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Tommy Crook
| To say Tommy Crook is a remarkable player would be a gross
understatement. More like incomparable, unsurpassed and peerless. But words fail
to describe accurately the magic that is Tommy Crook. To hear him play is to
understand that magic. Heralded as the world’s best guitar player BY some of the world’s best guitar players is a high honor bestowed on Tommy. And deservedly so. Oklahoma born and raised, Tommy started playing at age 4 when his late father, Buck Crook, handed him his first guitar. In the more than 50 years that have passed, Tommy has rarely put the guitar down for long. He has perfected his playing into an unforgettable experience for those fortunate enough to hear him. Though influenced from many directions, his fingerpick style is his own, with bass strings occupying the bottom two positions on his guitar. Usually, Tommy’s only accompaniment is himself. Tommy has performed on numerous stages across the country-concerts, festivals, private functions and club venues. He played on several USO tours in Southeast Asia during the late 60’s and early 70’s. He has played with some of the greatest – Chet Atkins, Merle Haggard, Leon Russell, J.J. Cale, David Gates, to name but a few. He released a self-titled album in 1989, produced and recorded by Grammy award-winning drummer David Teegarden. His style is drawn from many sources – country, rock, jazz, blues, with a little classical thrown in on occasion. His song list is vast in size and scope. His spirit is generous, his crowd appeal immense, his stage presence genuine. Tommy Crook makes his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma with wife Glenda and 11-year-old daughter, Bonnie. In addition to performing, Tommy also teaches guitar. Tommy Crook must be heard and seen to believe. Only then, can the magic really be known. What some of the best say about Tommy Crook… “Tommy Crook is the most unique and talented guitar player I have seen in my life. I first experienced Tommy over 20 years ago and have been turning people onto him since that time. His influence on guitar players from Tuck Andress to countless lesser-known virtuosos is considerable! Why hire a band when there is Tommy Crook”. -Ray Benson- “ Asleep at the Wheel” “He is a great guitar player. He is amazing”. -J.J. Cale_ “My recollections of Tommy Crook are all positive. Fun, talented, animated and an unbelievable guitar player, he was equally gifted in rock & roll and country and I was proud to call him “my” guitar player in my band for a couple of years.” -David Gates- “Bread” |
Kathy Wolfe
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Kathy Wolfe’s smooth, claming voice is often
compared with that of the late Karen Carpenter. Therefore, she blends well with
Tommy Crook’s unique relaxed style. Kathy’s down-to-earth stage presents
guarantees audience participation and an entertaining evening. She sings a
variety of classic music including Jazz, Standards, Pop, Big Band, and Country
and Western Swing. Kathy and Tommy try to pick the top hits of each style which
seems to please listeners of all ages. Some of her most popular tunes are: This
Masquerade, Moon dance, You are the Sunshine of my Life, Johnny Be Good, Eleanor
Rigby, Ode to Billy Joe, The Girl From panama, What a
wonderful world, Crazy and San Antonio Rose. Kathy is what you could call “a late bloomer.” Although she performed occasionally with her parents as a child, she didn’t start a career in the music field until 1997. She has been working with Tommy Crook ever since then. Kathy has also performed in many venues in the Tulsa area. Among them are: The Petroleum Club, Cain’s Ballroom (with the Texas Playboys), Elks’ Lodge #946, Utica Square, Bell’s Amusement Park, Western Hills Lodge, Tulsa Greenwood Cultural Center, May fest, the Tulsa Jazz Festival and other Corporate Venues. |