About Me
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Since the release of their first album, 'If the Blues Come Calling' in 2006 Birmingham based bluegrass and swing outfit The Toy Hearts, have gained an envible reputation as one of the UK's hottest acts on the emerging acoustic scene; with a loyal ever-growing fan base who attend Toy Hearts concerts expecting an original, dynamic and innovative performance of modern bluegrass music.Sisters Hannah (lead vocal/mandolin) and Sophia (guitar/harmony vocals) front the band, and along with their father Stewart (banjo/dobro) they carry on the tradition of the family aspect within county music. Blood harmones, original songwriting and arrangements, instrumental virtuosity and a deep love for that high lonesome sound means that despite being geographically removed from the bluegrass state, the Johnson family have successfully created their own kind of sound that encompasses both Bill Monroe in Kentucky with a dash of hot club straight from the Continent. In 2007 the band played across the UK at, the 16th annual Appalatian Music festival in Omagh Northern Ireland, Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival, The Cornish Bluegrass Festival, Wolverstock Festival, Americana International, The Shetland Folk Festival and opened for Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder.The Toy Hearts went on to have a successful 2008 following the completion and release of their critically acclaimed second album. This time comprising of entirely self penned material; 'When I Cut Loose', recorded in Leamington Spa, UK shows a significant development in songwriting that more firmly establishes their own individuality as writers and performers. The Toy Hearts were thrilled to make their mark on the international touring circuit; attending European World of Bluegrass in Holland in May, and then winning second place at the French World of Bluegrass in August. 2008 also included two trips to the USA, showcases at SXSW in Austin in March, and showcases at the International Bluegrass Music Association's week long conference in Nashville, Tennessee in October. As well as performing at The Transatlantic Bluegrass School, The Acoustic Festival of Great Britain, East Anglian Bluegrass Festival and Moseley Folk festival The band have been busy raising their profile and increasing their fan-base across the country and beyond by opening for great acts such as Peter Rowan, Jack Lawrence, Tim O'Brien.2009 promises to be just as exciting, the song 'The Angels Sing To Me' was featured on Prime Cuts of Bluegrass January release and has been very well received by Djs and critics alike. Hannah completed the Leadership Bluegrass course in March in Nashville TN, the band will be performing in Germany, France and heading back stateside for a tour in the fall! The Toy Hearts are currently working on material for a third album and performing at gigs and festivals around the UK and Europe this summer, as well as continuing to run a residency night in their hometown of Birmingham, on the 2nd Sunday of the month at The Kitchen Garden Café in Kings Heath. Country Cookin: Acoustic Review will support and feature local talent as well showcasing International artists, all hosted by your favourite house band The Toy Hearts!'If The Blues Comes Calling' and 'When I Cut loose' are both available at www.toyhearts.co.uk
www.myspace.com/thetoyhearts
www.cdbaby.com
www.smartchoice.com
and selected independent retailers in the UK.
'The Toy Hearts are certainly a British band to watch. As a first rate bluegrass flavoured Country/Americana band – that also writes some exceptionally good songs - they could become responsible for helping British Bluegrass take a huge leap forward.' - Dee Hallett IBMA, EBMA
‘Hannah’s voice swings fluidly from coy sweetness (On My Way Home) to sexy raunch (Leave This Heart Alone), at times (as on the lovely hot club sounding cover of Bob Wills’s Right Or Wrong) evocative of a young Patsy Cline while the sister’s harmonies lick a tingle down the spine… Sophia is one hot flat picker, fingers positively burning up the frets.’ – Net Rhythm Review, Sept, 2006
‘Because the band has different experiences to a band that grows up in Kentucky the songs will have their own touches that bring the album to this side of the pond. The songs are strong with a good and at times poetic lyric. 
Good bluegrass hits the spot and this hits the spot like a back kick from a surprised mustang.’ Fatea, 2006.
‘The Toy Hearts… not only play good bluegrass, but also take it beyond the realm of traditional bluegrass mimicry… Found in these original songs are riffs and arrangements that shoot for the contemporary. This band will only get better as time goes on.’ DH - Bluegrass Unlimited Review Oct, 2007
‘This is an outstanding album from a British group and undoubtedly one of the best I’ve heard this year and is highly recommended’. - Country Music File, July 2008
'I think the Toy Hearts are a wonderful band because they have a unique sound. Although rooted in bluegrass music, they draw from several other influences that come out in their original songs which makes their sound fresh. They have an energetic live show as well, where they play mostly if not all of their own music. And that's what is great about them--they're doing their own thing, and not just mimicking other bands. They are very passionate about their music, and it shows.' – Andy Falco, The Infamous Stringdusters – February 2009
'When I heard this beautiful song about bluegrass music, and the fine performance, it brought tears to my eyes! There is no substitute for the musical feeling that comes from a heartfelt performance. This is a great original song, and the vocals are absolutely fantastic! Prime Cuts of Bluegrass, USA DJ comments for ‘The Angels Sing to Me’ '– Joe Steiner, WLFC
'What a beautiful voice! Bluegrass torch singers are few, but this lady fills the bill. The use of dobro works extremely well with her voice forming a unit that will keep the listener hooked from beginning to end.' Prime Cuts of Bluegrass, USA DJ comments for ‘The Angels Sing to Me’ – Wayne Bledsoe, KMST
'An excellent example of our beloved music and how it transcends the continents. Fine job!' Prime Cuts of Bluegrass, USA DJ comments for ‘The Angels Sing to Me’ – Ben West, WMMT
'Sounds like Angels singing to me! Prime Cuts of Bluegrass, USA DJ comments for ‘The Angels Sing to Me’' – Al Shusterman, KCBL
'Excellent sister harmony. Talented songwriters. Prime Cuts of Bluegrass, USA DJ comments for ‘The Angels Sing to Me’' – Wilson Moore, CHMA
'What a sweet sounding group. Bluegrass is in great hands in the UK. Prime Cuts of Bluegrass, USA DJ comments for ‘The Angels Sing to Me’' – Larry Roberts, WGCS
'Exciting and Exhilerating is the music produced by a new UK Group called Toy Hearts. On this new project When I Cut Loose -there are great vocals and super musicianship - WOW! I first saw the cover and thought just another "pretty girls fronted" band and expected mediocrity performances. Then from the first song, was I in for a big surprise! Original tunes - spicey arrangements - it left me wanting to get to know this band! I guess if I had to choose three words to describe this project - it would be HOT, HOT, HOT!
This is one group to be watched closely - they will fast become a favorite group of yours if you're into creative music arrangements, nice sweet female vocals, and some really great picking. Take the Toy Hearts home with ya - just dont break them - they are NOT easily replaced. Check em out!'
Gracie Muldoon – Worldwideblugrass.com
