Born: June 11, 1956 Primary Instrument: Bass
Few musicians leave their audiences with a feeling that they have truly witnessed something amazing. Artist/Producer/Performer/Arranger/Innovator and Bassist - Jamaaladeen Tacuma does just that.
This native Philadelphian has always stretched the old mold of what and how a bassist is supposed to play. Tacuma has simply re-defined his instrument's artistic potential.
In the mid 70's, his creatively free approach to the bass caught the eye and ear of the legendary saxophonist Ornette Coleman. Tacuma became a member of Coleman's electric band, Prime Time, he toured with the group and played on some of Coleman's historic recordings such as: “Dancing In Your Head”, “Body Meta”, and “Of Human Feelings”.
As a soloist, Tacuma continued to press the musical envelope with his debut album in 1983 entitled simply, “Showstopper”. Several records followed, some of which include: Renaissance Man (1984), Music World (1987) and JukeBox (1989), which confirmed his ability to flip between various musical genres. Even the critics have had high praise for Tacuma's musicianship and artistry. In 1981, he received the highest number of votes ever for an electric bassist in the “Talent Deserving Wider Recognition” category of the Down Beat critics' poll.
Tacuma has performed and recorded with musicians on nearly every continent. Collaborating with musicians from Japan, Korea, Europe and the Middle East.
He has also played and produced for many American Jazz/Funk musicians. Furthermore, the release “Mirakles” by Derrick Bailey, G. Calvin Weston & Tacuma was cited as one of the “most important recordings of year 2000” by All Music Guide. He also recently completed a recording entitled “Dust” with Bauhaus member Peter Murphy on the Metropolis label.He is featured on the new 2006 release of the World Saxophone Quartet's album on Justin Time Records entitled “Political Blues”
Tacuma has collaborated with a diverse and talented roster of artist: poets Jayne Cortez, Quincy Troupev and Amiri Baraka. Guitarists Jeff Beck, Carlos Santana, Marc Ribot, James Blood Ulmer, Jean Paul Bourelly and Derek Bailey. He has worked with orchestras led by Anthony Davis at Carnegie Hall, to recording and performing with the rap group The Roots, and with DJ King Britt and DJ Logic. He has performed and recorded with saxophonist Pharoah Sanders, Grover Washington Jr., David Murray, Odean Pope and Wolfgang Puschnig, and recently collaborated with James Carter, in which Tacuma played and wrote material for the CD “Layin In The Cut”. Tacuma has shared the stage with the great comedian and philanthropist Bill Cosby at the JVC Jazz Festival, on the David Letterman show where Tacuma was Band Director for the night. He has even written music for the hit TV show, “The Cosby Show”.
Staying true to his artistic and experimental approach to music, Tacuma is consistanly touring the world and currently producing projects for his newly formed “Crash Pad Productions” so stay tuned.
Awards:
Parallle Culture Award Media Wave Festival 2009Jamaaladeen Tacuma is proud and honored to announce the completion of a recording project that is long awaited . A recording made up of original compositions featuring as guest his mentor and long time band leader Ornette Coleman. This album will be titled 'FOR THE LOVE OF ORNETTE” and will feature master saxophonist, composer, harmolodic musicologist Ornette Coleman as a guest soloist. The recording will highlight two important works, a composition that Ornette wrote for Jamaaladeen entitled TACUMA SONG, which Jamaaladeen featured on his first solo album on Gramavision records entitled SHOWSTOPPER, this Album was very special and was a result of the encouragement and musical mentorship Jamaaladeen received as a band member in Prime Time. It marked a turning point in his career where he moved from Band member to Bandleader. In turn Jamaaladeen composed a song for Ornette called FOR THE LOVE OF ORNETTE that will be debuted on this new release. The musicians that are also performing are among the best and brightest on the scene today they include : Tony Kofi from the UK who is the recipient of the BBC Award and Parliamentary Award, Wolfgang Puschnig musical veteran from Vienna on Flute and Hojak, virtuoso pianist Yoichi Uzeki from Tokyo and an up and coming Young Lion 19 year old Justin Faulkner from Philadelphia on Drums who Jamaaladeen discovered when he was just 13 years of age. Also a special appearance is made by David ”Fingers” Haynes on Drums another innovator in his own right in the technique and technology of electronic drumming. Ornette displayed his talent and wisdom on the highest musical level for which he is known for and interacted with these great young musicians in a way that only Ornette can. For Jamaaladeen, this is a dream come true to work with his mentor who discovered him at age 19. It is Jamaaladeen's way of saying thank you Ornette for sharing your musical knowledge, wisdom and human experience with him, that has carried him throughout his solo musical career. Look out for this recording as it will be one not to be missed. Stay tuned for worldwide release dates.
