Toby Hay is a guitar player and composer. Fascinated by the connection between landscape and music, he is inspired by the landscapes of the Cambrian Mountains where he lives, and is interested in the connection between improvisation and composition.
‘New Music for the 6 String Guitar’ is Toby’s 7th studio album. and is a follow up to 2019’s ‘New Music For The 12 String Guitar’. Like it’s 12 string predecessor, the concept for the new record was dreamt up by London label The state51 Conspiracy. The idea was to ask Roger Bucknall of Fylde guitars to build a new custom instrument specifically for a guitarist to write and record music for. The ‘Curlew’ custom 6 string is made from Macassar Ebony & light coloured Cedar and is set up to play in Toby’s unique tunings. The album was recorded over three days in the Wood Room at Real World Studios. All tracks are live performances with no overdubs.
“It is a beautiful studio, my brother Tim engineered the session. It is a very honest album, just me, in a room, one guitar, a mixture of compositions and improvisations. We were invited to watch the football with Peter Gabriel and a few of his friends on the final evening, a memorable experience!.”
The natural world is a recurring theme across these 12 tracks, with inspiration ranging from Hay’s time working for the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust, to his recent Masters in Music & The Environment from the University of the Highlands and Islands. Inspiration also comes from Hay’s connection to his local landscape, his home in the Cambrian Mountians, and his sheep dog Bear. But ultimately this is an album that explores the relationship between musician and instrument.
With the guitar being built by Roger Bucknall, the album mixed by Tchad Blake, and the photography by Julian Broad, this album is full of talented contributions from masters in their fields.
“I have been very lucky. Tchad and Julian are both local to me here in mid Wales, and to have them involved is such a priveledge. Roger is an absolute legend in the world of guitar making, and this instrument is stunning”
Toby has been twice nominated for the prestigious Welsh Music Prize and has toured all over the UK & Ireland performing solo, or collaborating with other musicians. He is the founder of Cambrian Records.
“Magical work of vast melodic scope.”
– RnR Magazine
Support from Holly Blackshaw.
£12Advance. £15 on the door. Doors 7.30pm.
This gig will be seated.
As this gig falls on a Friday there will be wood-fired pizza available from 5-9pm. Be sure to book a slot for food by calling 01597811226.
