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United We PlayMusic | Thurman Barker![]()
United We PlayMusic | Thurman Barker![]()
United We PlayMusic | Thurman Barker
A Master Percussionist
Blending World-Renowned Style with Refreshing Individuality
Thurman Barker is a celebrated percussionist who built his career on innovation. As a professional musician, composer, and college professor, he brings endless passion and decades of experience together to entertain, educate, and expand the horizons of his art. His career has spanned decades, and his talent encompasses and crosses over into many musical genres. From jazz and blues to contemporary, classical, and beyond, his sound blurs traditionally rigid lines to the delight of his audiences. Since creating Uptee Records in the early 80s, Barker has previously released six recordings as a leader. In 2016, Barker began writing for Chamber Orchestra. His first score entitled “South Side Suite” premiered at Bard College in the Fall 2017 and had its New York premiere at Roulette in 2019. Barker’s second score “Pandemic Fever” had its premiere at DePaul University in Chicago on October 1, 2021. His most recent score entitled “Mr. Speed-Str.” premiered in the Fall of 2022 at the DiMenna Center for Classical Music in NYC.
Barker’s wealth of knowledge was built through his association with countless incredible collaborators. Most notable musical experiences have been with the Association for the Advancement of Creative Musicians (AACM). As a charter member of the group,Thurman first appeared in AACM productions with Joseph Jarman’s pioneering ensembles. He then went on to record and play with many members, including Dr. Muhal Richard Abrams, Amina Claudine Meyers, Anthony Braxton, Leroy Jenkins, Roscoe Mitchell, and Henry Threadgill. After moving to New York in the late 70s, Barker worked and recorded with Sam Rivers and Cecil Taylor. Thurman Barker became a Professor Emeritus of Bard College in Music/Jazz Studies in June 2021. He is a recipient of a 2022 NYSCA award for composition as well as numerous Meet the Composer grants. This album is dedicated to Dr. Muhal Richard Abrams.
Pandemic Fever.
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