2.3: Get that “Woo!” — Tom Basler

Today, a conversation with dueling piano phenom Tom Basler about his many reinventions, both personal and professional.

Then, City Editor Morgan Phillips plays with hammers and hot metal during What the What?! So let’s talk, Tulsa.

That’s the voice of Tom Basler, talking about why he decided to stay in Tulsa — even after his son left for the Navy and his long-time gig at Full Moon Cafe came to an end. 

Tom Basler has had a storied career as a dueling piano player — Excuse me, Singalong Piano Player. And the local fixture is no stranger to personal and professional reinvention. During our conversation, we talked about his early transition from classical music to top 40 hits, the seismic shift caused by the iPod, and going from a life on the road to being a single dad rooted in Tulsa. But Tom’s most visible change to date? He’s lost a lot of weight thanks to bariatric surgery back in April. We’ll get back to that. But first, a lesson in Dueling Piano Shows, or as those in the industry prefer to call them, Singalongs.

Today, Tom has been doing this work for so long, that he doesn’t even have to be near a piano to learn a song.

To find out when you can catch Tom live, visit facebook.com/tombaslermusic, or tombaslermusic.com. His band, Bad Decisions, frequently plays at The Stumbling Monkey. You can follow them on Facebook too.

Thanks so much for Listening to Tulsa Talks! If you enjoyed this episode, tell a friend about the show, and leave us a rating or review on iTunes, Google Play and Spotify

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, @TulsaPeople, or head to our home on the web, TulsaPeople.com/podcast. There, you’ll find show notes and more info about our guests and topics. 

And don’t forget! Morgan is giving away the cuff she made during What the What on Instagram, so follow @whatthewhattulsa to enter.

Every episode, we play you out with some local music. Today’s selection is “Fool’s Heartbreak” from Kalyn Fay’s upcoming record “Good Company,” which releases Feb. 16. 

Find the single and album on iTunes or a streaming service. For more about this artist, visit Kalynfay.com.