Marvin "Bugalu" Smith
Marvin "Bugalu" Smith (born 1948) is an American jazz percussionist[1] best known for his work with the Sun Ra and The Sun Ra Arkestra.[1]
Marvin "Bugalu" Smith | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1948 (age 72–73) Englewood, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Genres | Avant-garde jazz, free jazz, experimental |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Drums, percussion |
| Associated acts | Sun Ra |
Life
Smith was born in Englewood, New Jersey.[1] The son of a carpenter, Smith had three other siblings.[2] He began learning to play drums at age 2[3] and studied with Max Roach, Elvin Jones, Philly Joe Jones, and Art Taylor.[3] He also learned from his older brother, Earl "Buster" Smith, who himself went on to play with Eric Dolphy.[1]
Smith toured Italy with saxophonist Tyree Grimm Jr.[2] eventually staying there for twenty years during which he also played with Rocky Roberts.[2] While living in Italy, Smith became a Buddhist and its practices informed his drumming.[2]
Smith played with Archie Shepp[4] from 1982-1987 and then joined Sun Ra's Arkestra in 1987.[2]
References
- Aaron, Peter (July 1, 2013). "Marvin "Bugalu" Smith - The Beat Goes On". Chronogram Media. Retrieved May 23, 2021.
- Petride, Ron (February 2011). "What Do You Know About? - Marvin "Bugalu" Smith" (PDF). Modern Drummer. 35 (2): 90–91. ISSN 0194-4533. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
- "Marvin Bugalu Smith". All About Jazz. Retrieved May 23, 2021.
- Cohan, Brad (March 2, 2020). "Dave Sewelson: More Music for a Free World (Mahakala)". JazzTimes. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
