Last month, Welsh guitarist Toby Hay released his debut album The Gathering. It is one of our Featured Albums of the Month, and in his review, Thomas Blake concluded:
When I first sat down to listen to The Gathering, the rain was threatening to turn to hail. March, with a few days left to turn from lion to proverbial lamb, wasn’t playing ball. By the time the album was finished, the sun was out. I opened the kitchen window. The wind had died down enough for three or four long-tailed tits to loiter in the hazel at the bottom of the garden. Two adipose woodpigeons nestled and flirted on a roof. There was an alien noise: a pair of military Chinook helicopters throbbed overhead and were gone. Our world is changing; it always will. And our art is changing too. Artistic statements like The Gathering, for all their rootedness in the landscapes of the past, are symptoms of this change, and they are also its catalysts. Hay’s album is a stunning turning point in what we have come to call folk music. A beautiful, frank and mysterious statement.
When chatting to Toby recently our conversation turned to musical influences and what he likes listening to. With this in mind, Toby agreed to share with us some of the music he’s been listening to while on the road touring…he is just back from Ireland but he has plenty more dates ahead, see below.
Toby Hay’s On the Road Playlist
The Gloaming – The Sailers Bonnet
Some of the best musicians around, together in one band. When this gets going it kind of feels like the only way it will end is if the world itself ends. It is every emotion all at once. Stunning. Been a perfect accompaniment for my travels in Ireland.
Seckou Keita – Mikhi Nathan Mu Toma
Music that is full of life, the Kora might be my favourite instrument and Seckou is a real master. He seems to get so much out of every note. The rhythms dance. Such a journey.
Karen Dalton – Katie Cruel
I discovered Karen’s music a few years ago and was struck by one of the best voices I have ever heard. Don’t understand why she isn’t more well known. Her music is very special.
Townes Van Zandt – Colorado Girl
Travelling music, homesick music. Maybe my favourite songwriter. Understated brilliance.
The Grateful Dead – China Cat Sunflower
I love this recording so much. It is just full of so much joy. Everything sounds just right. I mean, imagine actually being at this show? Insane.
Jackson C Frank – Kimbie
Something is happening with his voice on this track that just gets me every time.
Ravi Shankar & Yehudi Menuhin
My friend David leant me a CD with some of these duet pieces on. Stunning stuff.
Jake Thackray – The Bull
Jake seems to be having a bit of a resurgence recently. I remember listening to him with my Dad when I was just a kid. Unique in so many ways.
The Gathering is out now via Cambrian Records
Click here to order it via Bandcamp: Digital | CD | Limited Edition 12″ Vinyl
Toby Hay Tour Dates
24th March – St Harmon Church – ALBUM LAUNCH (with David Ian Roberts)
5th April – Clun – Sun Inn – (with David Ian Roberts)
6th April – Cardiff – 10 Feet Tall – (supporting Yorkstone/Thorne/Khan)
8th April – Pembroke Dock – Cwtch – (with David Ian Roberts)
13th April – Galway – The Róisín Dubh – (with Gavin Prior)
19th April – Dublin – Tivoli Backstage – (with Gavin Prior)
21st April – Nenagh – The Well – (with Gavin Prior)
22nd April – Limerick – Record Store Day at Steamboat Music
22nd April – Limerick – Charlie Malones – (with Gavin Prior)
27th April – Newcastle – Heaton Perk (with Jim Ghedi)
28th April – Marsh Lane – Community Hall – (with Jim Ghedi)
29th April – Sheffield – Regather – (with Jim Ghedi)
30th April – Bakewell – LHS1 – (with Jim Ghedi)
1st May – Leicester – Guildhall – (with Jim Ghedi)
3rd May – Knaresborough – Art in the Mill – (with Jim Ghedi)
4th May – Whitby – House Show – (with Jim Ghedi)
5th May – Cressbrook Social Club – Derbyshire Dales – (with Jim Ghedi)
6th May – Shipley – The Triangle – (with Jim Ghedi)
7th May – Sheffield – Regather – (supporting Daniel Bachman)
10th May – Bishops Castle – TBC – (with David Ian Roberts)
11th May – New Radnor – Fforest Inn – (with David Ian Roberts)
12th May – Oswestry – Hermon Chapel – (with David Ian Roberts)
13th May – Cwm Penmachno – Shiloh – (with David Ian Roberts)
14th May – Liverpool – LEAF – (with David Ian Roberts)
15th May – Swansea – The Last Resort (supporting Jordan Mackampa)
17th May – Cardiff – Gwdihw – (with David Ian Roberts)
19th May – Penarth – Folk club – (with David Ian Roberts)
20th May – Rhayader – CARAD (supporting Don Bikoff)
23rd May – Furnace – Capel y Graig – (with David Ian Roberts)
29th May – Aboyne – The Boat Inn – (with Douglas MacGregor)
30th May – Perth – The Green Room – (with Douglas MacGregor)
1st June – Elgin – The Drouthy Cobbler – (with Douglas MacGregor)
2nd June – Glasgow – The Glad Cafe – (with Douglas MacGregor)
4th June – Fire in the Mountain Festival – Secret Location
9th June – Hereford – Koffie Pot – (with David Ian Roberts)
10th June – Small is Beautiful Festival
18th June – Unearthed in a Field Festival
23rd June – Swansea – Cinema & Co – (with David Ian Roberts)
24th June – London – Union Chapel
7th July – Bristol – All Hallows – (with David Ian Roberts)
17th – 20th August – Green Man Festival