Jacob Zimmerman was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. He was a member of the award-winning Garfield High School Jazz Band studying under Clarence Acox. He moved first to Boston to study jazz saxophone at The New England Conservatory and then the Bay Area to study composition at Mills College. After moving back to Seattle in 2012, he began to establish himself as an in-demand freelance saxophonist and clarinetist. He developed a reputation for specializing in earlier jazz from the “78-rpm era” (1920s-50s). Jacob has performed for many swing dance and traditional jazz events both nationally and internationally. In 2019 he joined up with Rachael & Vilray whose first two albums (“Rachael & Vilray” and “I Love A Love Song!”) prominently feature Jacob’s playing and arranging.

As a bandleader Jacob plays concerts and holds down several weekly gigs in Seattle. His most recent recordings captured the sound of his regular working band. Known for a deep knowledge of the American Songbook and jazz repertoire, Jacob is a valued member of local bands led by Ray Skjelbred, Jonathan Doyle and many others.