Mtume - Biography

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Mtume

Mtume (pronounced Em-Too-May) comprised:

Produced by James Mtume

James Mtume (vocals, keyboards, conga's and percussion)

Reggie Lucas (lead and rhythm guitar and background vocals)

Tawatha Agee (lead and background vocals)

Basil Fearington (bass)

Hubert Eaves (keyboards and synthesisers)

HOward King (drums and background vocals)

james mtume is a former jazz percussionist.

From Philadelphia, the group's original line-up included Michael Henderson on bass, who would go on to a successful solo career and worked closely with Norman Connors.

James Mtume moved into Urban Contemporary and funk in the late '70's, and became one of the more successful producers and performers in both styles during the '80's.

The son of the great jazz saxophonist Jimmy Heath, Mtume was a conga player and percussionist who recorded and toured with Miles Davis and was featured on albums by the Heath Brothers, Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, and Freddie Hubbard.

He even recorded as a bandleader for Strata-East before turning to funk in the late '70's.

Their first album, of this period, was released in 1977 and was entitled 'Rebirth Cycle', although there were two earlier albums for the Third Street label.

The album featured the vocals of Jean Carn and Dee Dee Bridgewater.