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Tam ‘Tambor’ Sugayan Sr.
NEWARK, CA
Born in 1959, in Oakland California), known by his stage name El Tambor is an American-Filipino musician. Tam Sugayan is the Son of percussionist Joseph Sugayan who began to teach and nurture Tam’s insatiable appetite for percussion at the age of five. At age twelve, Tam began his musical journey as a member of a band named Grito that included Sheila Escovedo (Sheila E), Joe Cano (Joe Cano) & Dale Villacencio (Tierra). Coke Escovedo (Santana & Azteca) was their manager and booked billings with artist such as the late greats Vince Guaraldi, Cal Tjader, Mongo Santamaria…, Azteca & Bill Summers. From the mid seventies to the mid nineties whenever he wasn’t performing or instructing conga drum lessons (1990 - current), Tam would make his way to renowned Sproul Plaza located inside the University of California campus located in Berkeley California to hone his craft in the legendary community drum circles. Tam also enjoys designing and building hand percussion & drums. Tam continued performing with other local bands throughout junior high and high school. Shortly after graduating from Oakland High School (1977) Tam took a break in his music endeavors to pursue a career as a painting contractor, longing for his love of music he later returned back onto the music scene in 1990. The music community embraced his return as if he had never stepped out of the spot light. His return into the music seen began by supporting local bands & performing at local venues and festivals as a guest artist with Pete & Juan Escovedo, Bobby Womack, Richard Bean & Sapo, Cold Blood, Tierra, Dwayne Wiggins and various other groups and artists & genres to include R & B, Pop, Latin Rock, Latin Jazz, Salsa, Tex Mex, Mexican, Rock, Rap, Folk, African & Cuban Drumming, Contemporary and Polynesian. He has many recording with well known artists such as Davina Joy - La Cantante, Mambo Tropical, Sheila E “Fiesta” featuring B B.Slade, and Joe Can Joe Cano. Now married with four beautiful children, Tam has never been happier and more content with his personal life & music career as this balance has been his motivator which has provided the opportunity to be a performing with/member : Richard Bean (“of Sauvecito” fame) & Sapo, Mystique,
Ray McCoy & The Luther Vandross Tribute, and so on.
