WAYMAN TISDALE - THE FONK RECORD

After a stellar career that produced eight best-selling jazz CDs and one gospel project, before his untimely death last year Wayman Tisdale was ready to show the world a completely different side, one that was 12 years in making. With a not so hidden passion for funk music, The Fonk Record featuring Tiz & The Fonkie Planetarians was a true passion project for Tisdale. Featuring 11 all-original songs, Tisdale’s own funky vocals and a crew of funky musicians, The Fonk Record also includes three very special guest stars with extensive funk resumes – George Clinton, George Duke and Ollie Woodson. Wayman Tisdale’s posthumous CD will be released on October 26th on Mack Avenue Records’ imprint Rendezvous Music.
The Fonk Record cover features a colorful illustration of Tisdale sporting an Afro and green shades. Inside the CD, Tisdale’s transformation from a jazz musician to a funk master is portrayed comic-book style. This should not be a surprise to true fans of Wayman Tisdale. The funk begins with “The Introduction,” in which Tisdale welcomes listeners to “WTIS .. where it’s not simulated, it’s authenticated.” The first collaboration is “Let’s Ride” featuring George Duke, who wields his magic dukey stick on some hard-charging synthesizer solos while Tisdale channels his best Larry Blackmon of Cameo. Next is “This Fonk Is 4U” with the unmistakable vocals of George Clinton, and the late Ollie Woodson of the Temptations joins Tisdale on the slow-jam “Been Here.” Those who were lucky enough to catch Tisdale in concert got a small glimpse of his alter ego during his brief funk-filled interludes during his jazz shows. After all, Tisdale’s biggest radio hits were his unique interpretations of funk and R&B classics – “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now,” “Get Down on It” and “Can’t Hide Love.” When he played his renditions of these songs in concert, that was when the party really began. Prior to his unexpected death, Tisdale was still riding high on the tide of his very successful jazz career, hosting jazz cruises, headlining tours and being a loving father and husband. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2007, Tisdale decided to accomplish one goal that he long set out to do, finishing The Fonk Record. There’s no doubt that The Fonk Record will appeal to longtime Tisdale followers and new fans alike.