About Tam

Tam Sugayan is an accomplished multi-percussionist artist renowned for his genre-blending & multi-percussion attributes.

He skillfully combines traditional and collaborative rhythms with influences from Latin-Rock, Salsa, R & B, Pop & todays modern rhythm requirements ensuring he's a fully capable and well rounded Multi-Percussionist.

With over 50 years of experience, he creates powerful solo's and applies energetic rhythms that captivates audiences and keeps them engaged in the music. In addition to his impressive percussion abilities, he has a commanding stage presence that compliments any production, he also contributes backup vocals and confidently takes the lead when needed while fully embracing modern electronics, innovation & technology to enhance musical expression.

Tam is dedicated to drum building, focusing on projection & design, he also loves crafting of unique hand-percussive instruments.

Sugayan Percussion, where the vibrant world of music meets cultural diversity! Join Tam for an extraordinary journey that redefines traditional percussion performances, elevating live entertainment to new heights. Get ready to be captivated as powerful rhythms and rich melodies unite in a celebration of sound and culture, all under Tam's masterful guidance!

Bio

Introducing Tam Sugayan LLC

Tam is a seasoned multi-percussionist and instructor renowned for his versatility across genres ranging from Latin Rock and Jazz, Polynesian/Poly Fuse, Salsa, Ragea, Jawaiian, R&B to modern day electronic percussive programming.

A product of the vibrant Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area music scene. He began his professional journey sharing stages with greats like Mongo Santamaria, Cal Tjader, Poncho Sanchez,

Sheila E, & Tony Lindsay

With a career that includes high-profile performances like the NFL Raiders Half-Time Shows, Member of Richard Bean’s SAPO (Sauvecito Fame), & MALO (apperances) and collaborations with artists such as D’Wayne Wiggins of Tony, Toni, Tone and Pete Escovedo, Peter Michael & Juan Escovedo. He’s also toured & recorded with Hawaii’s #1 recording artist Willie K.

Tam blends technical mastery crossing over a variety of Latin Percussion, African Percussion, Tahitian & Hawaiian, traditional & innovative hand percussion, blending technology with deep community roots and understanding and respect of origin & tapestry and their purposes.

He is currently a featured member of Carnaval (Santana tribute) and actively achieving growing lists of artists, projects & collaborations from Coast to Coast.

Tam proudly endorses Remo Drumheads, SoulTone Cymbals, and TOCA Percussion, Rhythm Tech, Get’m-Get’m

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testimonials

DIANE REKOW (wife)

Raul Rekow Conga Player (RIP)

Santana 1976-2013 37yrs

"Tam Sugayan is a strong, dynamic musician who always delivers with heart and passion. His playing feels closely connected to the style & spirit of my late husband's (Raul Rekow), which I deeply appreciate.."

ORESTES VILATO

Cuban Percussionist - Timbales, Conga, Bongo

Ray Barreto, Johnny Pacheco, Cacho,

Fania All-Stars, Santana, John Santos

"Tam has been my friend for a long time. He is an all-around conga and percussion player, one of the best to my knowledge. He keeps himself busy working with different bands.."

" Tam Tambor Sugayan is a fantastic percussionist, He reminds me of my good friend Raul Rekow from the Santana Band. With Tam, you can count on the groove!"

TONY LINDSAY

11 x Grammy Vocalist, Hand Percussion

Santana 1991-2015 24 yrs

JUAN ESCOVEDO

Congas, Timbales, Vocals

Prince, Sheila E, E Family, The J

"As a legendary Latin Percussionist, I have had the privilege of working with many exceptional musicians' throughout my career. Tam Sugayan is an accomplished percussionist who's talent & dedication are evident in every performance. My introduction to Tam, came through my sister Sheila E., when she played in a band with him at age fourteen. Whenever I am unavailable for a performance, I confidently recommend Tam, knowing he upholds the highest standards of musicianship!"

EDDIE MONTALVO

Congas, Latin Percussion

Fania All Stars, Ruben Blades

"Tam Sugayan is a great conga player whom I had the honor of meeting through our late great brother from another mother, Raul Rekow. Tam, and many drummers from the West Coast, including myself. We performed together at Raul's wake, celebrating his life and legacy. Through that moment and our shared journey, our friendship became bonded through the conga.

RICHARD BEAN

Vocalist, Song Writer

Malo (Sauvecito), Sapo

"For many years I have know Tam Sugayan, performing with my bands. Tam is a truly remarkable percussionist. Professionalism at its best!."

LEOPOLO (Leo) ROSALES

Timbales, Vocals, Congas, Bongo, Percussion

Malo, Momotombo-SF

"I've had the great and inspiring opportunity to perform with Tam with different ensembles and he always proves to be one of the best."

RICHARD (Butchi) AGUON

Drums, Vocals, Percussion

Whispers, EWF, Shalamar, MC Hammer

From the mind of Rich Aguon - " I've had the pleasure of playing with Tam for many years, his musical intent is always at such a high level in all genres of music... I look forward to playing with Tam for many many more years>>>> But wait til you taste his cooking!!!"

DALE VILLAVICENCIO

Timbales, Congas, Vocals, Percussion

Tierra, El De Barge, Bongo Funk

"Tam is the consummate professional, with his passion and artistry for congas and percussion and years of experience in the industry. I would highly recommend Tam when it come to representing your company.

"I have has the distinct pleasure of working with Tam for over 20 years, performing and collaborating across the Bay Area and Hawai'i. He is an exceptional and versatile percussionist, highly skilled in Polynesian drumming, especially Tahitian. Tam's a trusted teacher and accomplished drum maker who is consistently professional , reliable and always on time."

LENNA TE'O MALIETULUA

Musical Director

TAMALI'I Drummer (To'ere)

LE ALA Polynesian Dance Group,

RAY McCOY

Musical Director

Song Writer, Lead Vocalist

Luther Van Vandross Tribute Band

"Tam Sugayan has had an unprecedented impact on the success of my band with professionalism personified."

"There are few percussionist that could actually front your band. Tam Sugayan is one of those few. His professionalism, stage presence, look and exact feel for what a song needs and when it needs it, are extraordinary. It's my absolute pleasure to work with him."

Doc Robinson

Musical Director

Educator, Song Writer, Bass