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The Toy Hearts
Bluegrass

New Album 'WHEN I CUT LOOSE' available here!



Birmingham
United Kingdom

Profile Views:  62734




Last Login:  7/10/2009
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   The Toy Hearts: General Info
Member Since7/18/2006
Band Websitewww.toyhearts.co.uk
Band Members Stewart Johnson
Banjo / Dobro

Sophia Johnson
Guitars / Vocals

Hannah Johnson
Vocals / Mandolin

Howard Gregory
Fiddle / Vocals

Bradley Blackwell
Double Bass







InfluencesBill Monroe, Hank Williams, Del McCoury, Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss, The Nashville Bluegrass Band, Blue Highway, Wayne Hancock, Tony Rice and Jerry Douglas.
Sounds LikePhotobucket
Type of LabelUnsigned


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   Upcoming Shows ( view all )
Jun 19 2009 8:00P
The Bartons Arms Birmingham, Midlands
Jun 23 2009 8:00P
Brindley Place Band Stand Birmingham
Jun 26 2009 8:00P
Warwick Arts Centre Warwickshire
Jun 27 2009 8:00P
The Officers mess Shrewsbury
Jul 1 2009 8:00P
The Patrick Kavanagh Birmingham
Jul 3 2009 8:00P
The Holly Bush Hereford
Jul 4 2009 8:00P
Maverick Festival Suffolk
Jul 5 2009 8:00P
Berck Country Rock Festival Berck
Jul 9 2009 8:00P
The Fighting Cocks Stottesdon, Shropshire
Jul 11 2009 2:00P
Ely Folk Festival Cambridgeshire
Jul 12 2009 8:00P
Staunton Country Park Hampshire
Jul 18 2009 8:00P
The Museum Newcastle under lyme
Jul 19 2009 8:00P
The Kitchen Garden Cafe Birmingham
Jul 24 2009 8:00P
Country Rendez-Vous Festival Craponne sur Arzon
Jul 25 2009 8:00P
Country Rendez-Vous Festival Craponne sur Arzon
Jul 26 2009 8:00P
Country Rendez-Vous Festival Craponne sur Arzon
Jul 31 2009 12:00A
EWOB La Roche-sur-Foron Rhône-Alpes
Aug 1 2009 12:00A
EWOB La Roche-sur-Foron Rhône-Alpes
Aug 2 2009 12:00A
EWOB La Roche-sur-Foron Rhône-Alpes
Aug 6 2009 9:00P
The Prom Bristol
Aug 8 2009 8:00P
Private Party TBC Birmingham
Aug 15 2009 8:00P
Katie Fitzgeralds Stourbridge
Aug 16 2009 8:00P
The Kitchen Graden Cafe Birmingham
Aug 22 2009 8:00P
Wedding Tamworth
Aug 23 2009 1:00P
The Albert Hall Cafe London, London and South East
Aug 28 2009 8:00P
Shambala Festival Northamptonshire
Aug 29 2009 8:00P
The Green Note London
Aug 30 2009 8:00P
The Regent Centre Newtown, Wales
Sep 1 2009 8:00P
USA Fall Tour Starts Colorado
Sep 19 2009 6:15P
Bluegrass Heritage Festival Arlington, Texas
Sep 28 2009 8:00P
IBMA Nashville, Tennessee
Oct 4 2009 8:00P
IBMA Nashville, Tennessee
Oct 11 2009 8:00P
The Town Hall Birmingham, Midlands
Oct 14 2009 8:00P
The Travellers Rest Derby
Nov 6 2009 8:00P
The Chindit Wolverhampton
Nov 13 2009 8:00P
The Floors Tenbury Wells
Nov 25 2009 9:00P
The Prom Bristol
Nov 28 2009 8:00P
Common Folk Club Walsall, Midlands
Dec 3 2009 8:00P
Bluegrass Jambouree tour starts tbc
Dec 20 2009 8:00P
Bluegrass Jambouree tour ends tbc

The Toy Hearts's Latest Blog Entry  [Subscribe to this Blog]

traveller's rest gig 13/05 cancelled!  (view more)

European Bluegrass Summit, THs Bass and IBMAs 2009 Leadership Bluegrass!  (view more)

Imelda May, Christmas Special and THs Website & Mailing List!  (view more)

THs When I Cut Loose Review by Grace Muldoon!  (view more)

Beard Resonator Guitar for sale! CHECK IT OUT!  (view more)

[View All Blog Entries]

   About The Toy Hearts


EBMA logo IBMA logo.. View The Toy Hearts's Sonicbids EPK
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.
If the Blues Come Calling Album Cover


Photobucket

'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

   The Toy Hearts's Friend Space (Top 28)
The Toy Hearts has 2210 friends.
 Sophia 


 Hannah 


 Bradley 


 Howard 


 Raphaël Maillet 


 bexx 


 Imelda May 


 Cherry Bomb Rock Photography 


 Del McCoury Band 


 Steep Canyon Rangers 


 CADILLAC SKY 


 The SteelDrivers 


 Hot Club of Cowtown 


 Ced Thorose 


 Ray Cargo 


 Andy Falco 


 Chad "Gravy Boat" Graves 


 Lauren 


 Charlie Dore 


 Rick Alexander 


 Jeff & Vida 


 The Rosellys 


 Fola 


 andie@gighouse 


 ~♥Brianna☮~™ 


 Country Rendez-Vous Festival 


 COASTLINE BLUEGRASS MUSIC EVENT 


 IBMA 





The Toy Hearts's Friends Comments
Displaying 25 of 634 comments  ( View All | Add Comment )
Christian Lamitschka, Journalist for Country Music





Jul 9 2009 1:41 PM

CountryHome Forum, http://groups.myspace.com/CountryHomeMagazine , is one of the biggest Forum for country music in Europe and part of CountryHome, www.countryhome.de , Germany's Premier Online Country Music Magazine.

CountryHome Forum have more than 5,000 members. Each news you submit to CountryHome Forum will released to my weekly Newsletter with more than 50,000 readers.

Please submit your artist news and events to CountryHome Forum to help your artists to get well known better in Europe. If you do not have the time to submit your artist news and events by yourself, please send it me to: Ch.Lamitschka@t-online.de and I will submit them by myself to CountryHome Forum.

I know that many artists from North America don't have their music videos uploaded to German video websites. The most popular websites are MyVideo.de and ClipFish.de. That means your European audience does not have the chance to find them.

I understand that most of you don't speak German and are not able to upload videos because of the language barrier. If you would like me to upload your videos to the German video websites, please let me know.

Thanks

Christian

Editor & Journalist for Country Music
Christian Lamitschka
An der Pfingstweide 28
61118 Bad Vilbel
Germany
Phone: ++49 6101 544613
Mobil: ++49 171 6903352
Ch.Lamitschka@t-online.de
Info@CountryMusic-Magazin.de
~♥Brianna☮~™





Jul 5 2009 2:24 AM

Hey I Love u Guys!!!!
hope to see y'all in Nashville!!!!!!!!!!!!
NatePilgrim &the Magnificatz





Jul 4 2009 6:00 PM

Great show last Wednesday, good fun plyain with you. Lets do it again soon!x
COSMIC CHEESEBURGER





Jun 29 2009 7:23 PM

Country Scenery Pictures, Images and PhotosNew Mexico Pictures, Images and Photos
M.U.S.I.C.





Jun 29 2009 1:00 AM

Thank you and best wishes. Check our Blogs for latest arts in education news and classroom activities.

Hope you will participate in our celebration of learning and leave a comment/advice for students.

Peace, JC

“If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music. ... I get most joy in life out of music.”

~ Albert Einstein
dave and sab





Jun 19 2009 6:00 PM

HELLO FROM FRANCE .......HAVE A GOOD WEEK END
DAVID
Ruby Jane





Jun 18 2009 1:21 PM

Hello, it's me, Ruby Jane.To those who don't know me, I am a 14 year old fiddler, songwriter. I have some songs posted that are fresh out of the studio. Let me know if you like the new songs..be one of the first to hear, even before they are released!Thanks! new videos too!
Ruby Jane
FLAXENBY





Jun 16 2009 12:17 PM

We had a great nite with you at The Kitchen Garden Cafe... Thanks for inviting us!
Sam X
Flynn Amps





Jun 13 2009 6:33 PM

Hi everybody, just here to say our new RORY GALLAGHER HAWK BOOSTER is ready for shipping. Have a listen if you get a chance, All the best, Stevie Flynn.
The Earl Brothers





Jun 11 2009 9:14 PM


greetings from the earl brothers...
COASTLINE BLUEGRASS MUSIC EVENT





Jun 8 2009 8:07 AM

Thanks for 2 great concerts and wonderful workshops. You've made lots of new friends!
Catch That Rockabilly Fever





Jun 7 2009 5:30 PM

Catch That Rockabilly Fever by Sheree Homer is a candid account of life on the road and in the studio with '50s legends and today's talent. These are personal stories told by the artists themselves. It's a soft cover biography that will be published in October 2009 by McFarland Publishers and retail for $39.95. It will have never before seen photos (strictly 1950's photos of the legends) and rare stories from the artists themselves. Catch That Rockabilly Fever will be approximately 350 pages in length. It will be unlike any other rockabilly book on the market since it will include some of today's hottest young talent plus insightful stories from 1950's backing musicians and engineers for the first time, such as James Kirkland (Bob Luman, Ricky Nelson), Richie Frost (Ricky Nelson), Steve Handford (Bobby Lee Trammell), Tony Austin (Rock and Roll Trio), Stanley Walker (Ray Smith), Bobby Poe (Wanda Jackson), Vernon Sandusky (Big Al Downing) and Bob Sullivan (KWKH/Louisiana Hayride). Foreword by acclaimed writer Ken Burke.
    These forty-six artists will have individual profiles and one glamorous photo per musician: Glen Glenn, Lew Williams, Art Adams, Elvis Presley, Ricky Nelson, Bob Luman, Ed Bruce, Dickey Lee, Jack Earls, Hayden Thompson, Maddox Brothers and Rose, Sonny Burgess, Carl Mann, Ray Smith, Johnny Powers, Larry Donn, Pat Cupp, Ronnie Hawkins, Bobby Lee Trammell, Huelyn Duvall, Gene Summers, Sonny West, Buddy Holly, The Collins Kids, Wanda Jackson, Charlie Gracie, Big Al Downing, Laura Lee Perkins, The Rock and Roll Trio, Narvel Felts, The Dave and Deke Combo, Kim Lenz, Go Cat Go, High Noon, Larry Cole, Cari Lee Merritt, Josie Kreuzer, Eddie Clendening, Suzy and Buddy Dughi, The Casey Sisters, Carl Sonny Leyland, Dawn Shipley, Sue Moreno, Ruby Ann, and Tex Rubinowitz.
Donelle





Jun 7 2009 12:32 PM


Funny MySpace Comments


Take me out for the weekend. Read ABOUT ME! to find out how...
Gary Hogg





Jun 4 2009 11:00 AM

Just popped by for another listen. I promise I'll get round to buying an album when I get some work in!
All the best G x
Kathy





May 31 2009 3:18 PM

Hey!
Came by to hear your
"AWESOME" Songs!
You Are GREAT!!
Love Your SOUND!!!
Have A Nice Day;)
Rock -N- Roll*
:)(:
Keenmac


Online Now!


May 31 2009 12:35 PM

Just sending a Big Howdy from your Alabama Friends & Fans.
We wish you all a great week. Y'all are Fantastic!!!
The Boiler Club presents Unsigned Heroes:





May 31 2009 12:19 PM

Thanks for linking up and keep the faith
Palinka - Nouvel album 'catastrophe' ! :





May 28 2009 7:48 AM

Salut ! Notre nouvel album "Catastrophe" sort prochainement !
Jazz manouche, Tsigane, jazz moderne et plus ! Des extraits et des videos sur notre profil... :) ou sur notre site : Palinka
Keenmac


Online Now!


May 27 2009 2:24 PM

A BIG Howdy From Your Biggest Alabama Fans!
Hope y'all have a great wek.
Kathy





May 27 2009 1:24 PM

H~A~P~P~Y
H~U~M~P
D~A~Y!
Came by to hear More of
Your AWESOME Music!!
Enjoy your Day*
ROCK -N- ROLLLLL
:)(:
Cracking Smile Smashing Bulldog





May 26 2009 4:16 PM

Hey, Thanks for Re-adding me. I have no idea how but you kinda disappeared off my friends list. I love you new album. Especially Montpelier Street and The Girl You Cant Fool. Thanks for the many hours of enjoyment it has bought me. Hope to catch you live again soon - saw you support Imelda May at Koko and was blown away. x
LeOooooo





May 24 2009 12:17 PM

Hi ,
I love your music !!
thanks for adding me :)
BARBARA WILKINSON- SONGWRITER





May 22 2009 9:26 AM

Have a great Weekend!! Stop by and listen to  "BITTERWEEDS" and"9 LIES OUT OF 10" too!!

Thanks for the friendship

Barbara

http://www.soundclick.com/barbarawilkinson

THE AMERICAN DINER





May 18 2009 5:41 PM

thanks guys much appreciated
great gig last night we were instant fans
Kathy





May 18 2009 2:47 AM

Hey:from the State of South Carolina...
"Awesome" Music!
Thanks for Adding Me.
I think your Music and Lyrics are
Great, and your Vocals are Beautiful!!
"Have A WONDERFUL Week"
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