Joe Ruicci Big Rude Jake – Has Left The Building
Swing Punk, Blues Shouter Extraordinaire
Updated from an earlier post
Jake is a lyricist, songwriter, singer and musician with a diverse array of influences.
Noted for his skill as a ‘blues shouter’ and the ‘swing punk’ sound of his first few albums, he is especially drawn to the roots of American music. You’ll hear blues, jazz, swing, rockabilly, jump, gospel, folk and his distinctive fingerpicking ragtime guitar. Add a little cabaret and some punk attitude, and you’ve got Big Rude Jake.
Jake (Big Rude Jake) Hiebert was born in St. Catharines in 1963, Many of his family still resides in the Niagara Region
I got to know Jake back in the mid 90’s when he became a regular at Joe’s Place and built quite a following. His music, his style his song writing, his story telling all made him one of my favourite performers. Backed by his Gentleman Players at that time that was made up of some of the best musicians in Canada.
Big Rude Jake was/is a very special treat for me and his loyal fans. Beneath his brash, loud attitude on stage he was a great guy with a personality that was always friendly, fun, upbeat and caring, a family man that loved his wife and adored his beautifu young daughter.
I am honoured to have known him and consider him a friend. We kept in touch over the years and I was lucky to have worked on a few projects with Jake through the Niagara Blues and Jazz Society.
“Please listen to my favourite Big Rude Jake recording and what turned me on to this great talent in the first place.” – Joe
Recently Jake had been dealing with some health issues and had not been touring much, but nothing seemed to stop him. He was doing some online shows ““A Lunch Date with Jake.” through his Facebook page and his project to raise money to benefit Toronto’s Red Door Family Shelter.
Like so many others, musicians and fans alike, I will miss Jake.
I would like to express my deepest sympathies to Jakes family and express my gratitude to the music community that responded and honoured Jake Hiebert in a manner befitting his great talent and personality.
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