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Member Since: 7/20/2007
Band Website: soulinmotionplayers.org
Influences: Jumbe was born in Suffolk, Virginia into a very musical family. His father, James Gilliam Sr., owned a restaurant and dance hall in Waverly, VA and would book local bands and musicians like, Billy Taylor on the weekends. His mother was a singer and pianist for the church. At the age of six his family moved to Philadelphia and Jumbe, along with his brothers, were required to take piano lessons and sing in both the church and school choirs. Although his father didn’t play an instrument, he loved jazz and would play records all the time. Hearing musicians like Monk, Amid Jammall, Louie Jordan, Cosi Cole, Dizzie Gillespie & more was common in the Gilliam household.Jumbe started playing hand drums and percussion in the Philadelphia school system. He also sang in the All Philadelphia Choir and attended settlement music school. At Cheyney State University he was an integral part of their music program; singing and playing percussion most of their productions. He plays congas and djembe drums and has giged in many different settings such as: Jazz, Rhythm and Blues, Latin, Reggae, African, and Gospel. He also attended many workshops, the most renowned being with the "Montiquitoes De Montanzas De Cuba." His African drum training was with master drummer Ibrahim Camara of West Africa as well as private conga lessons with Leonard "Doc" Gibbs. Some of the people and groups he has gigged with are: Sister Sledge, Essra Mohawk, Dexter Wanzel, Princess Starletta Depure, Afro I Dance, Drama and Drum Theater, African Heritage Dancers and Drummers, The Earthtones Reggae Band and the Corner Stone Mass Choir Gospel Band. He has also recorded with the Earthtones "Live at Penn State Art Festival" (1993) and Doc Long "The Drum" (1994). Jumbe often says, "The rhythmic style of his hand drumming, which he tries to incorporate with multiethnic composition material, is based on melodic concepts and techniques derived from tradition."
Record Label: Gilliam Bros. Ent.
Type of Label: Indie