The Toby Tobias Ensemble

Toby was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa and studied Classical Guitar under the direction of Mike Goodgoll. He soon became deeply influenced by the styles of American and British popular music of the '60s and '70s. His early influences included Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Black Sabbath, Led Zepplin, and the British folk rockers Fairport Convention and Steeleye Span. By the age of 17, he was a regular performer at many of Johannesburg's popular clubs and cafes. Amidst the political turmoil of South Africa in the '70s (check out his album "African Son"), Toby left his native South Africa to study music at the Rubin Academy of Music in Jerusalem, Israel under the tutelage of guitarist and singer/songwriter, Avner Strauss. He soon became a fixture on the Jerusalem music scene. Toby moved to New York in 1988 to continue his musical journey. He lives in Woodmere, Long Island. Toby is thrilled to be playing this music with such fine musicians!