Darryl Tookes Band :
Darryl Tookes - Piano & Vocals •
Rolando Grooscors - Guitar •
Rodolfo Zuñigá - Drums •
Mike Bordelon - Bass •
Jean Caze - Trumpet •
Dave Fernandez - Saxophone •
Influences
DARRYL TOOKES was inspired by his mother, grandmother, and aunt – all of whom were accomplished musicians and singers.
Tookes also credits his teachers with helping him to discover himself as an artist. Especially Mrs. Johnnie Lee who taught him music theory; Ms. Mabel Sherman with whom he learned the Negro Spirituals; Mr. Harry Martinez, who allowed Tookes the freedom to express himself as a young arranger and singer; Mr. Richard Mayo for creating opportunities for Tookes to arrange and perform his original music; and Professor Curtis King, Sr. – with whom Darryl studied voice.
Another prime inspiration for Darryl was the Cannonball Adderley Quintet. Like Tookes, Cannonball and Nat were from Tallahassee, Florida, and their encouragement was an important factor in Darryl's musical evolution. This association led Tookes to a lifetime of listening to Nancy Wilson and her collaborations with Cannonball. Songs like “Never Will I Marry” became the standard for interpretation, and this is where Darryl feels he discovered his inner voice, vocal style and personal delivery.
During his formative years Darryl Tookes was most heavily influenced by Earth, Wind and Fire; and Todd Rundgren with whom he strongly identifies. He is also an enduring fan of prodigious bands that were his childhood idols like Chicago; Steely Dan; and Yes; among others.
Darryl Tookes is a disciple of pianist Oscar Peterson, and considers Keith Jarrett’s “Facing You” a seminal recording which greatly influenced the development of his personal approach. He is a big fan of Miles Davis, and says that hardly a day passes without listening to “Kind Of Blue."
Darryl’s music has been described as “Coplandesque.” He calls Leonard Bernstein his hero, and looks to the sacred songs of Ralph Vaughn Williams with reverence. "Every man prays in his own language, and there is no language that God does not understand." - These words of Duke Ellington seem to sum up Darryl's love of the universal language of music.
Today Darryl finds inspiration working with his band, living life to its fullest, and listening to the music of his children – all of whom are fine artists in their own right.
Along with Darryl Tookes on piano and vocals, the members of the Darryl Tookes Band are Rodolfo Zuñigá on drums, Jean Caze on trumpet, Dave Fernandez on Saxophone, Rolando Grooscors on guitar, and Mike Bordelon on upright bass.
Tookes has seven releases as a leader. In 1989, his first single release, "Lifeguard," was a top 3 song on Billboard. His recordings are Rendezvous, Travels of an Ordinary Man, New England Morning, Red Bird, Babies and Balloons, and Journey to the Hieros Gamos.
Of his new band, Tookes says, "These musicians are the answer to my 30 year search. I'm fortunate to be working with each of them. We really enjoy playing together."
Darryl Tookes has performed at Carnegie Hall with Roberta Flack, recorded and toured with Sting, with Leonard Bernstein conducting West Side Story, and at the White House for President Bill Clinton.
Tookes has worked with producers Quincy Jones, Phil Ramone, Dave Grusin, and Arif Mardin, as well as with artists George Benson, Aretha Franklin, Laurie Anderson, Carly Simon, Luther Vandross, Gerry Mulligan, Patricia Kaas, Elton John, Diana Ross, Juan Gabriel and many others.
Ever wondered what to do in the event of a nuclear threat?
A while ago I found stuff that inspired me to make this film:
Living Under the Shadow of the Nuclear Umbrella
Both artistic (ensure you get the background music!) and educational, it primarily comprises official British government civil defence advice.
Though source materials are quite aged, much remains relevant today.
I encourage all to visit the YouTube page to learn more (Show support! Rate! Comment!) and responsibly circulate as widely as possible, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaIim3Rj7L4
Good to have you as a friend! So great to see the internet in action this way, shortening distances between people.
I hope all's well with you and that you enjoy checking out my web site some time.
For occasional, new, refreshing, insightful and (possibly?!) valuable content, I encourage you to sign up for my free newsfeed/email newsletter (using the form on site at page right - high quality, low quantity, no spam!).
You might enjoy watching some of my films (use the on screen controls to skip between them):
I just want to let U and your friends know about my video premier concert. I hope U will come by.Should be a great show. I'm playing with 2 different bands and we are also showing my video for the first time. it's going to be a real industry hang kind of thing. Hope 2 see U. FORMER JOE JACKSON GUITARIST VINNIE ZUMMO VIDEO PREMIER PARTY SUNDAY DECEMBER 7th. 3PM @ THE CUTTING ROOM 19 West 24th Street (212) 691-1900 $12 Show starts at 3 sharp thecuttingroomcontact@gmail.com
JOIN US FOR THE FIRST SHOWING OF MY NEW VIDEO RINGO PLUS A CONCERT BY The Vinnie Zummo Trio featuring: Vinnie Zummo: guitar, Ray Marchica: drums Cameron Brown: Bass Special guest : Janice Zummo ALSO A special appearance by "The Ringo Band" featuring: Vinnie Zummo : Guitar, Bill Stuart: Drums Seth Glassman: Bass, Arne Wendt: Keys Vocals: Janice Zummo, Frank Agnello, Russell Velazquez, Jimmy O'Donnell, Tony Noe. Cello: Reed Hays
Online Now!
