Toby Hay

Toby Hay is a revered guitarist, improviser and composer - his last trip to Weirdshire was in a duo with Holly Blackshaw, this time he is back to playing solo to support the release of his new album. ?New Music for the 6 String Guitar? is his 7th studio album and is a follow up to 2019?s ?New Music For The 12 String Guitar?. Since then, he has released two collaborative albums, 2023?s self-titled ?Jim Ghedi & Toby Hay? released on the legendary Topic label, and 2024?s ?After a Pause?, with Aidan Thorne, released on his own, Cambrian Records. 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. 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 Mountains, and his sheep dog Bear. But ultimately this is an album that explores the relationship between musician and instrument, and that is what we will be experiencing in the live setting.