Born in Sleepy Hollow in 1970 to a Cuban immigrant, Greg Jacquin loved music from his earliest days. The budding artist took to his dad’s guitar as a young boy and basked in the ’80s rock scene. After recording several albums in the ’90s, Jacquin took a break from music to raise a family and serve as a police officer in Ossining. But following his retirement, Jacquin enthusiastically jumped back into music. With a show at 6 Degrees of Separation in Ossining on June 15, as well as a new album set to release in January of 2019, Jacquin squeezed in some time to talk about his return to music and love for the county.
How has living in the region influenced you?
Westchester and the Hudson Valley’s influence is undeniable and probably the best part of the album. Everyone involved in this album from beginning to end is from the Hudson Valley. The recording studio is AFA Recording Studio located in Cortlandt Manor and is run by the amazingly talented Greg Schettino.
Why did you return to music after being a cop?
I struggled with post-traumatic stress and depression after I left the force, and I had always used music in the past to deal with difficult emotions…. Plus, being retired opens up your schedule for songwriting, and I have an amazing family that has always supported me.
Please discuss your new EP and what inspired it.
The new EP is called Hudson River, and it’s songs written about and inspired by living a life in the Hudson Valley, specifically Tarrytown and other towns on the [Hudson line of the] Metro-North. A lot of the songs mention the train and the Hudson River specifically.
How does it feel to be producing such a major work?
I am so excited to be finally releasing this album, and the response so far has been incredible. The video for “The Station” — done by Greg Jannacone — perfectly captured the sadness and emotion behind the song and, at the same time, gave a nod to the Hudson Valley by shooting in the area.
