(Artist Report)

Written by: Ginny Gaines  

Cris Jacobs grew up around music, and from an early age, it became part of who he was. Raised in the Baltimore, Maryland area, he was surrounded by a wide mix of sounds, especially through his parents, who were fans of bands like the Grateful Dead. That early exposure helped shape the way Cris would later approach music, not sticking to one style, but pulling from many. He picked up the guitar in his teenage years, and once he started playing, it quickly became more than just a hobby.

In the early 2000s, Cris became best known as the lead singer, guitarist, and main songwriter for a band called The Bridge. Formed in Baltimore in 2001, The Bridge wasn’t easy to label. They mixed rock, blues, funk, folk, bluegrass, and jam-band energy into something that felt loose, powerful, and alive. The band toured constantly, often playing hundreds of shows a year, building a strong following up and down the East Coast and beyond. For about ten years, Cris lived life on the road with The Bridge, releasing several albums and becoming a familiar face at major festivals and clubs.

By 2011, The Bridge came to an end, and Cris found himself at a turning point. Instead of slowing down, he stepped forward on his own. He began focusing fully on his personal songwriting and launched his solo career under his own name. His first solo album, Songs for Cats and Dogs, came out in 2012 and introduced listeners to a more personal side of his music, still rooted in roots rock and soul, but more reflective and intimate. As the years went on, Cris continued to grow. His 2016 album Dust to Gold showed stronger songwriting and deeper emotional range. Then came Color Where You Are in 2019, which many critics praised for its honesty and warmth. That record touched on everyday struggles, relationships, and self-reflection, while still carrying the grit and groove that had always been part of his sound.

Along the way, Cris became known not just as a performer, but as a respected songwriter. Other artists across many genres, from bluegrass to funk to gospel, began recording his songs. He also teamed up with Ivan Neville in 2018 for a collaborative project called Neville Jacobs, blending New Orleans funk with Cris’s roots-based songwriting. These collaborations showed how easily his music could move across styles without losing its heart. Cris’s live performances remained a major part of his identity. Whether playing solo, with his band, or alongside other musicians, he earned a reputation for emotional shows and strong guitar work. He shared stages with artists like Phil Lesh, opened tours for major acts, and continued playing festivals where improvisation and connection mattered as much as the songs themselves.

Outside of music, Cris is a family man, and themes of love, responsibility, and personal growth often show up in his writing. He’s also known for giving back to his community, including hosting annual holiday concerts that bring musicians and fans together. Today, Cris Jacobs stands as a hardworking, respected artist who never chased trends but followed his instincts instead. His career has been built slowly and honestly, through years of touring, collaboration, and constant growth. Whether playing a small club or a big stage, his music carries the same message: stay rooted, stay curious, and keep telling real stories through song.

That will do it for this report on Cris Jacobs. Thank you for reading!! In closing, please just know, Soundwave Music Media will be here and I will always do my best to bring you the rock music report! Please consider supporting me and the crew by purchasing a Soundwave shirt or hat and support our sponsors! Until next time... Rock on friends🤘

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