Jamaaladeen Tacuma

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.

Gear

Dipinto Guitars, Labella Strings