Biography

Jumpin' Jack Strobel has earned a solid reputation over the years as a piano player and singer, leading his own groups and building his resume playing with NY/NJ blues notables and nationally known artists alike. And while the blues is where the comparisons usually begin - with influences like Dr. John, Otis Spann and Ray Charles - Jack also infuses elements of jazz, country and a wide range of other American roots influences in a way that stretches and defies genre altogether.

Jack has shared the stage with a slew of notable artists like Gatemouth Brown, Duke Robillard, Little Sammy Davis, Janiva Magness, Kid Ramos, Lynwood Slim, Tad Robinson, The Holmes Brothers, Mighty Sam McClain, Steve Guyger, Eddie Kirkland, Tracy Nelson, Catherine Russell and more.

His upcoming NEW RELEASE, THINGS HAVE CHANGED on BLUESLEAF RECORDS features covers of 11 songs - obscurities and classics from the likes of Bob Dylan, Memphis Slim and Little Walter - that have become regular staples of Jack's live shows. Joining Jack as co-producer and guitarist is longtime friend Andy Riedel, who forged his creative sounds and style in the blues circles and as an active sideman on the NYC roots/songwriter scene playing with a list of notables that include Norah Jones and Ollabelle. Jack's longtime rhythm section of drummer - percussionist Steve Brown and upright bassist Mike Lampe provide the rhythmic glues, while the soulful background singing of Layonne Holmes, Ricky Laurie Collins and Big Joe Fitz round out the assembled group.

While gearing up for this new recording, Jack also oversaw the re-issue of his 2003 Debut, JUMPIN' JACK, which earned critical praise when originally issued (under a different name and on a different label). " I spent a few years dealing with some tough personal stuff, while developing a new body of material and broadening my range as an artist," says Strobel. " It was time to hit reset and show folks what I'd been up to for the past several years, but first I needed to get the first record back out there becuase it's an important part of my musical story."

Jack describes the aptly titled THINGS HAVE CHANGED as a reflection of his "refreshed state of mind and musical direction."