In a packed hall at JW3, London, Daniel ve Jacobi (Iddos’s successful duo project) delivered a rare and compelling acoustic performance that confirmed what many in Israel have been saying for some time: Iddo Jacobi is not merely a gifted guitarist-producer, but arguably the defining musical figure of his generation back home.
The set was stripped down yet richly textured, with Jacobi’s classic rock-influenced guitar work taking center stage alongside subtle arrangements that highlighted the nuances of each song. Daniel ve Jacobi’s talent was unmistakable throughout, the kind of distinct musical identity that has made them stand out in the Israeli scene. For a few select pieces, a local Jewish choir joined the duo, adding a luminous, almost sacred layer to the performance. Their voices interwove with Jacobi’s guitar, producing moments of unexpected grandeur and tenderness in the otherwise acoustic format.
As main producer, composer, and soloist guitarist, Jacobi treated the stage as an intimate studio. Each song was carefully arranged, with dynamic shifts and intricate harmonies giving the impression of a larger ensemble. Even in this pared-down context, his tone was versatile – ranging from warm, resonant fingerpicking to gentle, airy flourishes that floated above the choir. The acoustic renditions of songs like “Miss Katz,” which earned a place in Apple Music Israel’s “100 Best Songs of 2023,” combined precision with spontaneity, highlighting Jacobi’s gift for balancing technical mastery with emotional openness.
Context matters here. Jacobi is one of the most in-demand guitarists and musical directors in Israel, working with marquee names such as Arik Sinai, Danny Bassan and Guy Mazig, appearing at major national festivals and on flagship stages from the Barby club and Gray to Amphi Shuni and the Charles Bronfman Auditorium. His work is regularly broadcast on main Israeli radio stations Kutner’s broadcasts, and covered by outlets including Maariv, Citynews and Tinygigs. This is not a cult figure; this is infrastructure.
From London, even in an intimate acoustic context, the conclusion is clear: Iddo Jacobi is an artist who commands his craft. Whether accompanied by a choir, a full band, or performing solo, his music bridges technical brilliance and human warmth, leaving a lasting impression on every audience.
