The average listener didn’t have to be familiar with the name of TM Stevens to have heard and loved his highly original bass-playing. The American musician who passed away on March 10th at the age of 72 was present on such radio staples as “Living In America” by James Brown, “Unchain My Heart” by Joe Cocker and “The Best” by Tina Turner, and it was his instrument which supported the rhythm on such hits as “No Man’s Land” by Billy Joel and “Don’t Get Me Wrong” by THE PRETENDERS. A unique performer, Thomas Michael – that’s what “TM” stood for – seemed fearless, not afraid to record and grace the stage alongside fellow low-end legends Victor Wooten and Bootsy Collins or front jazz heroes THE HEADHUNTERS on tour, while exploring heavier possibilities with Steve Vai on “Sex & Religion” or, before the audience, with Carmine Appice and Pat Travers.
