6‘9... and Musically Inclined

June 16, 2004

When Dave Koz and Friends come to town to kick off Interlochen’s Summer Outdoor Arts Festival June 17, one “friend” will tower over the others. At 6’9” bassist Wayman Tisdale stands out, but he brings more than height to the stage. Tisdale has proven that rebounding hands are great for working the “baselines.”

If Tisdale’s name sounds familiar it may be the fact that he was a three time all-American at the University of Oklahoma. In 1984, he led the USA Men’s Olympic Basketball team in rebounding as they won the Gold Medal. In 1985 he left college a year early to enter the NBA draft and was the second player picked behind Patrick Ewing. He journeyed through 12 years in the NBA, playing for the Indiana Pacers and the Sacramento Kings before finishing his career with Traverse City’s Dan Majerle and the Phoenix Suns
So how does a basketball great go to becoming one of the hottest bass players in the smooth jazz scene?
“I really didn’t play much during my basketball career, basketball came first,” said Tisdale. “I never had any formal lessons; it really is just a gift from God.”
Tisdale credits the success on the court and his transition to the musical stage to his deep belief in his faith. His father was a Baptist minister and Tisdale developed an interest in Gospel music at a very early age.
“I was raised on Gospel and church music and really didn’t listen to much else until college,” said Tisdale. “In college I discovered the music of David Sanborn, Joe Sample and others in the smooth jazz field. But even in college I was limited in playing music because of basketball.”

“My father bought the kids these Mickey Mouse guitars. My brothers used them as baseball bats,” said Tisdale. “I started playing my guitar and broke all but two-strings, so only having two-strings I evolved into a bass player.”
So you must have been in a band during school?
“No my father wouldn’t let me,” said Tisdale. “I had to play and learn on my own.”
As his professional basketball career began to wind down Tisdale began to think about his future. At the age of 33 he decided to pursue a musical career.
“After the NBA I developed a different sound and I began to develop confidence in my playing ability,” said Tisdale. “I tried soloing and people told me they liked it. I just play from my heart.”
Tisdale is joining some major leaguers with Dave Koz and friends. Koz, a world-renowned saxophonist, is a multi-plantinum artist who has played and recorded with Burt Bacharach, Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Celine Dion, Kenny Loggins, U2, Luther Vandross and Vanessa Williams. He made his mark as the touring saxophonist for Richard Marx and Jeff Lorber. The legendary R vocalist Jeffery Osborne joins them as does the highly respected South African guitarist and vocalist Jonathan Butler.
“It really is a great show, hit after hit from all these different types of genres,” said Tisdale. “This is one of my favorite groups to work with because there is so much energy on stage.”
Tisdale also has a thriving solo career. Late last year he released his fifth CD, “21 Days,” and the album has received rave reviews. It is his first completely spiritual album.
“It took 21 days to record these songs, hence the name,” said Tisdale. “As for the content it is my gift back from the source that has given me my talent.”
In late August of this year, Tisdale will embark in a solo tour to promote the album.
So, during the NBA finals Tisdale must miss the game, second-guessing players, maybe even going out to the court for some pick games, right?
“No, in fact I don’t play basketball at all anymore,” said Tisdale. “I had my time, now it is time for music. I do coach my son’s team on occasion but that is a sclose as I get. I have been watching the Pistons/Lakers series and it is exciting, but I really don’t miss it.”
ESPN has approached Tisdale to become a college basketball analyst during the upcoming season. He is currently considering it but music is his first career priority.
For Tisdale his focus is on the future. He is grounded deeply in his faith, which is what he attributes his ability to survive the fame and fortune of NBA life and the challenges of road life as a musician.
“No one is exempt from personal challenges, not even star athletes or musicians,” said Tisdale. “My faith has played a major role in shaping me as a person.”
With an Olympic Gold Medal, a stellar basketball career and an already successful music career, is there anything more Tisdale would like?
“A Grammy,” said Tisdale. “I was brought up to never be satisfied, to keep striving to get better. I have been blessed with a truly wonderful life but I still have more to give.”
Wayman Tisdale joins David Koz and Friends June 17 at Interlochen’s Kresge Auditorium with an 8 pm start. Tickets may be purchased online at www.interlochen.org or by phoning the Interlochen Box Office at (231) 276-7800.