Home » Jazz Musicians » Jamaaladeen Tacuma

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.

Read more

Tags

FOR THE LOVE OF ORNETTE Jamaaladeen 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

Read more

Photos

Albums

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

I Owe It to Dakota

Honeybunch Records
2023

buy

Slide Gate

SNMR1011
2023

buy

For the Love of...

Jam All Productions
2011

buy

For The Love Of...

Jazzwerkstatt
2010

buy

Zwei

Jazzwerkstatt
2009

buy

Videos

Similar

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.