It is very rare, that a band that has been recording and performing for as long as Ambrosia can sustain the test of time and musical changes that occur and add into that, different members at different times, all the while keeping such a loyal fan base.

Tollak Ollestad is one of the reasons Ambrosia has been able to accomplish this, and one of the reasons fans that have been there from the start, and the newer ones that are for the first time discovering Ambrosia, are truly captivated by this ensemble of talented musicians.

Tollak’s wide range of keyboard, harmonica and breathy vocals are just a few of the reasons Ambrosia has taken on a whole new life.

Most bands when they differ from the original foundation or add a new member , lose a large portion of their fan base, but musicians like Tollak keep the fans returning to, and wanting more from Ambrosia.

You can’t help but like his talent and once you’ve met him, you can’t help but appreciate him as a person, he is a true gentleman, after seeing him with the band, you can’t help but wonder, has Ambrosia even tapped into it’s musical offering to people.

I am very proud to be able to share this time and give this interview with Tollak Ollestad to you all.

Patrick Rossi

A.) At the time, I don't think anyone was sure what kind of permanent situation was going to evolve or even what kind of interest level still existed in the band. Frankly, it took a while for that to develop, the first few years we only played a handfull of shows in the fall of the year mostly in Southern California. But, little by little things started to expand and then Rich Rees took hold of the reins. He has done an amazing job of elevating the band's profile. But at first, honestly I thought it would probably just be a ship that passed in the night... I could have never guessed it would have come all this way.

Q.) When I listen to your harmonica playing, I can't help but notice some resemblance to the world renowned Toots Theilemans. Is there any influence there?

A.) I definitely was very inspired by him in many ways. However, Stevie Wonder was probably a much more direct influence as well as so many great Chicago Blue -harp players: James Cotton, Charlie Musselwhite, Junior Wells, Little Walter etc., etc.

Q.)Being such a talented keyboardist, when you came into the band were there any awkward moments or friction between you and Chris North?

A.) Only when I got near his organ (Oops, I mean....) Seriously, there have been two keyboard players in the band since the late seventies and besides, Chris is such a great person and has been so supportive of me from day one. It's a very nice mutual admiration society and I never lose appreciation for the fact that I get to work with one of the premier B-3 players in Rock.

Q.) How did it come about for you to perform the opening music to the television show Northern Exposure?

A.) Just one of those strange flukes. I played a harmonica solo for a songwriter named Larry John Mcnally in the late 80's. The record didn't go anywhere, although he later had much success writing songs for Bonnie Raitt. One of the guys who played bass on that record was David Schwartz. He called me one day to play harmonica on some music he was submitting for what at the time was a pilot for a quirky show about a doctor who gets stranded in Alaska ( coincidently my birth place). So of course I thought, hmmm, looks like your basic paddleboat that passes in the night. Lo and behold....See a pattern here?

Q.) When you're not working or touring with the band what do you do to keep yourself busy?

A.) I'm a very big Yoga enthusiast, can't say enough about what a great form of exercise/stress relief/body alignment it is and just a great enhancement to your overall sense of well-being. As far as work goes, I do such a variety of different things in the studio, it's really what I thrive on, having lots of interesting creative challenges. I'm a big reader too.

Q.) "In My Life" is one of the most captivating ballads that I've heard in a long time. What was your motivation for this song?

A) Thank you. As with all songs that are inspirational gifts from the muse, it just simply landed on me. I've heard other songwriters describe the experience as just having this indescribable profound feeling that you then translate into words and music, that sums it up best for me. Although there have been times when I've been inspired to write something, like something I just heard that excited me, and once in a while that results in something good. McCartney once said that "Let It Be" was inspired by "Bridge Over Troubled Waters."

Q.) I've described your voice as light and whispy. Is this natural or did you have vocal training?

A.) Light and whispy?? You mean like Tiny Tim?? Seriously, I've had some vocal training from a great vocal guru in Seattle, George Peckham, who mainly imparted his philosophy to me which I work on to this day. It's essentially very Zen, the more relaxed you are and the more you let go and trust yourself, the more you open up and good things happen.

Q.) How did it come about for you to be introduced to and become a member of Ambrosia?

A.) At the time Dave Pack was playing with Mike McDonald and a good friend of mine Charles Frichtel was playing bass. Dave was talking about how they were going to reform Ambrosia but that Dave Lewis couldn't do it because he was busy playing with Shadowfax, so Charles recommended me to him, and the rest is... well you know.

Q.)What was your working relationship like with David Pack?

A.) I actually had an okay working relationship with him and of course had a tremendous amount of respect for his talent.

Q.) What is your personal opinion of David leaving the band?

A.) I think it's unfortunate in some ways, although as we all know, there's nothing as constant as change, and sometimes for bands and people to grow and evolve you have to let go of some things from the past. The time had just come for us to go our separate ways. He's an extremely talented person and I wish him well. I'm just glad we were able to capitalize on alot of the untapped potential in the band to be able to move on and still be lucky enough to have the fans be so supportive.

Q.) Who are some of the other musicians or band you enjoy listening to?

A.) Sheesh! there's so many from so many genres, I can be just as happy sitting down to listen to the Beatles or Beethoven, The Police or Miles Davis, Taj Mahal or Brian Eno, Stevie Wonder or Radiohead. The list goes on and on ....

Q.) Who are some of the other musicians you've worked with?

A.) I was going to mention that my friend Charles Frichtel was also mostly responsible for me playing with Mike McDonald for five years. Geez, I hate to sound like I'm doing the shameless namedropping thing, I guess some of it's on my personal Travellers page anyway. Let's see... Kenny Loggins, Don Henley, Al Jarreau, Gino Vanelli, Sheena Easton, Chet Atkins, Brian Mcknight, Jewel,Seal, Bebe Winans. I also did a harmonica solo on the new Natalie Cole CD coming out mid September. It's on a beautiful song from the movie Bagdad Cafe,"Calling you"

You can listen to & purchase Tollak's excellent solo CD "Northern Lights" Here

Look for Part 2 here soon!