Available to book from POA. For an accurate quote please make an enquiry.
My name is Remco Jacobs. I'm a singer-songwriter specialising in musical settings of poetry, original songs and traditional parlour songs.
Whether it's a celebration of life's happy moments, such as weddings and anniversaries, or a more reflective occasion where we gather to remember and say goodbye to someone we love, poetry and music can add something deeply personal and meaningful. That's what I do.
I'm the founder of The Poetry Stroll, a Dublin literary walking tour guided by song, where I bring the lives and works of Ireland's literary greats to life through live music, poetry and storytelling.
I bring this same approach to private events, tailoring performances and experiences to suit the occasion. Whether you'd like me to set a favourite poem to music, perform a selection of songs and poetry, provide live music for a wedding or memorial, or create a bespoke Poetry Stroll experience for your guests, I'd love to hear from you.
Every occasion has its own story. Let's bring yours to life through music and poetry.
= areas covered (up to 200 miles)
= free travel (up to 80 miles)
Love's Old Sweet Song (J.J. Molloy)
Oft in the Stilly Night (Thomas Moore)
The Last Rose of Summer (Thomas Moore)
The Lass of Aughrim (Traditional)
The Parting Glass (Traditional)
Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms (Thomas Moore)
Silent O Moyle (Thomas Moore)
Finnegan's Wake (Traditional)
Strings in the Earth & Air (James Joyce/music by Remco Jacobs)
The Twilight Turns from Amethyst (James Joyce/music by Remco Jacobs)
Requiescat (Oscar Wilde/music by Remco Jacobs)
The Fead Fia (Susan L. Mitchell/music by Remco Jacobs)
Affinity (Æ George Russell/music by Remco Jacobs)
Why? (Leon Redbone)
Ain't Misbehavin' (Fats Waller)
Hesitation Blues (Jelly Roll Morton)
Mama You've Been On My Mind (Bob Dylan)
Shoals of Herring (Ewan MacColl)
Phonograph Blues (Robert Johnson)
They're Red Hot (Robert Johnson)
After Hours (The Velvet Underground)
Raindrops in My Coffee (Sexsmith and Kerr)
I can perform acoustically or amplified, both indoors and outdoors.
I'd appreciate a general description of the performance space. For example, will I be performing in a private room, a hall or an outdoor setting? For outdoor performances, please let me know whether there is adequate shelter, such as an awning or covered area.
I can provide my own sound equipment. Lighting equipment is not provided, so any special stage or ambient lighting would need to be arranged by the venue.
No.
I've always loved the concerts I've performed at the James Joyce Centre in Dublin. It's a beautiful Georgian building with wooden floors, high ceilings and large windows, and the acoustics are fabulous. You can have a substantial audience there, yet the atmosphere somehow always retains a sense of intimacy. That's what I like best.
Any occasion where a meaningful connection between people is at the heart of the event, whether it's something festive and celebratory or a more solemn occasion.
I've been performing professionally for over 17 years, playing coffee houses, pubs, music venues, churches and libraries, to name just a few of the places I've found myself performing over the years.
I studied music at conservatory level, earning both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Music Composition and Performance.
I'm a huge Bob Dylan fan. Through his music, I've explored life in all its facets. His songs have also opened up a portal to the past, leading me to discover the music that came before him, particularly early blues and jazz from the 1920s and '30s.
At the moment, I'm travelling even further back in time, exploring the works of Irish poet and songwriter Thomas Moore and his songs from the early 1800s. So, I'm a bit of a time traveller!
As for the greatest song of all time, I'd have to say Dido's Lament by Henry Purcell. Perhaps a slightly pretentious answer, but I genuinely think it's the most beautiful song I know.
I usually need around 45 minutes to set up and complete a soundcheck. I can perform up to two hours of music, depending on the occasion and the client's requirements.
Absolutely! I'm happy to perform both indoors and outdoors.
I'm happy to tailor my performances to the occasion and take on composition commissions. If there's a particular poem that holds special meaning for you, I'd love to set it to music and create something unique for your event. I don't typically take individual song requests, but I'm always open to discussing ideas and suggestions.
People often describe my performances as deeply human, unique and passionate.
Absolutely! Just send me the poem and I'll have a look at it before coming back to you with an estimate of the time involved and a proposed fee.
Once we've agreed on the details, I'll get to work composing the piece. When I have an initial version ready, I'll share it with you so we can discuss the direction and make sure it captures what you have in mind.
Once the composition is finished, I'll perform it at your event and make a professional recording for you to keep as a lasting memento.
Absolutely! You don't need to have a finished poem or piece of writing. It could be a particular phrase, an idea, a personal message or even just a feeling you'd like to express. We can discuss what you have in mind and how you'd like it to feature in the song.
I'll then work with your ideas to create an original musical piece, tailored to your occasion and the story you'd like to tell.
A beautifully human performance where music and Irish literature meet. Gentle and powerful. Lee
An excellent, engaging experience with poetry and songs. Remco brings old songs alive and performs his original settings of Irish poetry. John
Wonderful, unforgettable performance with a great storyteller and a great musician. Hampa
The James Joyce Centre, Dublin
Wexford Arts Centre, Wexford
Sheen Falls Lodge, Kenmare
Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin
International Literature Festival Dublin
Dunbrody House, Wexford
Oscar Wilde House, Dublin
United Arts Club, Dublin
Fennelly's of Callan, Callan
The Abbey, Kildare
Killashee Hotel, Kildare
Wynn's Hotel, Dublin
Wedding
Party
Private Event
Corporate Event
Hotel / Restaurant Event
Funeral / Memorial
Concert
Recording Session
Cruise
Theatre Show
Medieval / Early Music
1920s Music
1960s Music
Folk
Traditional English Folk
Traditional Irish Folk
Originals