Wayman Tisdale is remembered as both an NBA basketball star and Olympic gold medalist who also made a lasting contribution to jazz. He developed a distinctive, melodic approach to the bass, often using it as a lead instrument, and began his recording career with Power Forward while still playing in the NBA. He released eight studio albums, including Face to Face, which reached #1 on the Billboard contemporary jazz chart in 2001. His catalog includes energetic tracks such as “Get Down On It” and smooth renditions of classics like “Can’t Hide Love.”

Michael Fields Jr., a distinguished bassist, producer, and international recording artist, continues Tisdale’s legacy of funk and smooth jazz bass. Fields launched his career with Mr. Fields in 2016, followed by his 2018 hit “On the Move.” His latest single, “Just Like Wayman,” a testament to Tisdale’s influence, landed a spot on the Smooth Jazz Top 100.

Michael’s captivating sound, shaped by icons like Victor Wooten and Bootsy Collins, has been featured on SiriusXM Watercolors and The Smooth Jazz Network. He has performed with legendary artists such as Marcus Miller, Peabo Bryson, and Tom Browne, and has collaborated with esteemed musicians like Ben Tankard and Walter Beasley.
Tom Braxton, an international Billboard-charting artist with ten CDs to his name, toured with Tisdale for 17 years and served as his Music Director for 14. His distinct, melodic sound has earned him critical acclaim and a reputation as “one of smooth jazz’s most prolific saxophonists.”

Braxton has shared the stage with many great artists including Dave Koz, Rick Braun, Peter White, Brian Culbertson, Marcus Miller, Bob James, Lee Ritenour, Paul Brown, Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, Jeff Golub, Norman Brown, Sheila E., Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, and more. His next upcoming CD, “FlashBack,” is set to drop this year.
Tom Braxton and Michael Fields Jr. join forces on a nationwide tour to celebrate the music of the late, great bass guitarist Wayman Tisdale. Their collaboration not only honors Tisdale’s remarkable legacy but also brings together two accomplished artists dedicated to keeping his music alive for new audiences.

Performance on Sunday, October 12th.