Toby Tobias: Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Harmonica and Vocals
Steve Blatt: Bass
Steve Finkelstein: Drums and Vocals
Influences
Bobby D; Neil Young; Steely Dan; Steeleye Span; Frank Zappa; Funky Dance Music; Malombo-the greatest South African musical duo; Jonny Clegg and Juluka; Pink Floyd, Pat Metheny, Steve Vai, Brand X, Chic Corea, Yellowjackets, Steely Dan, Steps Ahead, Bela Fleck, John Abercrombie, John Mclaughlin, Victor Bailey, Jeff Beck, Gary Burton, Stanley Clarke, Donald Fagen, George Duke, Bill Evans, Jan Garbarek, David Gilmour, Fourplay, Keith Jarrett, Wayne Shorter, Yes, The Who
Sounds Like
IF Bob Dylan, Pat Metheny and Frank Zappa had grown up in Africa!
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!
HI TOBY! it was great and FUN to see you last night at leftys. loved the music and loved all you news updates. hope to see you soon. again, shana tova and enjoy the holiday.
I am so over whelmed with emotions right now, that it’s not only breathe taking but rewarding at the same time!! ONCE AGAIN, I realized how truly blessed I am to have your respect, love and support towards my social cause of choice. For that alone I am honored and grateful - So thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul for not only believing in me and this event but for being my NEW friend!
The sole purpose towards this event is to unite the Local Long Island Music scene to Jam for the those kids in need here on Long Island– I could not continue this event year after year, if it wasn’t for you standing behind me and Toys of Hope.. THIS EVENT WAS AND WILL ALWAYS BE ABOUT QUALITY AND NOT ABOUT VENUE QUANITY OF CROWD DRAW. YOUR PARTICAPTION on this event was NOT ONLY respected but valued across the board. So that said, please know your band/music truly captured the spirit of the Local Long Island Music Scene and what Jammin’ For The Kids is all about - for that alone ROCKS!!
Always remember, music is what heals the soul and guides us through those hard times! So please always stay true to your passion and roots and never lose faith in why you bring a smile to ones face when you play. This is coming from a fan/friend and not from another Venue/Event Promoter here on Long Island! ALWAYS KEEP YOUR MUSIC Flowing – BECAUSE YOUR ENERGY & PASSION WILL ALWAYS SHINE THROUGH OUR HEARTS!!
DJ Riders alone was able to help over 500 families here on Long Island and that was solely because of your support!! So once again, Thank you!!
SO HERE’S TO ANOTHER YEAR THAT WE JAMMED FOR THOSE KIDS IN NEED!
We wanted to let you and your friends know that the deadline for submissions for our 2008 Songwriting Contest is quickly approaching.
With over $15,000 in cash and prizes, performance opportunities at Madison Square Garden and the Live Nation - Jones Beach concert series, recording session packages with Grammy award winner Glenn Barrett at MorningStar studios and with our fantastic friends at Dubway Studios in New York, A feature on Jonathan Clarke's 'Out Of The Box' popular radio show on Q104,3FM, New York and America's Classic Rock station and so much more, this is truly an opportunity not to be missed.
Hey Toby...Thanks so much for coming down to our new Cd release party, and tribute to Billy...Almost caught you last night but somebody closed the loop...See ya soon Fourteen Feet
