Smooth Jazz CD Review: Hang Time by Wayman Tisdale

Former NBA All Star baller, Wayman Tisdale has done it again with this, his latest smooth jazz CD release Hang Time.

"It" being, he has turned out yet another funk drenched smooth jazz CD in this his fifth offering.

Showing once again that he is at the top of his game, and in top form. Thumping out smooth jazz tracks one right after the other.

While clearly blazing his own path as an outstanding bassist, the comparisons to the legendary bass guitar playing Stanley Clarke are inescapable. It's easy to see that Clarke certainly had some measure of influence on Tisdale.

The self taught Tisdale has elevated himself to that level of artist whom I eagerly anticipate any new project from. Clearly growing with each release as a musician and getting better with each outing. Now establishing himself as one of the top bass guitar players in any music category.

If you've not yet been introduced to Wayman Tisdale, the musician, this would be a great CD for you to get acquainted with him through.

On Hang Time, as is the case with each of his previous releases, Tisdale has included an impressive interpretation of an old gospel tune Glory Glory. This is an indication of his musical roots which lie in gospel music.

His new tracks are impressive but the one that will get your full attention is an outstanding version of a top R & B tune from the 70's, Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now.

From the opening track, Ready To Hang, right through the very last he brilliantly mixes his trademark funky grooves with just the right blend of mellow.

Featured on track 7, Better Days is smooth jazz legend and label Co-Owner Dave Koz. Also lending a hand on several tracks on the CD are smooth jazz notables Jeff Lorber playing keyboards, and James Lloyd from the group Pieces of a Dream.

Overall I'd say Wayman Tisdale scores big with Hang Time. Continuing his rise as a top bass guitarist. This is probably his best effort so far and is most definitely a worthy addition to any smooth jazz collection.

The standout tunes are Ready To Hang [track 1], Creative Juices [track 2], and Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now [track 4]. My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 7, Better Days. Very nice!

Release Notes:

This CD was originally released July 13, 2004 on the Rendezvous Entertainment label.

CD track list follows:

1. Ready To Hang
2. Creative Juices
3. Cruisin'
4. Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now
5. My World
6. Hang Time
7. Better Days
8. Everything In You
9. Even When
10. The Time Is Here
11. Off Into It
12. Glory Glory

To hear samples of each song on this CD go to Wayman Tisdale CD - Hang Time [ www.smoothlee.com/music-samples/wayman-tisdale-hang-time.htm ]

Clyde Lee Dennis, a.k.a. "SmoothLee" has been bumping around on the web since 1999 and is a self described "Web Head, and Life long AVID music fan." Smooth Jazz Music in particular. In addition to writing CD Reviews for I Love Smooth Jazz.com he is also the Program Director, and can be heard during his daily radio show which airs on one of the internets most listened to smooth jazz radio stations, Smooth Jazz 24/7