Bassist Jamaaladeen Tacuma is a legend. He was barely out of high school when guitarist Reggie Lucas recommended him to Ornette Coleman, who hired him for what would become Prime Time. He stayed with Coleman for a dozen years, working with James “Blood” Ulmer and recording albums on his own at the same time. He’s been part of some really amazing records that I love, including Derek Bailey‘s Mirakle, James Carter‘s Layin’ in the Cut, James Brandon Lewis‘s Days of FreeMan, and the Young Philadelphians‘ Live in Tokyo. He also produced the new Last Poets album, Transcending Toxic Times.
In this interview, we talk about a bunch of different aspects of his career, his sound, his style, his upbringing in Philadelphia, and his interest in fashion. In addition to being a musician, Tacuma runs a consignment boutique in Philadelphia called the Redd Carpet Room, where he sells designer clothes he picks up while traveling around the world. This guy is sharp in every possible way, so I really think you’re going to enjoy this conversation a lot. I know I did.
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Music heard in this episode:
Ornette Coleman, “Sleep Talk” (Of Human Feelings)
Jamaaladeen Tacuma, “Tacuma Song” (Show Stopper)
The Last Poets, “Black Rage” (Transcending Toxic Times)
