About Me
Attention: Jamaaladeen now has an OFFICIAL MySpace MUSIC page:
http://www.myspace.com/jamaaladeen
Please ADD yourself to the ABOVE profile to keep in contact with Jamaaladeen, and up to date on his latest gigs, news, etc. He will also be rotating some of his classic jams...
Thanks, and peace...
Jamaaladeen Bio
Few musicians leave their audiences with a feeling that they have truly
witnessed something amazing. Artist/Producer/Performer/Arranger 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 instruments
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 Troupe and Amiri Baraka. Guitarist 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, and on several projects
which 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.