Big Dog making big tracks

Composer Jeff Jacobs of Big Dog Bites Music

Big Dog Bites Music has moved into a downtown studio where it hopes to take an even bigger bite out of the commercial music scene.

During its 18 months in business, Big Dog Bites, the partnership of recording pro Kevin Devick and composer Jeff Jacobs, has been scoring up a storm. Besides many spots for Leo Burnett clients (Secret, U.S. Army, Hallmark, McDonald’s, Disney, among others), Big Dog did the honors on the current DeVry/Draft campaign.

The eight humorous DeVry spots “nail the message that a DeVry program delivers the skills needed to fast track into a serious paying gig,” said Jacobs. He recorded with an ensemble of organ, bass and drums in their River West studio.

Jacobs’ music skills surfaced in New York when he was hired by Billy Joel as an arranger/ keyboardist, recording platinum albums “Storm Front” and “River of Dreams” and platinum singles like “We Didn’t Start the Fire.”

He’s also collaborated with producers Phil Ramone, Laura Brannigan, Julian Lennon and producer/ rock star Mick Jones. At Jones’ invitation, Jacobs joined the band Foreigner.

Devick, who handles the business side, was associated with River North Studios and Platinum Entertainment throughout their 10 years of existence.

Big Dog Bites Music is at 515 N. Halsted, phone 312/491-0662. See bigdogbites.com.