summer in the City 2:45
- John Sebastian – lead and backing vocals, guitar, twelve-string guitar, autoharp, piano, organ, harmonium, ocarina, pedal steel guitar, Irish harp
- Zal Yanovsky – electric and acoustic guitars, backing and lead (3) vocals, banjo, slide whistle
- Steve Boone – electric and double basses, piano, organ, percussion
- Joe Butler – drums, backing and lead (6) vocals, percussion
- Henry Diltz – clarinet
- Artie Schroeck – electric piano (11)
- Larry Hankin – Jew's harp
Tim Hardin 1 is the debut album by folk artist Tim Hardin, released in 1966 on Verve Records.
Side One
- Don’t Make Promises 2:26
- Green Rocky Road 2:18
- Smugglin’ Man 1:57
- How Long 2:54
- While You’re On Your Way 2:17
- It’ll Never Happen Again 2:37
Side Two
- Reason to Believe 2:00
- Never Too Far 2:16
- Part of the Wind 2:19
- Ain’t Gonna Do Without 2:13
- Misty Roses 2:00
- How Can We Hang On to a Dream 2:04
- Tim Hardin – vocals, guitar, keyboards
- Gary Burton – vibraphone
- Bob Bushnell – bass
- Earl Palmer – drums
- Buddy Saltzman – drums
- Jon Wilcox – drums
- John Sebastian – harmonica
- Phil Kraus – background vocals
- Walter Yost – bass
- Artie Butler – string arrangements
The soundtrack album to What's Up Tiger Lily? was released in 1966. It contains music by The Lovin' Spoonful. The audio engineer at National Recording Studios was Fred Weinberg, who went on to produce and engineer many other films and albums. It was re-released on CD along with You're a Big Boy Now, the Spoonful's soundtrack for the 1966 film by Francis Ford Coppola. It reached No. 126 on the Billboard Pop Albums charts.
- Introduction to Flick 2:14
- Pow 2:26
- Gray Prison Blues 2:04
- Pow Revisited 2:26
- Unconscious Minuet 2:05
- Fishin Blues 1:59
- Respoken 1:48
- Cool Million 2:02
- Speakin’ of Spoken 2:41
- Lookin’ to Spy 2:29
- Phil’s Love Theme 2:23
- End Title 4:06
- Erik Jacobsen – Co Producer
- Jack Lewis – Co Producer
- Skip Boone – Composer
- Steve Boone – Composer
- John Sebastian – Composer
- Zal Yanovsky – Composer
- Woody Allen – Composer
- Ben Shapiro – Production Concept
- Val Valentin – Director of Engineering
The Charlatans were the first influential psychedelic rock band that played a seminal role in the development of the San Francisco music scene in the 1960s. "The Shadow Knows" and "32-20", were released by Kapp Records in 1966 as the band's first single.
- The Shadow Knows
- 32-20
- Richard Olsen – bass, composer, percussion, vocals, woodwind
- Mike Wilhelm – guitar, multi Instruments, percussion, vocals
- George Hunter – autoharp
- Mike Ferguson – drums
- Dan Hicks – vocals, guitar and drums
You're a Big Boy Now is a soundtrack album by The Lovin' Spoonful, released in 1967, containing music from the Francis Ford Coppola film of the same name. Composed entirely by Spoonful member John Sebastian, it contains several songs performed by the band, as well as instrumental music from the film score. The album was re-released on CD along with What's Up, Tiger Lily?, the Spoonful's soundtrack for the 1967 Woody Allen film.
- You’re a Big Boy Now 2:34
- Lonely (Amy’s Theme) 3:22
- Wash Her Away (From the Discotheque) 2:33
- Kite Chase 1:23
- Try and Be Happy 1:06
- Peep Show Percussion 1:21
- Girl, Beautiful Girl (Barbara’s Theme) 2:25
- Darling Be Home Soon 3:36
- Dixieland Big Boy 1:16
- Letter to Barbara 1:01
- Barbara’s Theme \[From the Discotheque] 1:29
- Miss Things Thang 1:39
- March 2:30
- Finale 2:32
- Erik Jacobsen – Co Producer
- Jack Lewis – Co Producer
- Skip Boone – Composer
- Steve Boone – Composer
- John Sebastian – Composer
- Zal Yanovsky – Composer
- Woody Allen – Composer
- Ben Shapiro – Production Concept
- Val Valentin – Director of Engineering
Sopwith Camel released their first, self-titled album (and only album recorded during the 1960s), Sopwith Camel, in 1967 on Kama Sutra Records. The band's hit single, "Hello, Hello", became the first hit to emerge from the San Francisco rock scene and reached No. 26 on the U.S. pop music charts in January 1967 and No. 9 on the Canadian RPM Magazine charts. The band's first album, and "Hello, Hello" in particular, had more in common with earlier songs by The Lovin' Spoonful, than typical 1960s psychedelic rock, making it no coincidence that Erik Jacobsen produced for both Sopwith Camel and The Lovin' Spoonful.
- Hello, Hello 2:27
- Frantic Desolation 2:17
- Saga of the Low Down Let Down 1:52
- Little Orphan Annie 2:55
- You Always Tell Me Baby 1:49
- Maybe in a Dream 2:06
- Cellophane Woman 2:30
- The Things That I Could Do With You 2:15
- Walk in the Park 2:30
- The Great Morpheum 2:56
- Postcard from Jamaica 2:31
- Treadin' 2:16
- Erik Jacobsen – Producer
- Peter Kraemer – Composer, Keyboards, Vocals, Wind
- Martin Beard – Bass
- Terry MacNeil – Composer, Guitar, Keyboards
- Norman Mayell – Drums, Harmonica, Sitar
- William Sievers – Guitar
A Boy and His Dog is the album released by Chicago singer songwriter, Leonard Shaeffer, produced by Erik Jacobsen and released in 1968 on Warner Brothers Records.
- Dreamin' 2:15
- Someone In Mind 2:44
- State Fair 2:52
- The Artist 3:02
- The Meeting 2:12
- Lodenspear 3:37
- Smile On The Outside 2:54
- Love, Love, Love 2:41
- Little Time Out 2:20
- Make Up A Story 2:13
- Phone Call Blues 3:28
- When I Get To See The Day 2:47
- Erik Jacobsen – Co-Producer
- Robert Rafkin – Co-Producer, Co-Writer
- Martin Beard – Bass
- Terry Clements – Saxophone
- Bill Douglass – Bass
- Mitzi Douglass – Vocals
- Ale Eckstrom – Concertina
- Richard Greene – Mandolin, Violin
- Dan Hicks – Harmonica
- Becky Kapsis – Vocals
- Terry MacNeil – Piano
- Norman Mayell – Drums
- Mark Naftalin – Piano
- Francisco Obligacion – Congas
- Richard Olsen – Flute
- Dan Patiris – Horn, Oboe
- Walt Payne – Engineer
- Robert Rafkin – Banjo, Guitar, Organ
- David Schaeffer – Vocals
- Leonard Schaeffer – Guitar, Primary Artist
- William Truckaway – Brass
- Patti Urban – Vocals
Erik Jacobsen recorded these Blues songs as a demo with Tim, John Sebastian, Sticks Evans, and Bob Bushnell in 1964. They were not issued until 1969. The songs are in a straight blues style. A similar release was done by Atco on This is Tim Hardin.
- Airmobile 2:19
- Whiskey, Whiskey 5:39
- Seventh Son 2:05
- How Long 4:30
- Danville Dame 2:45
- Ain’t Gonna Do Without (P1) 2:08
- Ain’t Gonna Do Without (P2) 1:30
- House of the Rising Sun (Traditional) 3:35
- Bo Diddley (Bo Diddley) 2:45
- I Can’t Slow Down 2:27
- Hello Baby 5:23
- Erik Jacobsen – Producer
- Tim Hardin – vocals, guitar
- John Sebastian - harmonica
- Bob Bushnell - bass
- Sticks Evans - drums
"Spirit in the Sky" is a song written and originally recorded by Norman Greenbaum and released in late 1969. The single became a gold record, selling two million copies from 1969 to 1970 and reached number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart (April 18, 1970), where it lasted for 15 weeks in the Top 100. Billboard ranked the record the #22 song of 1970. It also climbed to #1 on the UK, Australian and Canadian charts in 1970. Rolling Stone ranked "Spirit in the Sky" #333 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The song was featured on the 1969 album of the same name. Cover versions by Doctor and the Medics and Gareth Gates have also made the #1 spot in the UK.
Side 1
- Junior Cadillac 3:38
- Spirit in the Sky 4:03
- Skyline 3:14
- Jubilee 3:01
- Alice Bodine 3:42
Side 2
- Tars of India 3:05
- The Power 2:38
- Good Lookin’ Woman 4:17
- Milk Cow 3:04
- Marcy 3:17
- Erik Jacobsen – producer
- Norman Greenbaum – guitar, piano
- Norman Mayell – drums, percussion
- Doug Killmer – bass
- Russell DaShiell – lead guitar
- Stoval Sisters – chorus/background vocals
The Blue Velvet Band was a group of super-pickers who came from bluegrass, rock, country and folk backgrounds. Lead singer, Jim Rooney was a mainstay of the Boston folk revival scene. Violinist, Richard Greene had left L.A. for the East to join the bluegrass Greenbriar Boys, then joined Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys in Nashville. Steel guitar and banjo player, Bill Keith was another Monroe alumnus, and had played pedal steel and tenor banjo with Kweskin's Jug Band. Eric Weissberg, banjo player, was the senior member having started with the Greenbriar Boys, then going on to the Tarriers as well as countless recording sessions in New York. The Blue Velvet Band's solo album remains a collector's item.
- Ramblin' Man 2:48
- You'll Find Her Name Written There 2:43
- The Knight Upon The Road 3:38
- Weary Blues From Waitin' 3:02
- Little Sadie 2:01
- Hitch-Hiker 2:52
- Sweet Moments 2:28
- Somebody Else You've Known 2:25
- Fond Affection 2:41
- My Sweet Love Ain't Around 2:45
- The Nobody Knows About My Cares And Nobody Cares About My Nose Rag 2:03
- Sittin' On Top Of The World 3:21
- Gary Chester – Drums
- Richard Greene – Violin
- John Hammond, Jr. – Harmonica
- Erik Jacobsen – Producer
- Bill Keith – Banjo, Guitar (Steel)
- Andy Kulberg – Bass
- Pat Rebillo – Piano
- Jim Rooney – Guitar, Vocals
- Buddy Salzman – Drums
- Eric Weissberg – Guitar, Violin, Vocals
Norman Greenbaum's second album released in 1970, which unfortunately failed to reach the same popularity as "Spirit in the Sky".
- Back Home Again 2:42
- Rhode Island Red 2:45
- Canned Ham 2:51
- Titfield Thunder 4:04
- Miss Fancy 3:15
- Lucille Got Stealed 3:54
- Circulate 3:09
- Hook & Ladder 2:42
- Damper 2:56
- I. J. Foxx 4:19
- Erik Jacobsen – producer
- Norman Greenbaum – writer, vocals, rhythm guitar, piano
- Bill Meeker – drums, percussion
- Doug Killmer – electric bass
- Russell DaShiell – guitar
- Stoval Sisters – background vocals
- Jerry Yester – keyboards
- Dan Hicks – washboard
- William Truckaway – Moog synthesizer
- Dan Paik – mandolin
In the 1970s, the Stovall Sisters were a gospel trio of recording artists consisting of Lillian, Netta, and Joyce Stovall. Definitive works include the album The Stovall Sisters (Reprise Records 1970, Warner Music Group) which included the now funk/soul classic “Hang on in There.” They are also the featured background vocalists on the rock classic “Spirit In The Sky” (recorded by Norman Greenbaum, producer, Erik Jacobsen).
- Hang on in There 3:36
- Yes to The Lord 2:17
- Sweepin’ Through the City 3:13
- The World is in a Change 3:13
- Rapture 4:55
- Spirit in the Sky 3:00
- So Good 2:33
- The Love of God 3:31
- I Come to Praise Him 3:01
- I’m Ready to Serve the Lord 3:43
- Bass – Dough Killmer
- Drums – Bill Meeker, Norman Mayell
- Engineer – Russ Gary
- Guitar – Dennis Geyer, Russel Dashiell
- Horns – Hart McNee, John Wilmeth, David Ginsburg, Neil Kantor, Ron Stallings
- Lead Vocals – Joyce Stovall, Netta Stovall
- Producer – Erik Jacobsen, William Truckaway
- Strings – Ed Bogas
The single, Mill Valley by Rita Abrams with producer Erik Jacobsen, became a number one Billboard adult contemporary hit in 1970.
Side A
- Wonder 3:02
- Floating Away 2:08
- Building' A Heaven On Earth - written by Norman Greenbaum 2:30
- Running In The Green Grass 2:43
- Mill Valley 2:58
Side B
- I Wonder Why 2:52
- This Time Of Life 2:22
- You Are My Sunshine - written by Charles Mitchell & Jimmie Davis 2:47
- I Never Asked 3:12
- Sweet Summertime 2:37
- Producer – Erik Jacobsen, Rita Abrams
- Written-By – Rita Abrams
Breakaway was released in 1971 by Reprise Records and features the work of William Sievers, aka William Truckaway, former member of group Sopwith Camel. This album is reviewed by a contemporary critic as “a wonderfully sweet and mellow album from a guy who sings like he could charm the leaves off the trees in the summertime.“ You could compare Truckaway to John Sebastian, since the Sopwith Camel and the Lovin' Spoonful shared a sound and producer Erik Jacobsen.
- Breakaway 3:32
- Hard, Cold, City Life 3:07
- Way To My Heart 2:18
- Send Me Some 2:27
- Jaded Lace 6:14
- Be the One 2:34
- I Go Slow 2:38
- Where's My Baby 2:42
- Soundaround 2:17
- Bluegreens 2:42
- Leave It There 3:55
- Arranged By \[string arr.] – Ed Bogas
- Autoharp, Percussion – Dallas Williams
- Banjo, Fiddle – Walt Koken (track: 9)
- Bass \[string] – Bill Douglass (tracks: 3, 7, 9)
- Choir \[subaudible cossack choir] – Dallas Williams (track: 8), Doc Storch, Frank Maestropasqua, John Nonziato (track: 8), Norm Mayell* (track: 8), William Truckaway (track: 8)
- Congas – Bobby Castro (3) (track: 4), John Nonziato (tracks: 1, 7)
- Drums, Percussion – Norm Mayell*
- Electric Bass – David Hayes (tracks: 1, 2), Doug Killmer
- Electric Guitar – Russell Dashiell* (track: 8)
- Flute – Charles Lloyd
- Jew's Harp – Larry Hanks
- Pedal Steel Guitar – Buddy Emmons
- Producer – Erik Jacobsen
- Producer, Guitar, Piano, Synthesizer \[moog], Harp, Instruments \[misc.], Vocals \[singer] – William Truckaway
- Sitar, Tambora – Norm Mayell* (track: 7)
- Twelve-String Guitar – Terry Dolan (track: 7)
- Vibraphone \[vibes] – Ed Bogas (track: 4)
- Violin, Mandolin – Ed Bogas (track: 8)
- Violin, Viola – Richard Green*
- Vocals \[singers] – The Stovall Sisters (tracks: 4, 6, 10, 11)
- Vocals \[soul brothers] – Arcelio Garcia (track: 1), John Rodriguez (7), John Watson (5), Victor Quinones (2) (track: 1)
With the proceeds from his world-wide hit, “Spirit in the Sky,” Norman Greenbaum bought a farm and moved to Petaluma, California, to raise goats and sell milk and cheese throughout the Bay Area. He then released his fourth Album entitled Petaluma with producer Erik Jacobsen. The album, in jug band style, featured Ry Cooder on mandolin and Fritz Richmond, jug player extraordinaire.
- Grade A Barn 2:37
- 5 Pennies 2:45
- Dairy Queen 2:30
- Campin 2:02
- Petaluma 2:42
- Country Lad 2:21
- The Day The Well Went Dry 2:35
- New Dead Shrimp Blues 3:22
- Crazy Over You 2:38
- Japanese Silky 1:41
- Producer – Erik Jacobsen
- Vocals \[Uncredited] – Norman Greenbaum
- Written-By – Norman Greenbaum Bass – Bill Douglas*
- Glockenspiel – Henry Diltz
- Percussion \[Bonks] – Norman Mayell
- Piano – Norman Greenbaum
- Vocals \[La's] – Rita Abrams
- Slide Guitar, mandolin – Ry Cooder
- Banjo – Kenny Burt
- Double Bass \[Upright Bass] – Bill Douglas*
- Lead Guitar – Russell Dashiell
- Bass \[Washtub] – Fritz Richmond
- Clarinet – Rich Olsen
The album Miss Abrams And The Strawberry Point 4th Grade Class featuring “Mill Valley was recorded by producer Erik Jacobsen, who recorded Adams and the children from the third grade class at the the school where Rita Abrams taught kindergarten. Released on the Reprise label, the record reached #90 on the Billboard pop chart.
- Wonder 3:04
- Floating Away 2:11
- Building' A Heaven On Earth 2:31
- Running In The Green Grass 2:44
- Mill Valley 2:41
- I Wonder Why 3:02
- This Time Of Life 1:54
- You Are My Sunshine 2:24
- I Never Asked 2:48
- Sweet Summertime 3:15
- Rita Abrams Composer, Producer
- Jimmie Davis Composer
- Norman Greenbaum Composer
- Erik Jacobsen Producer
- Miss Abrams and the Strawberry Point 4th Grade Class Primary Artist
- Charles Mitchell Composer
- Bill Pitzonka Art Direction
In 1973, a reformed Sopwith Camel recorded The Miraculous Hump Returns from the Moon on Warner Bros. Records' Reprise label. In a somewhat different style from their first release, this album has become a critics' favorite for its complex instrumentation and extraordinary song writing.
- Fazon 5:15
- Coke, Suede, And Waterbeds 3:30
- Dancin' Wizard 3:01
- Sleazy Street 5:26
- Orange Peel 5:32
- Oriental Fantasy 4:53
- Sneaky Smith 5:33
- Monkeys On The Moon 3:12
- Astronaut Food 3:07
- Brief Synthophonia 1:00
- Martin Beard – Bass
- Erik Jacobsen – Producer
- Peter Kraemer – ARP Synthesizer, Flute, Keyboards, Saxophone, Synthesizer, Vocals, Wind
- Terry MacNeil – Guitar, Keyboards, Piano
- Norman Mayell – Drums, Harmonica, Marimba, Percussion, Sitar
Tarzana Kid is an album by American singer-songwriter John Sebastian, released in 1974. The album was a commercial failure and did not chart. His next album which featured "Welcome Back" was his last for the Reprise label.
- Sitting In Limbo 0:29
- Friends Again 2:28
- Dixie Chicken 3:49
- Stories We Could Tell 3:09
- Face of Appalachia 4:20
- Wildwood Flower 1:43
- Wild About My Lovin' 3:05
- Singing the Blues 2:22
- Sportin' Life 3:09
- Harpoon 2:25
- John Sebastian – vocals, guitar, harmonica, autoharp, banjo, marimba, dulcimer
- Lowell George – slide guitar, guitar,vocals
- Jim Gordon – drums
- Kenny Altman – bass
- Milt Holland – drums
- Amos Garrett – guitar
- Russell DaShiell – guitar
- Richie Olson – clarinet
- The Pointer Sisters – background vocals
- Bobbye Hall – congas
- Jerry McKuen – guitar
- Buddy Emmons – pedal steel guitar
- Emmylou Harris – background vocals
- Kelly Shanahan – drums
- David Lindley – fiddle
- David Grisman – mandolin
- Ry Cooder – mandolin, slide guitar
- Phil Everly – background vocals
- Ron Koss – guitar
- Erik Jacobsen – producer
- John Sebastian – producer
- David Paich – string arrangement
Indigo, released by Warner Bro. Records in 1977 featured the trio of singer/songwriters Rex Larsen, Sherry Fox and Sue Richman.
- Feels Right 3:20
- L.A Lady 3:07
- Prisoner of the Spirit World 3:34
- In Front of You 3:31
- Step By Step 3:11
- What’s It Matter 3:10
- Come To the Lady That Loves You 2:49
- Wonderin’ Why 3:38
- The Nomad 3:25
- Carl’s Song 3:18
- Bass – Ken Melville, Kenny Edwards
- Drums – Jeff Porcaro
- Guitar – Rex Larsen (2), Waddy*
- Keyboards – Howard Wales, Michael Omartian
- Percussion – King Errisson
- Piano – Sherry Fox, Sue Richman
- Producer – Erik Jacobsen, Indigo (26)
- Synthesizer – Michael Bottiker
Brian Elliot was released in 1978 on Warner Bros. Records. The album featured singer songwriter and pianist Brian Elliot, produced by Erik Jacobsen.
- Let's Just Live Together 3:47
- Summer Nights In Hollywood 3:10
- Queen Of Clowns 3:59
- Room To Grow 3:28
- Tickets To Rio 2:47
- The First Time 2:56
- 17 Goin' On 21 2:36
- Old Nueva Laredo 3:49
- Last Vegas Wedding 3:03
- One Last Night Together 3:45
- Michael Baird – Drums
- Steve Beckmeier – Guitar
- Larry Carlton – Guitar
- Valerie Carter – Vocals (Background)
- Dyanne Chandler – Vocals (Background)
- Brian Elliot – Composer, Keyboards, Primary Artist, Producer
- Wilton Felder – Bass
- Victor Feldman – Vibraphone
- Gary Ferguson – Drums
- Sherry Fox – Vocals (Background)
- James Gadson – Drums
- Bob Glaub – Bass
- Jay Graydon – Guitar
- David Hungate – Bass
- Erik Jacobsen – Producer
- The Jones Sisters – Background Vocals
- Steve Madaio – Horn
- Lew McCreary – Horn
- Pinetop Perkins – Horn
- William Peterson – Horn
- Jeff Porcaro – Drums
- John Rhyss – Percussion
- Sue Richman – Vocals (Background)
- Lee Ritenour – Guitar
- Seawind Horns – Horn
- Reed Stanley – Engineer
- Fred Tackett – Guitar
- Tony Terran – Horn
- The Waters – Vocals (Background)
- Julius Wechter – Horn, Marimba
- Dave Wells – Horn
The Tazmanian Devils (aka Taz) played their first gig in 1976 at the Sleeping Lady Cafe in Fairfax. Their new wave/reggae rhythms created a strong following and after a few years on the club circuit the band got the chance to record two albums for Warner Brothers in 1980 and 1981, this self-titled album being the first of the two.
- Feel Alright 2:44
- Window Into Heaven 3:12
- Spy in the House of Love 4:32
- Don’t Slip 3:06
- West Coast 2:57
- Laura 2:58
- Sender to Me 3:30
- My Obsession 3:35
- Pressure 2:44
- Music 3:45
- Bass, Vocals – Duane Van Deman
- Drums – Barry Lowenthal
- Keyboards, Lead Vocals – Pat Craig
- Lead Guitar – David Carlson*
- Producer – Erik Jacobsen, The Tazmanian Devils
- Rhythm Guitar, Lead Vocals – Dennis Hogan
The second album of the Tazmanian Devils released by Warner Bros. Records in 1981.
- Dirty Bop Party
- She’s A Rocker
- Little Sister
- Kids
- Rockers Die Young
- Lords Of Frisco
- Giveaway
- Don’t Hold Back
- Dub-ble Up
- Breakdown
- Bass, Vocals – Duane Van Deman
- Drums – Barry Lowenthal
- Keyboards, Lead Vocals – Pat Craig
- Lead Guitar – David Carlson*
- Rhythm Guitar, Lead Vocals – Dennis Hogan
- Producer – Erik Jacobsen, The Tazmanian Devils
Silvertone is the debut album by American musician Chris Isaak, released in 1985, and named after his three-piece backup band. The album peaked at #77 in Australia in June 1986.
- Dancin' 3:44
- Talk to Me 3:04
- Livin’ for Your Lover 2:56
- Back on Your Side 3:14
- Voodoo 2:44
- Funeral in the Rain 3:18
- The Lonely Ones 3:12
- Unhappiness 3:10
- Tears 2:44
- Gone Ridin' 2:36
- Pretty Girls Don’t Cry 2:24
- Western Stars 3:12
- Another Idea 2:35
- Chris Isaak – vocals, guitar
- James Calvin Wilsey – lead guitar, lap steel guitar
- Prairie Prince – drums
- Chris Solberg – bass
- Pee Wee Ellis – saxophone
- Jim Keltner – drums
- Pat Craig – organ
- Erik Jacobsen - Producer, Management
Chris Isaak is the eponymous second album by Chris Isaak, released in 1986. The song "Blue Hotel" was a hit in France.
- You Owe Me Some Kind of Love 3:51
- Heart Full of Soul 3:20
- Blue Hotel 3:10
- Lie to Me 4:12
- Fade Away 4:17
- Wild Love 2:57
- This Love Will Last 2:45
- You Took My Heart 2:31
- Cryin 2:30
- Lovers Game 2:55
- Waiting for the Rain to Fall 3:39
- Chris Isaak – guitar, vocals
- James Calvin Wilsey – lead guitar
- Chris Solberg – bass
- Prairie Prince – drums
- Rowland Salley – bass
- Kenney Dale Johnson – drums, vocals
- John "J.R." Robinson – drums
- Erik Jacobsen – Producer, Management
It was released in 1988, but had poor commercial success.
- You Can Float In My Boat 3:59
- I Can't Hold Out Anymore 3:26
- Your Personal Possession 2:51
- Jamie 3:45
- The "L" Word 3:36
- Those Eyes 3:57
- Break These Chains 4:22
- Doctor, Could You Please? 3:42
- Slip Through Your Fingers 3:45
- (You'll Never) Use Up All Of My Love 4:51
- Backing Vocals – Donna de Lory, Mona Lisa Young, Rick Palumbi*
- Executive Producer – Erik Jacobsen
- Guitar – Tony Sena
- Keyboards \[Additional] – Starr Parodi (tracks: 3, 5)
- Keyboards, Programmed By, Engineer – Brian Elliot
- Producer – Brian Elliot
- Saxophone – Bob Milletello* (tracks: 1, 3)
Heart Shaped World is the third album by Chris Isaak. Released in 1989, it became his breakthrough album and featured the Top 10 hit "Wicked Game".
- Heart Shaped World 3:30
- I’m Not Waiting 3:16
- Don’t Make Me Dream About You 3:33
- Kings of the Highway 4:47
- Wicked Game 4:49
- Blue Spanish Sky 3:58
- Wrong to Love You 4:20
- Forever Young 3:23
- Nothing’s Changed 4:08
- In the Heat of the Jungle 6:20
- Diddley Daddy 4:01
- Chris Isaak – vocals, guitar
- James Calvin Wilsey – lead guitar
- Rowland Salley – bass guitar, vocals
- Kenney Dale Johnson – drums, vocals
- Prairie Prince - drums, percussion
- Frank Martin - keyboards, piano
- Pete Scaturro - keyboards
- Christine Wall - vocals
- Cynthia Lloyd - vocals
- Chris Solberg - guitars
- Joni Haastrup - keyboards
- Erik Jacobsen – production
Wicked Game is a compilation album by American singer and songwriter Chris Isaak, released in 1991 by WEA on the Reprise Records label in the UK, Europe and Australia. The record contains 11 songs from his first three albums. In early 1991, after the song "Wicked Game" went top 10 in the UK and top 15 in Australia, a division of Warner Music Group, WEA released the album Wicked Game. Compiled by Phil Knox-Roberts of WEA UK, it was highlights of Isaak's recording career to that point.
- Wicked Game 4:46
- You Owe Me Some Kind Of Love 3:51
- Blue Spanish Sky 3:57
- Heart Shaped World 3:26
- Heart Full of Soul 3:20
- Funeral in the Rain 3:18
- Blue Hotel 3:10
- Dancin’ 3:44
- Nothing’s Changed 4:05
- Voodoo 2:44
- Lie to Me 4:12
- Wicked Game (Instrumental) 4:48
- Bass, Vocals – Rowland Salley
- Drums, Vocals – Kenney Dale Johnson
- Guitar, Vocals – Chris Isaak
- Lead Guitar – James Calvin Wilsey
- Musician \[Additional Musicians] –Chris Solberg, Christine Wall, Cynthia Lloyd, Pat Craig, Prairie Prince
- Producer – Erik Jacobsen
- Written-By – Chris Isaak
San Francisco Days is the fourth album by Chris Isaak, released in 1993. The album was dedicated to the memory of Louie Beeson, who was the sound consultant.
- San Francisco Days 2:58
- Beautiful Homes 3:49
- Round ‘N’ Round 4:27
- Two Hearts 3:33
- Can’t Do A Thing 3:38
- Except The New Girl 3:20
- Waiting 3:41
- Move Along 4:01
- I Want Your Love 3:09
- 5:15 3:09
- Lonely With A Broken Heart 3:08
- Solitary Man 2:37
- Guitar – James Calvin Wilsey
- Musician – Christine Wall, Cynthia Lloyd, Danny Gatton, Frank Martin, Jeff Watson (2), Jim Keltner,Johnny Reno, Joni Haastrup, Kenny Aronoff, Mia Rose Antonelli, Poplar Haines, Prairie Prince, Rick Knoch, Ron Thompson, Tom Brumley
- Organ \[Hammond B3] – Jimmy Pugh
- Producer – Erik Jacobsen
- Vocals, Bass – Rowland Salley
- Vocals, Drums – Kenney Dale Johnson
- Vocals, Guitar – Chris Isaak
- Written-By – Brian Elliot & Isaak (track: 5), Chris Isaak (tracks: 1 to 11), Neil Diamond (track: 12)
Forever Blue is the fifth album by American rock and roll musician Chris Isaak, released in 1995. The album included three singles: the Grammy-nominated "Somebody's Crying"; "Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing," which was featured in Stanley Kubrick's final film, Eyes Wide Shut; and "Graduation Day," featured in the 1996 film Beautiful Girls. In 1996, Forever Blue was also nominated for a Grammy for Best Rock Album, though it lost to Alanis Morissette's Jagged Little Pill
- Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing 2:54
- Somebody’s Crying 2:46
- Graduation Day 3:11
- Go Walking Down There 2:49
- Don’t Leave Me on My Own 2:14
- Things Go Wrong 3:00
- Forever Blue 2:42
- There She Goes 3:14
- Goin’ Nowhere 2:52
- Changed Your Mind 3:51
- Shadows in a Mirror 3:59
- I Believe 3:09
- The End of Everything 3:05
- Chris Isaak – vocals, guitar
- Rowland Salley – bass, vocals
- Kenney Dale Johnson – drums, vocals
- Bruce Kaphan – pedal steel guitar
- Jimmy Pugh – Hammond B3 organ
- Johnny Reno – saxophone, vocals
- Jeff Watson – lead guitar
- Producer: Erik Jacobsen
- Written by: Chris Isaak
Baja Sessions is the sixth studio album by Chris Isaak, released in 1996, featuring largely acoustic arrangements. The album contains a large number of covers, many of which are classic songs (such as the Hawaiian-tinged "Sweet Leilani" and "South of the Border (Down Mexico Way)") which refer to, or are styled to suggest, tropical, laid-back settings. Though its title refers to Baja California, the album was recorded at San Francisco's Coast Recorders.
- Pretty Girls Don't Cry 3:09
- Back On Your Side 3:04
- Only The Lonely 2:53
- South Of The Border (Down Mexico Way) 3:10
- I Wonder 2:56
- Wrong To Love You 3:55
- Waiting For My Lucky Day 2:38
- Yellow Bird 2:29
- Two Hearts 3:19
- Return To Me 2:17
- Dancin' 3:57
- Sweet Leilani 2:17
- Think Of Tomorrow 2:58
- Chris Isaak – vocals, guitar
- Hershel Yatovitz – lead guitar
- Rowland Salley – bass, vocals
- Kenney Dale Johnson – drums
- Producer: Erik Jacobsen
Speak of the Devil is the seventh studio album by the American rock musician Chris Isaak, released in 1998.
- Please 3:34
- Flying 3:08
- Walk Slow 3:01
- Breaking Apart 3:45
- This Time 3:13
- Speak of the Devil 3:31
- Like the Way She Moves 2:50
- Wanderin 2:42
- Don’t Get So Down on Yourself 3:11
- Black Flowers 2:44
- I’m Not Sleepy 2:37
- 7 Lonely Nights 2:10
- Talkin ‘bout a Home 4:45
- Super Magic 2000 3:45
- Chris Isaak – vocals, guitar
- Hershel Yatovitz – lead guitar
- Rowland Salley – bass, vocals
- Kenney Dale Johnson – drums
- Producers: Erik Jacobsen & Chris Isaak
Best of Chris Isaak is a greatest hits album by Chris Isaak released on May 9, 2006 on the Reprise/Warner Bros. Records label.
- San Francisco Days 2:59
- Somebody’s Crying 2:47
- Wicked Game 4:46
- Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing 2:56
- Let Me Down Easy 4:05
- Two Hearts 3:34
- King Without A Castle 3:06
- Only The Lonely 2:53
- Speak Of The Devil 3:30
- Blue Spanish Sky 3:57
- You Owe Me Some Kind Of Love 3:47
- Can’t Do A Thing 3:37
- Let’s Have A Party 3:27
- Dancin’ 3:45
- Blue Hotel 3:12
- Please 3:36
- I Want You To Want Me 3:21
- Forever Blue (Acoustic Version) 2:38
- Producers: Chris Isaak (tracks: 9, 18), Eric Rosse (tracks: 7, 13, 17), Erik Jacobsen (tracks: 1 to 4, 6, 8, 10 to 12, 14 to 16), John Shanks (track: 5)
- Written by: Brian Elliot (track: 12), Chris Isaak (tracks: 1 to 7, 9 to 16, 18), Joe Melson (track: 8), Rick Nielsen (track: 17), Roy Orbison (track: 8)
Self released album in 2014.
- Grampa's Hot Young Wife
- The Little Jack-Off
- She Thinks She Can Change Him
- Super Lotto
- Good Cowgirls
- Greenland
- The Cause of Global Warming
- The Lowdown Swami
- The End Times
- The Single Life
- You Can Be Healthy Too
- Chicago
- Over My Head
- Brian Elliot – Keyboards, lead vocals
- Gigi Worth – Backup vocalist
- Mona Lisa Young – Backup vocalist
- Dave Pearlman – Musician
- Greg Leisz – Musician
- Producers: Brian Elliot / Erik Jacobsen