Centreville resident James "Jim" Tucker's life has revolved around music. So after years of teaching, producing, and managing this art, it is only appropriate that Tucker spend some time making his own music.
A 1980 graduate of Chantilly High School and resident of Centreville's Bent Tree Estates, Tucker has recently released his freshman album, entitled "Paradigm Suite," under the band name of Ballet Mecanique. Though this is Tucker's first solo music project, he has lived out his lifelong passion for music since his post-high school days.
Born in Queens, NY, Tucker moved to the Northern Virginia area in 1978, where he attended Chantilly High School. After attending one year of college and spending some time in the Air Force, Tucker began giving private lessons, and soon landed a job as musical director with the Drifters. Today, Tucker can claim the title of musical director for other groups, including the Coasters, the Platters, the Marvelettes, and the Shirelles.
In addition, Tucker continues to give lessons in all styles of piano, musical composition and theory, and computer music. He has given piano lessons at Oakton Music and Arts Center for 15 years, and his reputation as teacher is affirmed in the long waiting list to take his classes. Justin Apergis, who has worked with Tucker at Music and Arts for three years, says Tucker "keeps things fun and interesting for the students, and they just love him. I would say he is our strongest piano teacher, because he is well-diversified in his music," Apergis said.
TUCKER DECIDED to take time for his own music during Christmas of 2002, when he began the creative work for Paradigm Suite. "I started recording and the pieces just fell together. Although it took a 'leap of faith', I'm very happy with the way it came out," Tucker said. Tucker admits to being fueled by Starbucks' Mocha Valencias, and jokes that his CD is "their fault".
Tucker used all synthetic music for his project, which included a string quartet with a six-piece band. He describes the music on his CD as "a fusion of classical music with techno and jazz", or "a cross between Manheim Steamroller and Fatboy Slim". His eclectic influences, from French impressionists to classical to rock n' roll, shine through his songs. Tucker believes that his music has "great crossover potential", and has gotten good reception from friends of all musical tastes. Herndon resident Mike Melchione, who did the mastering work on "Paradigm Suite," calls Tucker's music "very contemporary".
Noting the difficulties of working in the music business in the northern Va. area — Tucker's studio and record label Wet Dog Studios are based in Centreville — Tucker is not in it for the money. "My friends have said 'Why don't you go to New York? There's more opportunity there'. But, my home is here, my students are here. Everyone here is so supportive of me," Tucker said.
Tucker's greatest influence, the late Russell Woollen, also thrived in his music career in Northern Virginia. A former resident of McLean, Woollen was a protégé of Natalie Baolunger and an accompanist for the Von Trapp singers when he was only 12 years old. He taught Tucker music composition, counterpoint, and piano, in addition to setting an example that has stayed with him for years. "He could live here, write music here, be creative here," Tucker said.
Life certainly hasn't slowed down for Tucker, though. In addition to booking gigs for his groups He continues to teach music lessons and produce others' records, and is already at work on his own second and third CD releases. "I hope this is the beginning of a fruitful start," Tucker said.
"Paradigm Suite" can be found at the Tower Records stores in Fairfax Towne Center and Tysons Corner. In addition, it can be found online at amazon.com and cdbaby.com.