Review

Wayman Tisdale: The Wayman Tisdale Story - CD & DVD (Rendevous Music/Mack Avenue)

First; a confession. Heard the CD, all 13 tracks and loved it. Then watched the DVD; a documentary about Wayman Tisdale’s life. I have to admit that I did not know that much about the man and his story, until I saw this fascinating, heart-tugging, award-winning DVD. I cried.

Wayman is a Gold medal Olympian, part of the 1984 champion American basketball team. He was the number one college basketball star in the USA, before joining the NBA as a pro’ player, and taken to the hearts of the American public, with a beaming smile that lit up a stadium. A giant of a man at 6 feet nine inches tall, and weighing 240 pounds.

His first love was music though, and he taught himself to play bass. As a left handed man, it was a struggle to find a left handed bass guitar, so he simply turned a normal bass upside down and played it back to front! He was a magnificent and talented bassist, and when his sports career ended in the mid-90s, it was a no-brainer for him to make music his main focus.

A&R scouts heard demo tracks without knowing who the artist was, and were amazed and stunned when they were told this great music was from a basketball star. Wayman was signed to Motown’s jazz label, “Mo Jazz Records” (which transferred its roster to “Verve” after the Polygram/Universal merger.) He had massive success, releasing nine albums, four of which hit number one in the Billboard chart. His debut, “Power Forward,” reached number four. His acclaimed “Fonk Record” in 2010, featured George Clinton and George Duke.

The son of a preacher, he had a solid and happy marriage to Regina who he met at his Father’s church, while playing bass for the gospel choir. They had four children and a great life. Then in 2007, a bad fall on the stairs at his home, resulted in his right literally leg snapping in half. Something wasn’t right. Bone cancer was diagnosed. For two years, Wayman bravely battled his serious health issues, undergoing gruelling treatment including chemo’ – but always with that famous smile fixed to his face. Even when he had part of his right leg amputated from above the knee, Wayman ignored his own problems and set up a foundation to help other amputees to purchase prosthetics, as it is not always covered by health insurance (surely that’s something Obama should rectify as part of his legacy?)

On May 15th 2009, aged just 44-years-old, Wyman Tisdale passed away. He had been rushed to hospital with breathing problems. He had been touring again, using a walking stick, and was even planning to go into the recording studio the following week, to work with jazz guitarist Norman Brown. Over 4,000 people attended his funeral, broadcast across the USA. Such was the esteem he was held in, the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa, announced in June 2009 that its new speciality health clinic, would be named in Tisdale's honour.

Grammy-nominated filmmaker Brian Schodorf produced and directed the inspiring but emotional documentary on this man’s amazing life. Showing how he brought joy to millions for 12 years as an NBA star, and before that as a college basketball legend. The film spotlights his amazing sports prowess and his extensive musical talents. Bassist, singer, songwriter. You get a real insight into the man, and the feeling he was a lovely, genuine chap you’d be blessed to have as a friend.

Shot over a two year period, (described as a “must see film for all audiences,” by the LA Times)and a hit at various film festivals, the documentary features interviews with Wayman and his family, basketball legend Michael Jordan, bass star Marcus Miller, sax star Dave Koz, R&B star Jonathan Butler and country star Toby Keith. Toby was a close friend, who wrote and sang “Cryin’ For Me (Wayman’s Song).”

The CD is the soundtrack to the film, 12 tracks from Wayman’s back catalogue, and some really great stuff on it. It features Dave Koz, George Duke and Miller. Wayman’s virtuoso bass playing was in the ballpark (see what I did then?) of Marcus Miller and Stanley Clarke’s style, but with his own unique stamp. Jazz fusion master Jeff Lorber, co-wrote and produced track 10: “Slam Dunk,” a fine tune and previously unreleased.

I recommend the music CD, for its songs, the playing and its sheer class. I’d recommend the DVD to anyone who thinks they have had it tough. Anyone who needs a lesson in adopting a consistent positive mental attitude, and to witness sheer human courage in the face of adversity.

Last words to Wayman: “You can never give up because quitting is not an option. No matter how dark it is or how weak you get, until you take that last breath, you must fight.”
Words SIMON REDLEY