Tige DeCoster (bass)

Tige DeCoster's professional career as a bassist has spanned over the past fifteen years. At the age of 24 he began touring nationally, sharing stages with such luminaries as Bela Fleck, The Radiators, Spearhead, Medeski Martin and Wood, Jimmy Cliff, The String Cheese Incident, The Grandmothers and others. As a founding member of the acoustic group Hanuman, he toured nationally for over seven years and won the Best Band and Best New Acoustic album (Pedalhorse) of 2002 in the Seattle Weekly, releasing five albums and selling over 15,000 copies. In 1998, Tige joined former Sony recording artist Dan Bern for an eleven week national tour performing with guest artist Martha Wainwright and culminating in the double album release of the critically acclaimed Smartie Mine. Hanuman later backed Dan Bern on another national tour in the spring of 1999. He has also performed and toured throughout the Midwest and West coast with roots rock group Crosseyed, releasing the album Ain't It A Shame in the winter of 1999. Tige has studied with classical bassist Barry Lieberman, jazz bassist Doug Miller, Don Lamphere, Jabo Ward In 2001, Tige co-founded the Cuban group Supersones. In the realm of the Buena Vista Social Club, they perform classic Cuban Son, Cha Cha Cha, Bolero and Changui. In 2006 the Supersones released an album and toured in Belgium and Holland for three weeks. Currently, Tige is performing with Tom Waits guitarist Omar Torrez and touring throughout Europe and Central America. An experienced teacher, Tige offers private instruction and group communication tutoring for younger children interested in exploring musicianship; and adults desiring a new experience in music. In addition, he also offers music transcription, arranging and organizing skills valuable to big bands and solo performers. Outside of music, he loves reading, writing and remaining active in his community through volunteer service. He has volunteered for the homeless newspaper Real Change for over three years and various other neighborhood activities to help the poor and disadvantaged.