Updated: March 9, 2023
Born: August 26, 1960
Eldad Tarmu was born and raised in Los Angeles. He originally played drums and percussion before switching to the vibraphone where his mentor was Dave Pike. He spent time in Israel, studied and graduated from Tel Aviv University, and then back in the United States performed and recorded with a range of jazz groups including Freddie Hubbard, Frank Morgan, Poncho Sanchez, and Ernie Watts. Tarmu became a world traveler, performing at festivals and venues in over twenty-five countries while developing his own fresh voice on the vibes. He began recording as a leader in 1997 with Aluminum Forest, followed by Get Up Close, which garnered notable critical acclaim. Between 2005 and 2008, he ran the jazz department of a Romanian university and toured extensively in Eastern Europe. He currently teaches music at the college level in the New York area, while performing regularly and continuing to write jazz and contemporary classical music for various ensembles.
Awards
Best ad music (Sears spot)
Gear
Mike Balter Mallets, K&K Sound System
Tags
All About Jazz Articles
Album Review
- Aluminum Forest by Jack Bowers
- Songs for the Queen of Bohemia by Raul d'Gama Rose
- Tarmu Jazz Quartet by Jack Bowers
"Not only is Eldad a first-rate vibraphonist, but his compositional ideas also bring an interesting and innovative sound to the fore." Craig W. Hurst - Rhombus Records
"Meet the new face of jazz vibraphone. Tarmu differs from other relatively recent jazz vibraphonists... [...] ...His modernity is inherent in the music itself while still retaining the classic foundation you’d expect to find on one of your favorite Blue Note releases." Greg Debonne - Hollywood2You
"Tarmu's arrangements reveal an excellent feel for making the music move." Dave Nathan - AMG
Primary Instrument
Vibraphone
Location
New York City
Willing to teach
Advanced only
Credentials/Background
Mallet technique, Jazz Harmony and Theory, Jazz Improvisation, Jazz Arranging, Rhythmic Studies, Ensemble Direction, World Music Styles (Afro-Cuban, Afro-Brazilian, Middle-Eastern), Exotic Modes in Jazz, Rhythm Section Workshops for soloists and vocalists. Available during weekdays, occasionally during weekends.
Clinic/Workshop Information
Jazz Harmony for Classical Musicians - Seven Easy Lessons
Gary Burton
vibraphone
Bobby Hutcherson
vibraphone
Milt Jackson
vibraphone
Dave Pike
vibraphone
Tito Puente
drums
