Jacob Webb & Phylicia Rae
FRIDAY, APRIL 11, 2025 3:00 PM
DOUBLETREE SMALL BALLROOM
Jacob Webb is an award-winning producer, bassist, pianist, and multi-instrumentalist. A native of Newton Kansas, Jacob started playing professionally at the age of 15 under the guidance of the legendary guitarist Jerry Hahn. After high school, he attended the prestigious music program at William Paterson University majoring in Jazz Performance. It was during this time that he co-founded the acclaimed Contemporary Jazz group The JT Project.
In addition to co-leading, writing, and producing for The JT Project, Jacob has collaborated and performed alongside wonderful artists including the iconic singer/songwriter Valerie Simpson of the legendary duo, Ashford and Simpson, Najee, Nick Colionne, Kim Waters, Cindy Bradley, Ladies of SKY, Freddy Jackson, Kenny Garrett, Mulgrew Miller, Jerry Hahn, Roy Hargrove, Will Donato, and several others! Jacob's body of work with The JT Project speaks for itself incorporating the most talented jazz and soul musicians in New York City. The members of the group have toured and recorded with the top major label legends of all time!
In 2018 Jacob founded Next Paradigm Records (a fully black-owned business), a 9-artist contemporary jazz roster of fresh talent claiming multiple #1 hit Billboard singles. Today, Billboard has recognized Next Paradigm as the #4 Label in smooth Jazz.
Jacob Webb’s #1 Billboard Singles Include:
“Overdrive” (2016) by The JT Project
“Backyard Brew” (2019) by The JT Project feat. Najee
“Details” (2020) by Jacob Webb
“Vibin’ In Time” (2020) by Alex Parchment feat. Phillip Doc Martin
“Nothing Better” (2022) by Jacob Webb feat. Jazmin Ghent
“Stylish” (2022) by Judah Sealy
Lead bassist Phylicia Rae is a rapidly rising star in the smooth jazz genre who is stepping out in full force. In 2023 Phylicia became the FIRST female lead bassist to ever reach Top 20 in the Billboard Smooth Jazz National Airplay Charts. She has been greatly influenced by the late great Wayman Tisdale.
Born and raised in Rochester, NY Phylicia Rae developed a love for music at an early age. She became a prominent figure in the music scene in Rochester, NY playing for different bands in the city.
Her first single as a solo artist “Just Like That” was released in September 2020, followed by her national debut with her second single “Told You So” which received steady airplay on national radio stations, as well as internet radio across the country. Phylicia’s third single “That’s It” ferociously climbed the Billboard “New and Active” chart establishing herself as one of the young talented vanguards of the contemporary jazz genre.
In 2021 Phylicia Rae joined as the newest member of the group Jazz In Pink headed by Gail Johnson and signed to the Next Paradigm label. Since then she has shared the stage with many amazing artists in the smooth jazz genre such as Kim Scott and Jacob Webb. In 2022 Phylicia became the co-founder of the jazz series “Next Paradigm Live”, bringing in top jazz icons such as Lin Rountree, Marcus Anderson, Kim Scott, Phillip Doc Martin, Art Sherrod Jr. and many others. Today Phylicia is breaking down the boundaries of this genre, inspiring younger female musicians that dreams can come true!
ARTIST WEBSITE: Jacob Webb & Phylicia Rae