The Latest News
From Toby Walker
November 2024
I just moved back to Long Island with upcoming gigs, including
the 20th anniversary of performing my 'Blues In The Schools' program! Wow, has it been that long???
the 20th anniversary of performing my 'Blues In The Schools' program! Wow, has it been that long???
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October 2024
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Summer - 2024 - While I was in Asheville, NC
It was a wild summer indeed! I had the pleasure of performing at the famous Asheville Guitar Bar, did lots of street busking, hiking in the Blue Mountains, and at the very end, had a tree topple over on my car during the Hurricane Helene which turned Asheville and Western North Carolina into a disaster zone. Luckily my car survived and a few weeks later took me back to NY!
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July 2024
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Warm weather means - Guitar Camps!!!
It's such a pleasure for me to share my skills and knowledge with fellow guitarists, and I get paid to do this!! Click HERE to see where I'll be teaching. |
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February 2024
A Brand New YouTube Channel Guitar 'Lab' With Toby Walker! Tons of free streaming guitar lessons, concert footage and much more! Named after my yellow Labrador 'Charley!' Click above or the picture of us to see this cool channel! |
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February, 2024
On Monday, February 5th I had the honor of being interviewed by Blaine Greenfield's webcast called 'Blainesworld. Blaine has been interviewing artists of all types from the Western North Carolina for years and by doing so, he's been a tremendous supporter of the arts. Thanks Blaine! I also want to thank Linda Pannullo for introducing me to Blaine. Thanks sweetie!! If you would like to see more of what Blaine does, click on Blainesworld.
January, 2024
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I'm now an official resident of one of the coolest artistic and musical cities in the U.S. - Asheville, N.C. Now I've just joined the Asheville chapter of the Guitar League. They just told me they'd like to make me an ambassador which I'd be incredibly grateful for, as I'd love to represent them and spread the word of how cool the Guitar League is. This organization is a great way for guitarists of all levels to gather together and share their knowledge and playing abilities with each other! Here's a link to their website:
Guitar League By all means contact me if you'd like to find out how you can start a Guitar League chapter in your hometown. There's now dozens of them all over the United States!! You can get in touch with me here: Contact Toby Walker |
October, 2023
Just returned from an amazing 17 date tour of England and the Isle of Man!!
Planes, trains, automobiles, cabs and buses were the multi-modes of transportation during this 3 week adventure!! I was lucky to have two fine performers open up for me - Jamie Scott of Coventry, England and John Gregory of the Isle of Man. Kudos to my agent Derek White for making it all possible. I want to thank all my fans and close friends for coming out to see the shows! Check out the review by Iain Patience of Blues Matters, one of the United Kingdom's leading Blues Magazines:
Toby Walker Comes To Brooks Blues Bar.
Photo by Michael Day
Just returned from an amazing 17 date tour of England and the Isle of Man!!
Planes, trains, automobiles, cabs and buses were the multi-modes of transportation during this 3 week adventure!! I was lucky to have two fine performers open up for me - Jamie Scott of Coventry, England and John Gregory of the Isle of Man. Kudos to my agent Derek White for making it all possible. I want to thank all my fans and close friends for coming out to see the shows! Check out the review by Iain Patience of Blues Matters, one of the United Kingdom's leading Blues Magazines:
Toby Walker Comes To Brooks Blues Bar.
Photo by Michael Day
June, 2023
I'm releasing a brand new CD called String Slinger!! For more information click here: stringslinger
I'm releasing a brand new CD called String Slinger!! For more information click here: stringslinger
May, 2023
I was the featured guest being interviewed by none other than Muriel Anderson, one of the world's greatest fingerstyle players... no kidding. The show was about my various travels to Mississippi and North Carolina where I learned the Blues from folks like Jack Owens, Eugene Powell of MS and the Piedmont style from Etta Baker of NC.
I was the featured guest being interviewed by none other than Muriel Anderson, one of the world's greatest fingerstyle players... no kidding. The show was about my various travels to Mississippi and North Carolina where I learned the Blues from folks like Jack Owens, Eugene Powell of MS and the Piedmont style from Etta Baker of NC.
April, 2023
Back in the middle schools presenting my Blues In The Schools program. Here's a video of some 14 year old musicians playing the Blues with me:
Back in the middle schools presenting my Blues In The Schools program. Here's a video of some 14 year old musicians playing the Blues with me:
Godfrey Daniels
I'm very honored to be included in this fantastic book about the history of Godfrey Daniels - one of the best of the last great coffeehouses in the U.S. I'm awfully proud to among some of the greatest performers in the Roots music genre that grace the pages of this publication!!
I'm very honored to be included in this fantastic book about the history of Godfrey Daniels - one of the best of the last great coffeehouses in the U.S. I'm awfully proud to among some of the greatest performers in the Roots music genre that grace the pages of this publication!!
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I'll be back in the U.K. in the fall of 2023!!
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Things were interrupted for quite some time due to COVID but there's a new tour brewing from the end of September to mid October AND I have a new agent - Derek White - who's doing a tremendous job! Check out my calendar HERE
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Teaching at some cool guitar camps in 2023!
July 23rd - 28th - The Swanannoa Gathering - Guitar Week - NC
Details to be announced.
August 6th - 12th - Guitar Intensives - Bar Harbor ME
Details to be announced.
October 16th - 19th - Big Jersey Guitar Camp - Fairfield, NJ
Details to be announced.
Details to be announced.
August 6th - 12th - Guitar Intensives - Bar Harbor ME
Details to be announced.
October 16th - 19th - Big Jersey Guitar Camp - Fairfield, NJ
Details to be announced.
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A Brand New Guitar Lesson Website!! Reduced prices on lessons, subscriptions and new features!
Here's the link: tobywalkerslessons.com |
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09/22/22
Here's a review of my performance in at the Folk Club Of Reston/Herndon, VA. written by Rick Landers of Guitar International magazine:
https://guitarinternational.com/2022/09/21/an-evening-with-the-masterful-musician-and-humorist-toby-walker-bonus-video/
Here's a review of my performance in at the Folk Club Of Reston/Herndon, VA. written by Rick Landers of Guitar International magazine:
https://guitarinternational.com/2022/09/21/an-evening-with-the-masterful-musician-and-humorist-toby-walker-bonus-video/
A Brand New Set Of Lessons via Homespun Music Instruction!!
Hi folks!!
I'm truly excited to tell you about this new set of lessons! I'm going to show you how to use certain chord shapes, particularly the “long A,” to get around the fretboard and create authentic-sounding fingerstyle blues solos - with a minimum amount of effort.
To see a sample video, just click the picture!
Hi folks!!
I'm truly excited to tell you about this new set of lessons! I'm going to show you how to use certain chord shapes, particularly the “long A,” to get around the fretboard and create authentic-sounding fingerstyle blues solos - with a minimum amount of effort.
To see a sample video, just click the picture!
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Happy Traum and myself.
Writing out the notation and tab for the project.
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Toby Walker Takes Hawaii By Storm!!
The world renowned & most extraordinary finger-style guitarist performing before the public today “Delta Blues Man” Toby Walker came to Hawaii for a two island debut concert tour. Yet unknown to the Hawaii audience he proceeded in making all who came to see him his own! Making new friends & fans at every show delivering a spellbinding stellar performance with his total entertainment train ride of humor, storytelling, wit and guitar mastery. They got their ticket climbed aboard and Toby owned that audience from start to finish with every stop along the way. He left them totally entertained, laughing, smiling and wanting more. As we say in Hawaii “HANA HOU” “HANA HOU” One more time! One more time! .......... Les Hershhorn, Lazar Bear Blues Bear Hawaii, LLC |
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Here's the first review of my performance in Hawaii
Here's an interview done for my upcoming tour in Hawaii. Click on the picture to read.
Just came back from teaching at the Fur Peace Ranch in Ohio. What an amazing time everyone had. Here are some pics, as well as a video of Jorma Kaukonen joining me on a song.
My wonderful group of students.
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Spencer Bohren and Jorma Kaukonen.
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The 'Captain' - Jorma Kaukonen
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Bluegrass Wizard - Bryan Sutton
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Blues extraordinaire - Spencer Bohren
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Ranch manager and blessed spirit - 'Hurl'
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Class Picture.
Returning to the United Kingdom in 2019
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Great news folks! I've just been picked up by John Gregory of Blue John Media who will be organizing a UK tour next year!!! Please share with all your friends in the UK and if anyone you know has a venue, spread the word. You can contact John Gregory here:
John Gregory Email - [email protected] Website - http://www.bluejohnmedia.com Phone (if dialing from the UK): 07624 204320 Phone (if dialing from outside the UK): International access code for the UK +7624 204320 Facebook: www.facebook.com/bluejohnmedia |
Here's a video I did for Dream Guitars in Weaverville, NC in July, 2018
Teaching Blues Guitar at the Swanannoa Gathering in NC - July, 2018
Here are pictures of the three classes I taught. The class titles were - "PARAMOUNT BLUES" (The styles of Blind Blake and Blind Lemon Jefferson), WOMEN IN THE BLUES - (Etta Baker, Memphis Minnie and Elizabeth Cotton), and SLIDING INTO SLIDE GUITAR.
Some of the instructors that are teaching alongside myself at the Swannanoa Gathering. It’s an honor to be a part of this elite group. These guys are among the finest acoustic guitarists in the world.
From left to right: Robin Bullock, Mike Dowling, Clive Carroll, Preston Reed, Tim May, Russ Barenberg, myself, and Al Petteway.
From left to right: Robin Bullock, Mike Dowling, Clive Carroll, Preston Reed, Tim May, Russ Barenberg, myself, and Al Petteway.
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"Walker’s talent for playing deep Blues with authority and inhuman dexterity stuns me. I was inspired to hear what a modern master can do to honor the traditional Blues we love.
Bob Margolin: Muddy Waters band, winner of numerous WC Handy Awards, Blues Blast Magazine Awards, and played on several Grammy-winning recordings. |
Here's something new: Your own personalized, three song video. Click the picture for details.
Hi folks. Here is an interview I had done with Robbert van der Vleuten, of Acoustic Blues Pickers. This is Part one.
Click on the picture to read the article.
Click on the picture to read the article.
And here's Part Two. Click on the picture to read this interview.
New addition to the family - Waterloo WL-S. You can bet I'll be playing some old time blues and rags on this one at upcoming gigs! Read more about this amazing instruments and see the pictures right HERE
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I just started endorsing the G7th Capo Company, after trying out their 'Heritage' model capo. Read all about it here.
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BRAND NEW LESSONS FROM HOMESPUN MUSIC INSTRUCTION
Just click on the pictures for more info.
Just click on the pictures for more info.
CD REVIEW IN SING OUT by Ron Olesko
"All the performances on this diverse collection show why Toby Walker is recognized as one of the country’s finest practitioners of acoustic roots guitar. Mileage is a textbook example of the power of music in the right hands."
Click HERE for full article
"All the performances on this diverse collection show why Toby Walker is recognized as one of the country’s finest practitioners of acoustic roots guitar. Mileage is a textbook example of the power of music in the right hands."
Click HERE for full article
August, 2016
Taj Mahal and Toby Walker - Concert Review in NJ Stage, July 20th.
On Thursday, June 30, 2016, legendary musician Taj Mahal and his Trio performed for a sold-out crowd at the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) in South Orange, NJ. Currently on a world tour with stops in Canada, France, Spain, Belgium, in addition to the United States, Mahal is universally known for putting on live performances which magically connect with his listeners. As Mahal explains, “Like ancient culture, the people are as much a part of the performance as the music. Live communication through music, oh yeah, it’s right up there with oxygen!”
Mahal’s opening act at SOPAC is American blues singer and guitarist Toby Walker. Highlights of Walker’s set include a pickin’ and grinnin’ version of “Sweet Georgia Brown,” along with “Seven-Day Wonder,” a humorous original tune from his new album Mileage about a man who has “a gal for every day of the week.”
Following up with yet another Mileage cut, “My Baby Owns a Whiskey Store,” Walker demonstrates his prodigious musical talent where he’s able to sing, play a solid bass line, strum rhythmic chords and when necessary, even pick out a stunning lead guitar solo— all simultaneously on a single guitar!
Switching over to his National steel guitar, Walker plays Blind Willie McTell’s Delta blues, “Savannah Mama,” sliding and twanging the strings — at times, even making them sound like a train whistle!
A final highlight of his set involves Walker segueing into a blues piece where he makes his guitar sound like a freight train — the engine clickety-clacking and gaining speed — as he strategically moves his left hand both over and under the fingerboard while the crowd metaphorically jumps on board and shows their excitement through enthusiastic applause. Using melody, harmony, and rhythm to slow the pace down to a frenzied finish line at the station, Walker leaves the audience standing on their feet, impressed by the sheer talent of this contemporary bluesman who, after the show, confesses to a little secret revealing, “I like playing in Jersey; that’s where I met my wife.”
Following Walker’s set, Taj Mahal and his trio take the stage with “Good Morning, Miss Brown,” an up-tempo blues featuring Mahal on vocals and guitar.
“The blues is a feeling!,” Mahal informs the crowd at SOPAC, and he goes on to prove it to the sold-out house by playing music that doesn’t need to be dissected and analyzed, but instead, felt and enjoyed in a way that words can’t often describe.
To read the rest of this article, click HERE.
On Thursday, June 30, 2016, legendary musician Taj Mahal and his Trio performed for a sold-out crowd at the South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC) in South Orange, NJ. Currently on a world tour with stops in Canada, France, Spain, Belgium, in addition to the United States, Mahal is universally known for putting on live performances which magically connect with his listeners. As Mahal explains, “Like ancient culture, the people are as much a part of the performance as the music. Live communication through music, oh yeah, it’s right up there with oxygen!”
Mahal’s opening act at SOPAC is American blues singer and guitarist Toby Walker. Highlights of Walker’s set include a pickin’ and grinnin’ version of “Sweet Georgia Brown,” along with “Seven-Day Wonder,” a humorous original tune from his new album Mileage about a man who has “a gal for every day of the week.”
Following up with yet another Mileage cut, “My Baby Owns a Whiskey Store,” Walker demonstrates his prodigious musical talent where he’s able to sing, play a solid bass line, strum rhythmic chords and when necessary, even pick out a stunning lead guitar solo— all simultaneously on a single guitar!
Switching over to his National steel guitar, Walker plays Blind Willie McTell’s Delta blues, “Savannah Mama,” sliding and twanging the strings — at times, even making them sound like a train whistle!
A final highlight of his set involves Walker segueing into a blues piece where he makes his guitar sound like a freight train — the engine clickety-clacking and gaining speed — as he strategically moves his left hand both over and under the fingerboard while the crowd metaphorically jumps on board and shows their excitement through enthusiastic applause. Using melody, harmony, and rhythm to slow the pace down to a frenzied finish line at the station, Walker leaves the audience standing on their feet, impressed by the sheer talent of this contemporary bluesman who, after the show, confesses to a little secret revealing, “I like playing in Jersey; that’s where I met my wife.”
Following Walker’s set, Taj Mahal and his trio take the stage with “Good Morning, Miss Brown,” an up-tempo blues featuring Mahal on vocals and guitar.
“The blues is a feeling!,” Mahal informs the crowd at SOPAC, and he goes on to prove it to the sold-out house by playing music that doesn’t need to be dissected and analyzed, but instead, felt and enjoyed in a way that words can’t often describe.
To read the rest of this article, click HERE.
July, 2016
Rootstime, a music publication in Belgium, has just reviewed my latest CD - 'Mileage.'
"Toby Walker proves again with 'Mileage' (his latest CD) that he still has to be counted among one of the best roots acoustic guitarists."
Much thanks to Eric Schuurmans for writing it and to my friend Carl Bludts for the translation to English.
Singer-songwriter Toby Walker is an American musician, who should be counted worldwide among the top of the acoustic blues guitar players. Quite young he ignores the Beatles, Rolling Stones and his electric guitar , because his love for the acoustic guitar is greater and a solo career offers more opportunities for personal development. His musical heroes are Albert King, "Blind" Blake, Mississippi Fred McDowell and (for the lyrics) Arlo Guthrie. Walker's main goal as a musician is being true to himself. He always wants to be one with his music. Therefore he often went to Mississippi, to hear the musicians (like Jack Owens, Eugene Powell, James "Son" Thomas and R. L. Burnside) , to speak and to learn from them what blues really is.
At school Toby always made his fellow students laugh and that's also his aim with his audiences. Entertaining with songs, stories of his travels and often hilarious anecdotes about his meetings with many old bluesmen is what he does best.
End 80s when he lived in Long Island NY, he played with local blues bands. When Louisiana Red was playing in Long Island, Walker was asked as backing guitarist.
In Manhattan he met Jorma Kaukonen, the founder of "Jefferson Airplane", inviting him to attend to the annual meeting and workshops by / for acoustic guitarists in his Fur Peace Ranch (200 places large concert hall) in Pomeroy in Ohio. Today, he teaches guitar, has its own website (with lesson packages) and puts out regularly instructional DVD's through Homespun Tapes such as "Blues Fingerpicking Freedom" Walker also works with Carnegie Hall supporting their "American Roots" program, which is meant to guide the higher education students musically.
Toby Walker never sits still and "Mileage" is his twelfth studio album since "Little Toby Walker," his first one in 2001, The album features traditional blues, country, bluegrass, swing and originals. Beside his originals there are songs by Thomas "Mookie" Brill ( "My Baby Owns A Whiskey Store"), Tim Wallace ( "You Do not Really Care"), Muddy Waters ( "She Moves Me") and a old classic jazz song by Fats Waller ( "Lulu's Back In Town"). Some of the songs like the opener "Seven Day Wonder" and the humorous "Shakin 'Her Bacon" he wrote with Tom Griffith. Ultimately eleven (out of seventeen) are original Toby Walker songs. There's a fastfingered instrumental "Daley's Reel / Stoney Lonesome", Irish tinged "Shady Grove", the traditional Delta song "My Time After A While" the country blues song "Jimmy Boy The Newsboy", "Angeline The Baker" and ending with "You're Gonna Look A Monkey When You Get Old" .
Toby Walker proves with "Mileage" again that he still has to be counted among the best acoustic roots guitarists. What's he doing here technically on his authentic Martin D-18 (1956), and his trusted National tri-cone resonator is simply outstanding. Take your time and enjoy "Mileage" another fine example of Toby Walker stories.
Eric Schuurmans
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My good friend in Austria, Andi Saitenhieb, just published a 8 page article about me in Germany's top guitar magazine - Guitar Acoustic.
Andi is a wonderful musician, guitar instructor and so happens to be my booking agent for Austria and Germany. |
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THE VIRTUAL OPEN MIC - a place where my guitar students and other players can submit their You Tube videos for inclusion on my web site!! This is a great place to showcase what you've been working on as well as seeing the songs that others are playing. ALL levels, from beginners to advanced are welcome.
Check it out HERE or click on the picture to the left. |
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Toby Walker received a Long Island Sound Award from the Long Island Music Hall of Fame on Saturday 10/17/15.
Internationally and nationally acclaimed blues musician Toby Walker was the recipient of the prestigious Long Island Sound Award as presented by the Long Island Music Hall of Fame during his Saturday, October 17, 2015 performance at the 25th annual Cedar Beach Blues Festival in West Sayville, New York. During his 4pm set at the LI Maritime Museum, Walker was be recognized "For Outstanding Contributions to Long Island's Musical Heritage". A master roots music fingerstyle guitarist, Walker has performed and recorded a wide blend of blues, ragtime, country, bluegrass, rock and old time jazz into his own unique style. For more than 30 years, Walker has doubled as a music educator...performing, lecturing and teaching at dozens of Long Island schools and libraries as part of his 'Blues In The Schools Program"as well as at charity and fundraising events. 
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Toby Walker is our musical ambassador of, and for, traditional American music and The Long Island Music Hall of Fame is pleased to honor him with a LISA recognition. The Long Island Music Hall of Fame is dedicated to the idea that our musical heritage is an important resource to be celebrated and preserved for future generations. www.limusichalloffame.org 
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Woo Hoo!!! Happy Traum has just informed me that my new instructional DVD - 'Licks-ercises' has made it to the top of the sales charts for August at Homespun Music Instruction!!
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August, 2015:
My brand new instructional DVD has just been released from the folks at Homespun. Here's a sample from Licks-ercises. Turn Powerful Fretboard Exercises Into an Arsenal of Blues, Country and Swing Guitar Licks. Taught by yours truly. Here's the link: https://www.homespun.com/shop/product/licks-ercises/ |
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Frank Matheis just posted this one. He has a great website called The Country Blues. Check it out.
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July 16th, 2015
Weekend Best Bets: Toby Walker brings roots to Bull Run By Bonnie Toomey, Correspondent Read more: http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/lifestyles-toplife/ci_28492429/weekend-best-bets-toby-walker-brings-roots-bull#ixzz3g4gSkbQQ |
The legendary J. Geils came by to see the show. What an honor!
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July, 2015:
The New Homespun DVD has been released!! Bring your guitar technique to a whole new, higher level! This DVD, for intermediate and experienced fingerpickers alike, teaches three exciting, performance level guitar instrumentals. Take a look for yourself. |
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Guitar summer camps that I'll be teaching at.
Fur Peace Ranch and Swannanoa Guitar Week. Here's the link. |
Photo by Jim Gavenus
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Just played one of the coolest 'house' concerts EVER! You have to see this place to believe it.
Roadhouse Concerts. |
A Blues guitar lesson for you all: My friend Andi Saitenhieb, a wonderful musician and teacher just had an article published about me and my playing style in the German magazine called Gitarre & Bass. It includes a wonderful guitar lesson as well. Here is a link to the article as well as the translation. Thanks Andi!!!
I'm 'Junebug' in the Unofficial Huss and Dalton Forum 2015 calendar. Download your copy here:
H&D Calendar
H&D Calendar
Got me a new toy!!!!
This year I'll be teaming up with the legendary Phil Wiggins, one of the best harmonica players in the business. Stay tuned.
Photo by Eric Schuuman
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Bringing the Blues To Belgium.
Just got back from a fun tour in Belgium. Click HERE for videos, pictures and stories, highlighting my travels. |
I had NO idea that Jorma L Kaukonen and the folks at Fur Peace Ranch put this web page up. It's from a couple of concerts I did at the Ranch a long while back. By the way, I'll be back teaching there in 2015 and would love to see you all.
http://www.prx.org/pieces/121075-toby-walker-at-the-fur-peace-ranch#description
http://www.prx.org/pieces/121075-toby-walker-at-the-fur-peace-ranch#description
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BRAND NEW!!
And you thought improvising lead was only something the experts could do. You're about to find out the five secrets that can help ANYONE become a better player.
Now available in DVD or download.
PLUS: Get a FREE CD of YOUR choice when you order the DVD from me.
Click HERE for more information.
And you thought improvising lead was only something the experts could do. You're about to find out the five secrets that can help ANYONE become a better player.
Now available in DVD or download.
PLUS: Get a FREE CD of YOUR choice when you order the DVD from me.
Click HERE for more information.
Here's a podcast that was done on June 24th, 2014. I was interviewed by Richard L'Hommedieu on his Midnight Circus radio show.
http://www.makingascene.org/exclusive-interview-little-toby-walker/
http://www.makingascene.org/exclusive-interview-little-toby-walker/
"Toby Walker came to Woodstock today and he and I made a new guitar instruction DVD on blues and country improvising. What a terrific teacher and player he is!"
Happy Traum
Should be released in April or May! Stay tuned!
Happy Traum
Should be released in April or May! Stay tuned!
I've just been featured in Blues Blast Magazine!! Read all about it here.
New Reviews are coming in... these just published from Acoustic Live and Blues Blast Magazine.
"We’ve always been gobsmacked by the sheer physical exploits of Toby Walker on guitar. For a listener who’s into the blues, it can’t get much better. This CD should be in the collection of anyone who loves the genre (or anyone who just loves good music).
Richard Cuccaro - Acoustic Live
"The quality of Walker's musicianship is astounding."
Marty Gunther - Blues Blast Magazine
"We’ve always been gobsmacked by the sheer physical exploits of Toby Walker on guitar. For a listener who’s into the blues, it can’t get much better. This CD should be in the collection of anyone who loves the genre (or anyone who just loves good music).
Richard Cuccaro - Acoustic Live
"The quality of Walker's musicianship is astounding."
Marty Gunther - Blues Blast Magazine
Photo by Larry Sribnick. Artwork by David Derr.
Toby Walker will begin taping his 4th instructional DVD for Homespun Tapes in early January!
Toby Walker wows them in PA
New Article
Roots musician Little Toby Walker to play, teach at Hooker-Dunham Theater
The Common, Bratttleboro VT August 2013
http://www.commonsnews.org/site/site05/story.php?articleno=8150&page=1#.UhpoVlNGHgc
The Common, Bratttleboro VT August 2013
http://www.commonsnews.org/site/site05/story.php?articleno=8150&page=1#.UhpoVlNGHgc
New Mini Lesson From Homepsun
How To Improvise Great Blues Solos With Just A Few Notes!! You'll see Happy Traum and myself jamming as I explain these exciting techniques.
New Review of 'Shake Shake Mama'
"Toby Walker's latest CD, Shake Shake Mama, is undoubtedly one of the best country style blues CDs to be released in years. While still possessing the dexterity and speed to re-create the lines of Blind Blake or Big bill Broonzy, his playing can now capture the raw emotion that other forefathers of the genre, such as Willie Johnson or Robert Johnson, first demonstrated. With his vocals, Toby has developed a more relaxed and mellow style that proves itself to be most appropriate for the wide variety of material he performs. Toby's lovely wife Carol provides the solid backing on upright bass."
- Bob Covenmaker, Mississippi Valley Blues Society.
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tobywalker9
- Bob Covenmaker, Mississippi Valley Blues Society.
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/tobywalker9
Blues Fingerpicking Freedom #2 has arrived!!!
Imagine being in a room with Robert Johnson, Mance Lipscomb, Blind Boy Fuller, Lighting Hopkins and Tommy Johnson watching as they steal licks and ideas from each other... and then they're showing you how to do it yourself!!
Yes, in this DVD you'll learn songs from all of them BUT that's just the beginning. Toby then goes where no other method has gone before by showing you how to USE the ideas in those songs to vastly expand your own playing in completely exciting and surprisingly simple ways.
You'll learn a treasure trove of the hottest licks, bass runs, turnarounds, and chord lines used by the masters themselves and mix them all together to create your own unique sound.
Click here for more info
Yes, in this DVD you'll learn songs from all of them BUT that's just the beginning. Toby then goes where no other method has gone before by showing you how to USE the ideas in those songs to vastly expand your own playing in completely exciting and surprisingly simple ways.
You'll learn a treasure trove of the hottest licks, bass runs, turnarounds, and chord lines used by the masters themselves and mix them all together to create your own unique sound.
Click here for more info
Behind the scenes: the making of BFF#2
Here I am with Happy Traum... the founder and CEO of Homespun Tapes after completing a follow up DVD to the very successful 'Blues Fingerpicking Freedom.' Be sure to check out the Homespun website for it's upcoming release.
Check out the video of Happy and me jamming away right here.
Check out the video of Happy and me jamming away right here.
In Concert with Steve Seifert
If you don't know who Steve Seifert is then it's about time you should. He's one of, if not THE premier dulcimer players in the world and I had the chance to play a tune with him at Kentucky Music Week. Click HERE to see some videos.
Toby Walker, Phil Wiggins and Piedmont Bluz
Just did a gig with the legendary Phil Wiggins. Read all about it and check out the amazing videos!!!
In the New York Times...
A new addition to the family
I just picked up what is proving to be one of the best Martin guitars I've ever played... a Martin OM-18 Custom... directly from Stan at Mandolin Brothers. Only 5 of them made.... so far. Stan is ordering some more from the custom shop.
The kicker is that Martin presently doesn't have any OM-18s! This is why it's a custom model. I believe in May they're coming out with an Authentic OM-18 which will be WAY more than this one cost. 14 fret OM size, Sitka spruce top, hog back and sides, 1 3/4" nut width, forward shifted scalloped 1/4" bracing, Gotoh open gear pewter colored tuners, 2 5/16" bridge spacing at saddle, Old style 18 soundhole rosette, pyramid ebony bridge, ebony fingerboard, old style black bordered Martin & Co. headplate logo, and the top is bordered in wooden light and dark lines. Finally the mahogany neck and tail blocks are topped off with a dovetail neck joint!
Here are some videos of me playing it at the Mandolin Brothers:
http://mandoweb.com/Video
The kicker is that Martin presently doesn't have any OM-18s! This is why it's a custom model. I believe in May they're coming out with an Authentic OM-18 which will be WAY more than this one cost. 14 fret OM size, Sitka spruce top, hog back and sides, 1 3/4" nut width, forward shifted scalloped 1/4" bracing, Gotoh open gear pewter colored tuners, 2 5/16" bridge spacing at saddle, Old style 18 soundhole rosette, pyramid ebony bridge, ebony fingerboard, old style black bordered Martin & Co. headplate logo, and the top is bordered in wooden light and dark lines. Finally the mahogany neck and tail blocks are topped off with a dovetail neck joint!
Here are some videos of me playing it at the Mandolin Brothers:
http://mandoweb.com/Video
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A New Guitar Lesson! Blues 101... a starter for learning how to improvise and sound very 'down home.'
6 movies and over 14 pages of tab
Have you ever wished you could fingerpick some very cool blues licks while keeping a low steady bass going at the same time? Then this series of lessons are for you. They were designed for those that have very little, if any fingerpicking experience but want to dive into the deep blues head first and come out sounding like a pickin' pro blues player.
I'll teach you where the blues scale comes from and how it applies to the most widely used key for guitar players... the key of E. You'll not only know what you're doing but you'll know WHY it sounds so good. You'll learn how to keep your thumb going on a steady bass as you improvise lead licks on the higher strings.
I'll teach you where the blues scale comes from and how it applies to the most widely used key for guitar players... the key of E. You'll not only know what you're doing but you'll know WHY it sounds so good. You'll learn how to keep your thumb going on a steady bass as you improvise lead licks on the higher strings.
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Just did a gig with Tom Chapin and Patricia Shih. What a blast!! Tom and I were trading licks backstage... him on his TJ Thompson and me on my Huss & Dalton. We were both drooling over each other's guitar.
Patricia Shih, Tom Chapin, Toby Walker, Steve Fricker and Michael Mark
Toby Walker on BBC 2 Radio, Maida Vale, London:
Now this is a cool thing to have - a token of my time at BBC 2 Radio.. London. I recorded a song solo... then one with Geoff Achison and the Soul Diggers. That was followed by two songs done by with Geoff and his boys. The whole thing will be broadcasted Monday, November 26th. You will also be able to stream it for a week afterwards.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006wrpd
Now this is a cool thing to have - a token of my time at BBC 2 Radio.. London. I recorded a song solo... then one with Geoff Achison and the Soul Diggers. That was followed by two songs done by with Geoff and his boys. The whole thing will be broadcasted Monday, November 26th. You will also be able to stream it for a week afterwards.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006wrpd
Here I am in the West End Centre in Aldershot, England with Geoff Achison and the Souldiggers
In the BBC 2 Radio Studio, London with Geoff Achison and the Souldiggers. From right to left:
Paul Jobson - keyboards, Geoff Achison - guitar, Spy Austin - bass, John Adams - agent and tour manager, Toby Walker - guitar, Sam Kelly - drums.
We recorded 4 songs: I did one solo, then one on the Telecaster with the band. Then the band did two of Geoff's numbers.
John tended to his 'problem.'
Paul Jobson - keyboards, Geoff Achison - guitar, Spy Austin - bass, John Adams - agent and tour manager, Toby Walker - guitar, Sam Kelly - drums.
We recorded 4 songs: I did one solo, then one on the Telecaster with the band. Then the band did two of Geoff's numbers.
John tended to his 'problem.'
I'm having a ball touring with Geoff Achison and the Souldiiggers here in England. Here's a rare shot of me playing a Telecaster.
Photo by Roy Cano
www.roycano.com
Check out some of the latest concert videos -
Live at the Huntington Folk Music Society
Live at the Huntington Folk Music Society
I'll be back teaching at the Fur Peace Ranch
on April 5th - 8th.
A FREE SKYPE LESSON WILL BE INCLUDED!!!!
Click HERE for details
on April 5th - 8th.
A FREE SKYPE LESSON WILL BE INCLUDED!!!!
Click HERE for details
Looks like I'm a hit in Rock Hall MD!!
Photo by Sonny Speed
XM Sirius Radio....
they're playin' my songs. Much thanks to Bill Wax.
they're playin' my songs. Much thanks to Bill Wax.
8/12/12
Blues Revue gives 9 out of 10 Stars for Toby Walker's 'Shake Shake Mama'
Read the full article here: Blues Revue
Blues Revue gives 9 out of 10 Stars for Toby Walker's 'Shake Shake Mama'
Read the full article here: Blues Revue
Just picked up this very cool pre-war Regal acoustic from VintageParlorGuitars.com. Read all about it and check out the videos I posted: Regal Mojo Gitbox
New Guitar Lesson - Norwegian Wood
Toby and Carol Walker in Concert - 4th of July 2012.
Thanks to Faith Krinsky for supplying the videos of the concert below.
Thanks to Faith Krinsky for supplying the videos of the concert below.
'My Babe'
'How Many More Years'
'Eyesight to the Blind' and 'Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning'
'She's Into Something'
'Meat Shaking Mama'
'Beefsteak When I'm Hungry'
'I Got To Love Somebody'
'How Many More Years'
'Eyesight to the Blind' and 'Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning'
'She's Into Something'
'Meat Shaking Mama'
'Beefsteak When I'm Hungry'
'I Got To Love Somebody'
Video and Story - The Times-Tribune - Blues events bring rhythm to Tripp House - Toby Walker wow's them in Scranton PA ... See the story and video here.
By Laura Legere (Staff Writer) June 10th 2012
By Laura Legere (Staff Writer) June 10th 2012
A new article - Infused with Blues - from the Abington Journal
A New DVD From Homespun Tapes!!
It's finally out gang and from what Happy and the folks at Homespun tells me it's a pretty hot item.
Check it out: Fingerpicking Hank Williams.
Check it out: Fingerpicking Hank Williams.
There's a new article in the 'Blues History' section. Ed Davis submits 'The Social, Political, Economic Cultural and Technological Forces Affecting the Blues.'
New featured page on the web site: Guitars for sale. I have some cool guitars up for grabs at reasonable prices as I need to make room for the new ones. Here's the link: Guitars For Sale.
The Music Zoo - a guitar shop in Roslyn NY - recently hired me to demonstrate a number of guitars for them. You can see the videos up on their site: The Music Zoo
Bonus lick in April... from Homespun Tapes
Happy Traum of Homespun Tapes just released this clip of me demonstrating a quick, cool lick that you can download:
http://tinyurl.com/7mh8ymd
This was done during the taping of my new DVD - 'Fingerpicking Hank Williams' due out in May.
Enjoy
http://tinyurl.com/7mh8ymd
This was done during the taping of my new DVD - 'Fingerpicking Hank Williams' due out in May.
Enjoy
Blues Fingerpicking Freedom from Homespun makes Top Pick Of The Week!!!
"Thank you, thank you thank you" - From a happy presenter at a venue in CT - 1/28/12
"I can't thank you enough for the amazing show both you and Carol put on for us tonight at the New Fairfield Coffeehouse. I know many professional performers get better with time but your skills are totally over the top. There was no reason for you to even improve but you did. Your guitar skills, timing, slide, singing....all had a new edge, a new technique. Your execution, timing and change of timing, how on earth did Carol even follow you? Carol was a real treat and totally had control of the grooves. Also your stories and absolute control of the audience was priceless.
Thank you, thank you , thank you."
"I can't thank you enough for the amazing show both you and Carol put on for us tonight at the New Fairfield Coffeehouse. I know many professional performers get better with time but your skills are totally over the top. There was no reason for you to even improve but you did. Your guitar skills, timing, slide, singing....all had a new edge, a new technique. Your execution, timing and change of timing, how on earth did Carol even follow you? Carol was a real treat and totally had control of the grooves. Also your stories and absolute control of the audience was priceless.
Thank you, thank you , thank you."
Toby Walker Wins 'Best Album of 2011' Award by The Country Blues .com
Read the review here:
http://www.thecountryblues.com/op-ed/best-of-album-of-2011-award/
Toby Walker - #4 in TOP 30 RELEASES FOR 2011 on 89.7 FM.
1) STEVE CROPPER – DEDICATED; TRIBUTE TO THE FIVE ROYALES
2) STEVE FREUND – LONESOME FLIGHT
3) GREGG ALLMAN – LOW COUNTRY BLUES
4) TOBY WALKER - SHAKE SHAKE MAMA
1) STEVE CROPPER – DEDICATED; TRIBUTE TO THE FIVE ROYALES
2) STEVE FREUND – LONESOME FLIGHT
3) GREGG ALLMAN – LOW COUNTRY BLUES
4) TOBY WALKER - SHAKE SHAKE MAMA
Dutch Magazine Reviews Toby Walker's New CD!! (translated in English)
"For lovers of original blues, this is a relief!"
There are people who keep blues pure.
"For lovers of original blues, this is a relief!"
There are people who keep blues pure.
"Your recent release has made our Top 5 two consecutive months and is still riding high. I am actually groveling a bit, but will bring you up to speed. We are celebrating our 22nd anniversary of Bad Dog Blues for one. Your "Shake Shake Mama" will make our Top 5 in our End Of Year Chart for best cd releases for 2011.
Thanks for what I believe to be your best release ever. Spectacular renditions of classic and obscure covers that never fail to satisfy.
WITR Radio/Bad Dog Blues
Gary Reinhard
Thanks for what I believe to be your best release ever. Spectacular renditions of classic and obscure covers that never fail to satisfy.
WITR Radio/Bad Dog Blues
Gary Reinhard