Al was born in New York City, but grew up just outside of Detroit. At an early age his French-born parents and grandparents exposed him to many forms of "proper" music; classical, opera, and jazz. Popular radio fed his curiosity for more when he discovered blues, soul and rock. This eclectic beginning echoes in Al's writing and performing today.
Throughout his teens he was a lead singer and guitarist playing mostly Stax, Motown and R & B covers, (think Otis Redding swinging a Gibson Firebird) until his big break at 18 when he switched to bass and was best known as the voice of SAVAGE GRACE, precursor to progressive heavy metal rock, releasing two albums on Reprise Records.
Spending 2 years on the west coast with SAVAGE GRACE, Al returned to the Detroit area to join forces with Scott Morgan and Terry Trabandt (both of THE RATIONALS fame) to create GUARDIAN ANGEL. Guardian Angel released one single, "Hijackin' Love" but never lived up to its "supergroup" status. After the departure of Morgan and Trabandt, the band shifted gears and became LIGHTNIN' with the addition of bass player and singer Mark Gougeon. LIGHTNIN' released a self titled EP that has since become a collector's item. After Lightnin's untimely demise in the face of the disco phenomenon, Al began a musical partnership with guitarist Mark Tomorsky. Together they co-wrote a catalog of songs, toured Europe and co-produced musical fund raising events for the US OLYMPIC COMMITTEE.
In the early 80's Jacquez moved back to Los Angeles from Detroit. Tomorsky soon followed him to L.A. where they continued to write and perform as CUSTOM EYES for several years.
Desiring a less hectic pace to raise a family, Al relocated back to the Detroit area. He stepped in as the front man for THE SUSPECTS, a popular Detroit area horn band.
Upon re-releasing the complete SAVAGE GRACE catalog in the early 90's, he teamed up with former SG guitarist Ron Koss and former Lightnin' bassist Mark Gougeon to write and record a third SAVAGE GRACE album, entitled "One Night In America" on 33 1/3 Records.
By the mid 90's Al was doing commercial work and concentrating on his writing. You can hear his signature vocal contributions for the big three automakers and on recordings by SAVAGE GRACE, LIGHTNIN', BURNING CIRCLE, THE SUSPECTS, and THE MILLER BROTHERS BAND.
