Photos by Joe CastelloJammal Tarkington

Jammal Tarkington has paid dues and earned mega respect as a working musician.  A former marching band geek, Tarkington’s now a highly sought after session player, with a remarkable discology and relentless live touring schedule.  A veteran of some of the most noteworthy music projects in Reno history, the sax man and vocalist does triple duty with Who Cares, Verbal Kint, and Keyser Soze. 

Tarkington’s humility is almost biblical; he wears his gifts with the poise, honor and dignity of a man who knows himself.  “I’m blessed to have gotten recognition for what I’ve done professionally,” Tarkington said when I spoke with him at his Artist’s Lofts crib.  “I’ve never wanted to be associated with any bullshit.  I feel comfortable shunning the whole tough guy, gansta persona. The end result of that life course is obvious, so why glorify that,” reflected Tarkington.

Photos by Joe CastelloTarkington’s immense talent has opened many doors for him. Ska and Hip-Hop luminaries like Hep Cat, Fishbone, Del and Atmosphere have tapped him and his band projects to both tour and record with them.  But the dreadlocked musician is careful to emphasize that everything he does is based on a sense of creative professional collaboration.  “It’s a collective thing; friends enabling friends to make a project click,” Tarkington explained.  “We’re not lookin’ to get rich. I wanna gain some knowledge, wisdom and perspective. I think I’m enabled by the people around me. Those people make me better.”  The quality of these collaborations allowed Tarkington’s groups to open for and tour with No Doubt, Sublime, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, The Untouchables, Jump with Joey, Let’s Go Bowling and many more.

Photos by Joe CastelloWhat does he look for in a project or artist before he begins to build with them?  “I try to connect with something that’s true to me,” said Tarkington. “I’m checking for a sick lyrical flow and illness; checking if the artist is opening minds. “  Tarkington’s plate is full.  Keyser Soze is about to drop a new album.  “We’re pretty stoked about the tracks. Dave Hauser has a bunch of vintage mics and 50’s and 60’s pre amps that sound great,” Tarkington beamed. Verbal Kint is recording now and putting out an EP in 2010.  Who Cares just finished mixing a 12” maxi, their second collaboration with Egyptian Lover.  Additionally, Tarkington is recording three tracks with Eligh of Living Legends. “I’ve know those cats since I was a teen and we’re finally collaborating,” noted Tarkington.  Perhaps the coolest project on Tarkington’s 2010 itinerary is his work with Zechs Marquis, the sensational El Paso, Texas progressive rock group headed up by the Lopez brothers from The Mars Volta.  “They play some odd meter shit that’s dope,” Tarkington said. “I love the chemistry when we play.  The non-verbal communication is instinctive.  They’re hella cool and down to earth.”

Tarkington has strong views about scene-building. “So often I hear people say, ‘That shit’s whack,’” Tarkington observed. “I tell them to go support something that’s dope.  That’s a real stance.  If everyone came together and supported something dope, there’d be more dope shit.  When people say, ‘Reno Sucks!’ I say, Reno is what you make it. If you suck, then yes, Reno sucks. If you don’t make the community a community, it will never advance. It starts with your attitude and creative currency.”

Verbal Kint plays with My Flag Is on Fire @ St James Infirmary January 14.  Keyser Soze plays The Pastime in Truckee January 16.

http://www.myspace.com/keysersoze

Oliver X