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.
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Album Review
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Album Review
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Read more articlesApril 08, 2015
The Outsiders Improvised & Creative Music Pop-Up Festival
March 16, 2014
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May 08, 2013
Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Vernon Reid, G. Calvin Weston Free Form Funky Freqs...
February 11, 2011
Jamaaladeen Tacuma - For the Love of Ornette (Jam All Productions, 2010)
February 01, 2011
Jamaaladeen Tacuma - For the Love of Ornette (Jazzwekstatt, 2010)
December 01, 2010
Jamaaladeen Tacuma "For The Love of Ornette" CD Release Celebration
November 04, 2010
Jamaaladeen Tacuma Releases "For The Love Of Ornette"
June 28, 2010
Jamaaladeen Tacuma: For the Love of Ornette
November 03, 2008
Jazz Interviews with Joe Sample, Orrin Evans, Jamaaladeen Tacuma and...
November 29, 2006
Sean Noonan's Brewed By Noon American Composers Forum premiere w/ Marc...
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