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CD review: Wayman Tisdale ‘The Wayman Tisdale Story'

SOUNDTRACK

Basketball made him a star, but the late Wayman Tisdale considered music his first love.

Fans who only remember his All-American days at the University of Oklahoma or pro hoops career will be able to hear Tisdale's love for and skill as a bass guitarist on the soundtrack to “The Wayman Tisdale Story,” a new documentary about the multitalented Tulsan.

The film features interviews with family members, Michael Jordan, Toby Keith and Tisdale, who died in 2009 at age 44 after a long battle with bone cancer. He also gets to tell his story through his music.

The soundtrack showcases the breadth of Tisdale's career as a contemporary jazz recording artist, featuring tracks from seven of his nine albums, along with Keith's hit tribute to his pal, “Cryin' for Me.”

The silky ballad “Gabrielle,” from Tisdale's 1995 debut “Power Forward,” reveals the tough athlete's softer side. He tunefully and fervently professes his faith with “Glory, Glory,” from his 2004 album “Hang Time,” and “It's Alright,” from his 2003 gospel effort “Wayman Tisdale Presents 21 Days.” The previously unreleased instrumental “Slam Dunk” largely lives up to its name with its canny mix of groovy funk and smooth jazz.

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