For over 40 years, Tom Wakeling has put his bass to work in concert halls, jazz nightclubs, recording studios, and at music festivals throughout North America and Europe.
Tom’s bass versatility has supported a wide range of jazz artists including Arturo Sandoval, Lee Konitz, Mel Torme, Benny Golson, James Moody, Herb Ellis, Mose Allison, Charlie Rouse, Houston Person, Ernie Watts, Ken Peplowski, Charles McPherson, Carl Fontana, Harry Allen, and Herb Geller. Among the rhythm section greats he has performed with are Mickey Roker, Jeff Hamilton, Albert “Tootie” Heath, Lewis Nash, Butch Miles, Grady Tate, Mike Clark, Chuck Redd, Bill Mays, Tamir Hendleman, Roger Kellaway, Mike Wofford, Bill Cunliffe, Dave Frishberg, Art Lande, and Edward Simon.
Tom’s “show biz” credits include Della Reese, Red Skelton, Rich Little, Mickey Rooney, the Fifth Dimension, and playing in the orchestras of national touring shows such as “Cats”, “A Chorus Line”, the Joffrey Ballet, “Grease”, and “Damn Yankees” (with Jerry Lewis).
An experienced and dynamic educator, Tom has served as a guest artist at the Stanford University Jazz Workshop, Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, University of Kansas, Arizona State University, Washburn University, University of Nevada, University of British Columbia, Pt. Townsend Jazz Workshop, Douglas College Summer Jazz Intensive, Jazz Camp West, and the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, among others.
As Chair of the Music Department at Clackamas Community College in Portland, Oregon, (now retired) Tom created Oregon’s first and only state-approved Professional Technical Certificate in Music Technology. He also oversaw the design and construction of the college’s first performing arts building on behalf of the Music Department. CCC’s Niemeyer Center for the Arts has received numerous accolades for its functionality, versatility, beauty, and thoughtful design. The Niemeyer Center continues to serve as a model for other institutions that are planning their own new facilities.
In addition to his live quartet recording with Juno award-winning Canadian trumpet player Brad Turner, Tom’s recordings include “Another View” with Alan Jones and Francois Theberge, Nancy King’s “Perennial”, “Climbing” with the Alan Jones Sextet, and the Bridge Quartet’s “Night”.