Jake Fleder's Music Journey

CHAPTER 1

Jake Fleder began his long journey in music at the tender age of eight in New York City, where he received private guitar lessons. Each month, his teacher, Jerry Otto, would present a new book filled with the popular songs of the day. His weekly assignments involved learning to read melodies and chords, while mastering the art of combining these musical elements. This marked the onset of his early development in improvisation, a unique skill for a budding young musician. With diligent practice as he honed the skills necessary for his role as a lead guitarist, Jake set the foundation for a lifetime career as a soloist. After five years of commitment and daily practice, an opportunity knocked at the door. It was for a slightly older teenage musician in a band called The Imperials, who asked him to play something on guitar. He picked up his vintage 1950s Harmony acoustic guitar and chose to perform Ray Charles’s hit: “What I Say.” Not only did he get the gig, but his ability to sing was also a significant bonus. The Imperials played various gigs, including school dances and church events in New York City, helping Jake build his reputation as a talented young musician by the age of 13.

Later that year, while hanging out in the schoolyard, Jake encountered three neighborhood gangsters, dressed in striking band attire—shiny blue flowered metallic vests, tab collared shirts, and pointy high-heeled shoes. Their band, The Invaders, invited him to join them as their lead guitarist. The bandleader, who would later experience a rough path in life, declared, “we want you in our band.” Underestimating the threat, Jake replied, “I can’t... I’m in The Imperials.” To his dismay, the young bandleader insisted, “not anymore; you either play with us or no one!” Joining them felt like the safer option, but it was a shocking introduction to the harsh realities of the music business. Luckily, that band was short-lived, as the other members fell into a life of drug addiction and crime.

CHAPTER 2

Upon entering high school, Jake Fleder was invited to join a group of much older musicians in a band called The Malibus. They quickly gained recognition as one of New York City’s top bands, in high demand for various gigs, including opening for major acts with #1 records. One memorable performance was the opening act for The Ronettes, the leading girl group in the world at the time. They invited Jake to back them up for their show after their set. Just before the show began, a man entered the dressing room and asked, “do any of you guys read music?” Although the older musicians were skilled players, Jake was the only one capable of reading music. He was led into the room where they set up a chair and music stand, preparing him for a quick rehearsal with The Ronettes. Ironically, all three girls styled themselves modestly, holding matching pink sweaters over their chests as they practiced, playfully teasing Jake while his bandmates looked on. At just 15, Jake considered the perks of being a musician.

The Malibus eventually performed at New York University alongside an older bass player from a new local band called The United Notions. Impressed with Jake's guitar playing, the bass player suggested he should become the band’s sixth member, who was meant to represent England, particularly as Jake had an English accent. This opportunity led to Jake's first recording session, where he recorded the lead guitar work for the group’s first single, soon transitioning to Sunday afternoon concerts at the famed Bitter End Club in Greenwich Village. Their opening act was another aspiring artist named Jose Feliciano, who was soon to become a household name in the music industry. Jake's journey in the San Francisco music scene began when he showcased his talent and sought opportunities to perform at the Apollo Theater in Harlem. The group was successful, performing several shows daily, alongside well-known acts like Johnny Nash and Jimi Ruffin. This remarkable experience opened doors, and Jake earned the nickname ‘Blue Eyes’ from more seasoned musicians, requiring him to mature quickly in this bustling, adult world of music. Jake's performance at the Apollo was historic since his band, Snow Mixed, showcased diversity on that stage. On opening night, backstage nerves prompted questions about potential backlash due to his race as a guitarist, but he won over the audience with their rendition of “Reach Out” by the Four Tops.

Following this performance, word spread through Harlem about Jake Fleder, the hot young blue-eyed guitarist, and he garnered a group of admirers following him through the streets. After touching base with Jake’s mother, the band secured a tour alongside several established R&B acts of that era, with a tutor hired to assist Jake in keeping up with schoolwork. Unfortunately, Jake learned that the band had broken up when their manager mismanaged their earnings. This was a harsh reality check about the music industry for the young musician, who had just turned 16.

CHAPTER 3

Jake returned to school to complete his junior and senior years, and as his reputation as a player and singer grew, he was contracted for gigs with the Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard. On weeknights, he assembled pick-up bands for ‘Rock gigs’ at enlisted men’s clubs, covering hits from the Beatles and The Rolling Stones. On weekends, he played for non-commissioned officers' clubs, performing the 'standards' like “Misty” and “Girl From Ipanema.” These formative years, filled with learning new songs weekly, began to pay dividends as Jake commanded the stage, playing rhythm guitar parts, solos, and singing. He also devoted time to teaching guitar lessons after school while continuing to study music theory. By age 17, Jake was balancing his ever-growing musical career with his education.

CHAPTER 4

After graduating high school, Jake attended college for a year and a half, including advanced studies in music theory. He established a loft in New York City and formed a rock trio, collaborating with the drummer on songwriting. It marked the beginning of Jake's journey as a composer and lyricist. A New York City record company took notice of his burgeoning talent and signed him to a songwriting and producer contract. Jake's new office was situated in a building with a top-tier recording studio that provided resources to record the songs he was writing. He was immersed in the vibrant environment of NYC’s session scene, learning from some of the finest musicians and vocalists of the era, including top female singers. Inspired by the proficiency of these seasoned session players, Jake dedicated himself to honing his skills as a guitarist. He frequently sought opportunities to observe seasoned record producers at work in the studio.

CHAPTER 5

At just 18, Jake's focus crystallized: he wanted to play his guitar. He made the bold move from NYC to San Francisco, quickly joining various bands in its vibrant music scene. He never turned down a gig, immersing himself in diverse musical styles. Many nights, he roamed the streets with his guitar, asking to sit in with performing bands. This tenacity led to joining a soul band called Frankie Beverly’s Raw Soul, where they performed five sets a night. Jake began to truly refine his guitar chops, filling in performances with frequent solos, helping this new band cultivate a substantial following in the Bay Area. After a couple of years, he was approached by a renowned pianist who sought to transition into rock music. This musician had previously written and produced number one albums for top jazz stars at only 16. The collaboration aimed to bridge the gap needed to transition into rock music. Jake’s previous band eventually transformed into Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, ultimately securing a recording contract with Marvin Gaye and achieving millions in record sales, showcasing Jake’s significant contributions to their success.

CHAPTER 6

Following years of live performances on both coasts, Jake’s time came to take a solo journey. He began composing all the music and lyrics, channeling his unique style as a lead singer and soloist to share his art with the world. With the assistance of a new manager, he secured a major record deal, noted as the largest record deal ever in Europe, distributed by Columbia Records in the U.S. Jake, his manager, and the record company president drove to the top of Mount Tamalpais in Northern California to sign the deal. However, his anticipation turned to concern when he saw his manager's name on the contract, recalling past issues with management. The deal soured, prompting Jake to return to New York to form another band and sign a record deal with several major American labels. Four major labels expressed excitement about his work, but the pressure to produce hit singles led to creative frustration, causing him to retreat from the spotlight.

CHAPTER 7

Ultimately, Jake established a new band in New York City, consisting of three veteran musicians. The band, JFB (Jake Fleder Band), honed their skills in various NY studios before settling at Aerosmith’s Manhattan studio to prepare for live performances. Top booking agencies, including Premier Talent—representing major bands like U2 and Van Halen—took notice and began booking shows for JFB. Notably, Premier usually only booked acts with major label signings and hits on the charts. Jake's talent impressed the promoters, securing him major gigs, and he started to gain a following in NYC through persistent performances. One day, David Bowie’s agent attended a rehearsal, dubbing Jake “the rock Clint Eastwood,” a title that delighted him. However, the mounting pressure of managing three talented musicians without a solid payroll or management grew increasingly challenging, revealing the ongoing economic realities artists face.

CHAPTER 8

With the tumult of navigating music industry challenges—record companies, producers, and attorneys—Jake found himself overwhelmed by the business side of music. Despite offers for financial backing to stay in New York, he recognized the need for a change and headed for Los Angeles to establish his first recording studio. Fully settled, he embarked on an intensive phase of composing, arranging, recording, and mixing a new body of work. Instead of solely focusing on his vocal songs, he explored creatively blending rock, R&B, jazz, soul, and even classical elements. With the freedom of his own studio, he could experiment without the financial burdens of commercial facilities, taking his time to elevate both the musical and sonic aspects of his compositions. Delving into harmony and chord voicing provided a unique listening experience. Jake's production style drew comparisons to Pink Floyd—not in terms of music, but in the overall impact. As a pioneer utilizing computers and innovative recording techniques, leading audio manufacturers sought him out for endorsements and live performances, which could help him acquire essential equipment for his studio. His final appearance came at the annual winter NAMM Show in California, where TASCAM, the largest maker of tape recorders, hired him to demonstrate their new technology. He performed live using their advanced equipment, captivating attendees with his guitar skills and stunning arrangements.

CHAPTER 9

A business attorney, having followed Jake’s career, approached him about creating an album and owning his record label. The prospect of controlling his music was enticing, especially as he had numerous songs waiting to be recorded. While diligently crafting the album and playing all instruments himself, several talented acquaintances volunteered to contribute, showcasing their skills from the jazz and R&B realms. Among the completed tracks was “New Frontier,” a song reflecting the world’s changes, evoking thought through music. Jake believed it to be an outstanding album, featuring excellent guitar work, vocals, lyrics, and groove. However, things went awry when the attorney failed to promote it adequately. Only two radio stations in the U.S. received copies—one in Connecticut loved it and aired live interviews, while a San Diego DJ opened his show weekly with Jake’s instrumental, “Coolin’.” Although it wasn't widespread promotion, Jake remained optimistic.

CHAPTER 10

As life progressed, Jake continued to write and record, preparing for a new album. Interestingly, the 13 tracks chosen were radio-friendly and memorable. Though it was unintentional, the album featured highly melodic grooves and intriguing lyrics, all underpinned by Jake’s signature guitar sound. Determined to take on the daunting task, he completed the album titled “Since Forever.” The collection exhibited a seamless blend of musical styles, guiding listeners on a transported journey through his artistry. Now, as he prepares to step back into live performances, Jake Fleder looks forward to sharing his compelling musical career with the world once again.