"Even in tightly written arrangements, Shelby emphasized the importance of improvisational space, and the rhythm section delivered. Pianist Greg Jacobs and drummer Jemal Ramirez established a flexible, propulsive foundation that let the ensemble navigate the rhythmic intricacies of “Toot Toot Tootie Toot” with ease. The group breathed as a single organism, negotiating the complex voicings of “Arabesque Cookie” and “Danse of the Floreadores” with an intimacy more often associated with small-group jazz than with a full orchestra." Written By Steven Roby for www.backstagebayarea.com in the review titled: "Marcus Shelby’s Orchestral Memory: Blues, Structure, and Community at SFJAZZ" published Dec 22, 2025.
Camille A., May 26, 2026, Verified, San Francisco Conference, "Greg was an amazing pianist for our event! Super talented and easy to work with, and our guests loved the ambiance his music added to the event. Highly recommend 10/10." Hired as: Pianist Roisin M., September 30, 2025, Verified, Excellent Music, Flexible Team, "The Greg Jacobs Quartet created a wonderful atmosphere at our event and the music was excellent. They were also really helpful when we had issues with our payment process and were able to make it work. They even played an extra hour after we realized we would like them to play into the dinner. Would definitely recommend!" Hired as: Jazz Band
Ruben K., May 27, 2025, Verified, Great band, easy to work with, great musicianship, "Booked the band as a jazz trio for a house party. Communication was easy. The band found their way around the house and started playing on their own. Vibe was perfect for the party, and we were all impressed by the musicianship. All in all, a great band and a great experience." Hired as: Jazz Band
Jennifer T., October 16, 2024, Verified, Outstanding, "Amazing, Beautiful and very talented. We are so pleased to have you and our event was amazing with your piano performance" Hired as: Pianist
Patricia T., January 1, 2024, Verified, New Year’s Eve Party, "Greg was wonderful! The music was perfect. Super classy!" Hired as: Pianist
Hired as: Pianist Verified Review David S. • September 24, 2023 Great Pianist! We’d hire him again.
Hired as: Pianist Verified Review Tiombe B. • September 16, 2023 AMAZING PERFORMANCE We had a private party in our home. It could not have turned out better. They band was interactive, polite, and TALENTED! They organized a great playlist, and allowed us to make a special request. I highly recommend and I hope we will have the opportunity to have them return.
Hired as: Jazz BandPhotos from this event
Verified Review Doron S. • April 23, 2023 Great partner We appreciate Mr. Jacobs coming in last minute and providing our services for a joyous event. He was easy to work with, on time, and enjoyed by all.
Hired as: Pianist Verified Review Nicholas A. • December 22, 2022 Christmas Party Greg crushed it!
Hired as: Pianist Verified Review Jessica B. • December 14, 2022 Wonderful! Very responsive and easy to work with. Wonderful piano player. Would definitely hire him again!
Hired as: Classical Pianist Verified Review Connie • December 9, 2022 Perfect Addition The Greg Jacobs Trio performed at our holiday party and were great. I had so many compliments about their performance. They added just the right touch to complete the party environment. Thanks again!
Hired as: Jazz Band Verified Review Met T. • September 24, 2022 Fantastic !! I’m a professional opera singer and I have collaborated a beautiful work with Greg. He is a fantastic pianist, super easy to work, on time and responsive. I highly recommend him. I’ll work with him again in future.
Hired as: Jazz Band Verified Review Sam B. • February 13, 2022 Incredible Greg and his band did were incredible, and made our wedding day even more unforgettable. Greg was a joy to work with and was able to accommodate our every request. I cannot recommend him enough.
Hired as: Wedding Band, Jazz Band Verified Review Aviva K. • December 9, 2021 Great band!! These guys had incredible chemistry and played so well!! I will definitely hire them again!!
Hired as: Jazz BandPhotos from this event
Verified Review Elexis M. • April 30, 2021 Amazing Wedding Pianist! Greg played my wedding amazingly! He was on time, and very polite. He dressed nice and played the songs I requested well. I will definitely be hiring him again!
Hired as: Pianist Verified Review Ethan B. • September 2, 2020 Amazing job playing for our anniversary Greg and his friend on the saxophone did a great job. They played for the full hour, played my wife and I's wedding song and had all our neighbors coming out and listening.
Hired as: Swing Band Verified Review Krystal T. • July 11, 2020 Wonderful music! We had a wonderful outdoor concert with Greg Jocobs. Due to covid our original plans for an indoor house party were cancelled. I worked with Greg to figure out what he and his band were comfortable doing. We decided on an outdoor social distance concert in my apartment complex. Greg and his band set up on the grass, brought amplification, and played their music to an audience of people sitting on blankets, or out on their own private patios. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves. It was a wonderful oportunity to connect with the neighborhood, and take a small vacation from the worries of the last few months. Thank you Greg for being flexible and so wonderful to work with. Your music brought joy to myself and my neighbors.
Hired as: Jazz BandPhotos from this event
Verified Review Carol R. • March 7, 2020 Greg's a Pro! Greg was a pro even before I hired him. He responded promptly to my listing, addressed my requests for a special theme of music and also specific songs, and provided a quote. He arrived early the day of the event, played beautifully, and was very friendly. He even played a special request for my mother-in-law (Clare de Lune) even though he did not have the sheet music. Everyone enjoyed the music and asked where I found such a talented pianist. I highly recommend Greg for your events.
Hired as: Pianist Verified Review Al H. • December 24, 2019 Amazing Greg was a masterful pianist and made our Christmas party the best ever!
Hired as: Pianist Verified Review Jacinta M. • December 18, 2019 Excellent Jazz pianist. You won’t be disappointed We really enjoyed having Greg play at our holiday event. He is great guy and an excellent pianist. Super professional and a wide repertoire.
Hired as: Pianist Verified Review Jupiter H. • December 17, 2019 Excellent Jazz Band Professional, easy to work with, and above all very talented. 100% would book again.
Hired as: Jazz Band Verified Review Kirsten J. • October 25, 2019 Highly recommend! This quartet played for our wedding and it was spectacular. I received many compliments on their music. They played the few requested songs beautifully, and felt the flow of the party for the rest.
Hired as: Acoustic Band Verified Review Bob T. • May 23, 2019 Perfect for our office party We were really short on space, so Greg's bnd was a trio. Their music was perfect for our party, setting a mood for enjoyment and casual conversation. Just what we wanted. At the last minute, they were able to accommodate our request that they begin earlier. Very reasonable fee. We got many compliments on the band from our party attendees
Hired as: Jazz Band Verified Review Jennifer C. • April 18, 2019 Greg Jacobs did a great job playing piano! Thank you, Greg, for being timely and playing piano beautifully for our celebration.
Hired as: Pianist Verified Review Boyd S. • January 16, 2019 Fantastic Great performance, can't wait to use him for all of our events going forward!
Hired as: Pianist Verified Review Sonia V. O. • November 3, 2018 Beautiful music! Excellent!