Tom Wakeling has put his bass to work in a 35-plus year career that's seen him perform in major concert halls, leading jazz nightclubs, and recording studios throughout Europe and North America.

Tom’s 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, Herb Geller, Della Reese, Red Skelton, Rich Little, Mickey Rooney, the Fifth Dimension, and many others in jazz and pop music alike. 

Tom’s work in “show biz” includes 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 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 newest 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 winner Hugh Fraser, 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.