About/Press

 Jake Book is a old time musician, documentarian and songwriter from wild the midwestern state of Iowa. Growing up on a farm in the rolling hills of the southern part of the state, Jake learned about the banjo from his mother who played in the old frailing style. His mother also introduced him to many of the bluegrass icons such as Bill Monroe and Ricky Scaggs. This would stick with him while he learned to play guitar at age 10.

 He grew up on the road with his parents attending historical reenactments focused primarily on the French and Indian War and Revolutionary War, something he is still very active in today. He developed a strong sense of history and heritage. During this time he was inspired by the music of Father Son and Friends and played with them around many campfires at reenactments across the country. 

 Eventually after many bands and genres he decided to form an Irish band. He with fellow bandmate Jake Moyle formed The Laterose (later The Tenants). Shortly after, his girlfriend (now wife) Autumn Book joined the band. Together they would make a name for themselves in the south-east corner of Iowa. In 2012 a move by Jake and Autumn ended the band. But not before Jake founded "Historic Records in 2011. 

Jake recording Andru Bemis in the field

 Since founding Historic Records, Jake has become a documentarian and field recordist, traveling to several states meeting with people like Arthur Rosenbaum and Frank George among others. He also began a video series called "Kitchen Songs" that have featured such artists as Dom Flemons, Pokey LaFarge and The Tillers. Through these experiences he has learned about the music in a deeper way and continues to do so.

 Jake now focuses his time on the music of the British Isles and Appalachia as well as being a songwriter himself.

 PRESS/TESTIMONIALS
 "Jake book is a fine banjo player with a love and understanding of Appalachian and Irish traditional music. He is a creative songwriter and strong performer. The young man is also a wonderful singer."
 -Burr Beard FOOTMAD Arts Administrator, VP Programming, WDXB-FM

 "I received the CD today and just listened to it with some volume on a decent system - it is a first class piece of work! Both yourself and Cllifton's love of the music shines through and it's lovely to hear the tradition in the safe hands of another generation."

-Dr. Lawrence H. Holden, Visiting Research Fellow, School of History and Anthropology, Queens -University, Belfast

 "Clifton Hicks and Jake Book's recording "From the Hills and from the Plains" is the real deal. While some of today's Old Time musicians do not quite have the authentic feel to their music these guys do.  Their music has the vibe of having been passed down from the older musicians."

-Andy Holmaas, "The Old Time Railroad" www.alleghenymountainradio.org

Write up in CincyMusic 

In July of 2014 Jake finished 3rd in the Banjo Competition at the Morehead Old Time Music Festival in Morehead KY.