Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZBARKER, Thurman(b '48, Chicago) Drummer, composer, leader. Infl. by Cozy Cole hit "Topsy' '58, later records by Roy McCurdy (with Cannonball Adderley), Louis Hayes (with Oscar Peterson), Tony Williams, Elvin Jones; played professionally while still in high school, attended rehearsals of Muhal Richard Abram' Experimental Band, second meeting of AACM. First record with Joseph Jarman (Song For '67; then As If It Were The Seasons, two LPs by Abrams, Kalaparusha's Humility In The Light Of The Creator, all on Delmark); was "house drummer for the new music'. Invited to join Art Ensemble in Paris, but had gig playing in show Hair: continued at Chicago's Schubert Theatre '68 to '80. Also studio work; gigged behind Bette Midler (with Barry Manilow on piano), Marvin Gaye; toured and recorded with Sam Rivers, Anthony Braxton '78-9; three more LPs with Abrams, The Maze on Nessa with Roscoe Mitchell, others; moved to NYC. Replaced Steve McCall in Air for European tour; played with Leroy Jenkins, Henry Threadgill; began composing and formed own duo, trio. Voyage '84 on UpTee was his first album as leader. |