Tollak Ollestad
    on SK1-73

With his grandparents originating from Norway, Tollak Ollestad grew up in Seattle WA. Over the years he used his diverse talents in many different musical situations ranging from television, film and CD appearances to live concert performances.

He has played live and or toured with such acts as, Don Henley, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Ambrosia, Jewel, Seal, Andrea Bocelli, Christopher Cross and Sheena Easton. And he has been featured on CD’s by artists such as Natalie Cole, Al Jarreau, Brian McKnight, Earth Wind & Fire, Bebe Winans, Dave Grusin, Gino Vanelli and Billy Idol.

Tollak is a triple treat as keyboardist, singer and harmonica player. His harmonica, aside from being featured by many recording artists, is widely known from the theme for the classic television show "Northern exposure".

Currently residing in the Netherlands, he is very active as a performer, writer, studio player and music educator, known for his work with local artists like, Do, Syb van der Ploeg en Gerard Joling. He's also working with renowned Italian artists like Fiorella Mannoia, Ornella Vanoni, Marco Taggiasco and Beppe Cantarelli and with Norwegian singer Therese Ulvan.

He has recorded two CD's of original music, "Walk the Earth" and "Across the Rubicon". What he calls "Soul-Pop-Ambient-Jazz" and is currently planning new projects which will include Hammond.