Tollak Ollestad, singer/songwriter/instrumentalist, a uniquely gifted musical artist whose interesting blend of influences, Pop/Soul/Ambient/Jazz, captivates, and whose impressive talents are hard to deny . A composer of hypnotically compelling music with a phenomenal singing voice, an accomplished keyboardist, adept guitarist, and as if that weren't enough, he's one of the greatest harmonica players who ever walked the planet. And if you think that's hype, look at the list of artists he's played live or recorded with- Don Henley, Earth, Wind and Fire, Al Jarreau, Andrea Bocelli, David Foster, Natalie Cole, Dave Stewart, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Dave Grusin, Chet Atkins, Brian McKnight and the list goes on and on. He also played the harmonica in the theme for the classic 90s TV series "Northern exposure".
Born in Seward, Alaska and of Norwegian and Native American ancestry Tollak was raised in Seattle, Washington, but left early on to pursue his dreams in Los angeles where he went on to meet and work with many of his childhood idols. Flash forward to the present where Tollak has been living in Europe since the spring of 2004, mainly in Holland but also spending regular time in Italy. He's expanded his musical activities there lending his experiences to musical education programs both in Holland and Italy, as well as continuing to compose, perform and record all over Europe and America.
His newest CD "Across the Rubicon", a tour de force of writing, singing and playing, with Vinnie Colaiuta, Jimmy Haslip, Knut Reiersruud, Luca Trolli, Elske De Wall and others is available now.
I did not hear about Cincinnati. It would have been a good road trip, but now is not a good time. :( Any chance you could all swing by St. Louis? Pleeeease? :)
Thanks a lot! i like your music too =) and don't worry, you'll get the hang of socklaunching. The trick is in the angle. Also, make sure you're not aiming them at your rug.
I heard you are going to cook us (JiD) dinner! when will this take place? What are you up to lately? Did any more shows on (*&#^#)huge stages in Italy? K.
Happy Birthday Tollak! Missed Buckshot last week. I was home from work around 11 pm that night. Thanx to Youtube we've seen (a part of) your concert in Rome. That was a really great performance, with one of my favorite guitarplayers, Robben Ford. Stay strong and have a nice celebration.
Whoa!! You got the finger on the trigger alright! Move over Prince and Tom, lol! What an awesome performance there in la bella Roma at the Primo Maggio concert. The energy and joy are contagious.
Did you perform like for a gazillion people there? Freaking cool! And what an enchanting scenery. Perfect. Except us not being there :-P
Keep going strong and enjoy the ride! Hope to see you soon. Big hugs, Gissell
Hi Tollak!
Just passin through to say hey and send some good stuff atcha! Life treating you well?
How is the new Cd doing? Ever hear from the guys? hugs mimi
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