Member Since: 12/07/2006
Band Website: www.darryltookes.com
Band Members: 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.
Sounds Like: Original
Type of Label: Unsigned