Tom Wakeling has put his bass to work throughout North America and Europe in a 35-plus year career that's seen him on concert and nightclub stages and in recording studios. His bass versatility has supported a wide range of artists including Arturo Sandoval, Lee Konitz, Mel Torme, James Moody, Herb Ellis, Mose Allison, Charlie Rouse, Houston Person, Ernie Watts, Carl Fontana, Eric Alexander, Herb Geller, Della Reese, Red Skelton, Rich Little, and many others in jazz and pop music alike.

Tom has played in the orchestras of national touring shows such as "Cats",  "A Chorus Line", "Damn Yankees" (with Jerry Lewis), and the Joffrey Ballet.  In addition, he has served as a guest artist at the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music, University of Kansas, Stanford University Jazz Workshop, University of Nevada, University of British Columbia, Centrum/Pt. Townsend Jazz Workshop, New West Jazz Camp (Canada), and the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, among others. 

Tom’s brand new recording is entitled “Night” with the Bridge Quartet.  Additional recent recordings include the Bridge Quartet’s “Day” and “Good Morning Geek” with the Portland Jazz Orchestra. 

Tom’s bass can also be heard on recordings with his own Tom Wakeling - Brad Turner Quartet, with New York pianist Lynne Arriale, Juno award winners Hugh Fraser and Brad Turner, Grammy-nominated singer Nancy King, composer/pianist Steve Christofferson, drummer/composer William Thomas, and many others.

Tom has been featured nationwide on CBC Radio’s  "Jazzbeat" and on NPR.  He continues to be a popular guest artist at a wide variety of jazz and educational jazz festivals and workshops.

Wakeling is the Chair of the Music Department at Clackamas Community College in Portland, Oregon.  The college is known for its excellent Music and Music Technology programs.