Jazz bassist recounts playing with Benny Golson, Lee Konitz

Exclusive video interview with FBPO’s Jon Liebman
April 25, 2022

Tom Wakeling’s passion for jazz has taken him straight to the top. Over the years, the jazz life has given him a chance to perform with jazz icons Lee Konitz, Mel Tormé , Benny Golson, James Moody, Herb Ellis, and Mose Allison, as well as legendary celebrities Della Reese, Red Skelton, Rich Little, Mickey Rooney, and Jerry Lewis. He’s also had the honor of playing in the orchestras of productions like Cats, A Chorus Line, Grease, and Damn Yankees. Throughout his career, Wakeling has toured extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and North America, and served as a guest artist with institutions like the Wuhan Conservatory of Music in China, Stanford University Jazz Workshop, Taichung University in Taiwan, and University of British Columbia. As an educator, the bassist also chaired Clackamas Community College’s Music Department in Portland, Oregon, and established that state’s first professional-technical certificate in Music Technology. Wakeling has also put out numerous releases of his own, including Canadian Sunset, a collaboration with pianist Rebecca Kilgore and Canadian guitarist Bill Coon. 

Watch our interview with Tom!

See Jon’s blog, with key takeaways from this interview here.