For almost 40 years, Tom Wakeling has put his bass to work in major concert halls, leading jazz nightclubs, festivals, and recording studios throughout North America and Europe.

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, Charles McPherson, 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, and the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival, among others. 

Tom’s most recent recording is entitled "Climbing” with the Alan Jones Sextet.  Additional recent recordings include “Day” and  “Night”, with the Bridge Quartet, Nancy King’s

“Perennial”, 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 pianist Lynne Arriale, Juno award winner Hugh Fraser, composer/pianist Steve Christofferson, drummer/composer William Thomas, and many others.

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.