Born: May 28, 1955 Primary Instrument: Keyboard
As recently as 2006, the Editor-in-Chief of Emmy magazine wrote: “The word 'genius' is bandied about a bit too freely these days, but in Jobson's case, the term not only applies, it's been used to describe him since his northern England childhood, when he was such a violin and piano prodigy that he wrote his first string quartet at 13 [and] performed with his first professional symphony at 14...” His performances and compositions have received press accolades, having been described as “brilliant” [All Music Guide], “intriguingly original” [Los Angeles Times], even, “magnificent” [London Times], and “dazzling” [The Boston Globe].
Jobson started guitar and classical piano at age 7, and violin at age 8. Turning professional at only 15--by age 17, he had already acquired an international reputation with the pioneering electric-violin band and Warner Brothers recording artists Curved Air. In the same year he was invited by Roxy Music front-man Bryan Ferry to be the keyboardist and orchestrator on Ferry's first solo album--a project that would garner the teen star the first of his nine gold albums.
At age 18, Jobson became a full blown member of Roxy Music, replacing synthesist Brian Eno, and helping the band create their first No.1 album”a point that would mark the beginning of 'Roxymania' in Britain and the start of their most critically acclaimed and influential period. At the age of 21, with twenty albums to his credit--having recorded with King Crimson, and on several solo projects by the members of Roxy, Deep Purple, and The Who--Jobson joined Frank Zappa, in the bandleader's only 4-piece ensemble.
At 22, Jobson returned to England to lead the Progressive “super-group” UK, a band he had formed with Bill Bruford, John Wetton, and Allan Holdsworth. As keyboardist, electric-violinist, principal composer and producer of the group, his contributions to the virtuoso band would secure his place as a Progressive-Rock keyboard legend and earn Jobson awards and consistent 'top-3' ratings in keyboard polls worldwide.
At the age of only 25, after a world arena tour as 'special guest' with Jethro Tull, Jobson retired from all band and touring activity. Though out of the limelight, however, he continued to carve out a highly successful career as the man 'behind' the music, winning several awards as a composer and producer of hundreds of original scores for advertising, television and film; and producing albums by such eclectic artists as the Bulgarian Women's Choir and Huun-Huur-Tu (the Tuvan Throat Singers), for his own musicians' label Globe Music.
After more than three decades of pioneering work, and having been on the defining edge of early synthesis, rock violin, Progressive-Rock, Art-Rock, computer graphics (he produced and starred in MTV's first CGI music video), computer recording, New Age, Electronica, and contemporary World Music--Eddie Jobson now brings us UKZ... the beginning of a new musical genre? Don't be surprised.
Source: Lori Hehr
Eddie Jobson, Theme of Secrets (Private Music, 1985)
Frank Zappa, Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar (Ryko, 1981)
Jethro Tull, A (Chrysalis, 1980)
UK, Night After Night (EG, 1979)
UK, Danger Money (EG, 1979)
Frank Zappa, Zappa in New York (Ryko, 1978)
UK, UK (EG, 1978)
Frank Zappa, Studio Tan (Ryko, 1978)
Roxy Music, Viva! (Virgin, 1976)
King Crimson, USA (DGM Live, 1976)
Roxy Music, Siren (Virgin, 1975)
Roxy Music, Country Life (Virgin, 1974)
Roxy Music, Stranded (Virgin, 1973)
Curved Air, Air Cut (Warner Bros., 1973)
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