Anthony Toner
Belfast, N Ireland, United Kingdom | SELF
Music
Press
'...articulately written, poetic songs that are typically suffused with compassion, warmth and wisdom.' - R2 Magazine
'...East of Louise; which just happens to be one of the finest songs I’ve heard this year... I could easily bore you silly by continually quoting snippets of lines and choruses to impress you with Toner’s songwriting skills; but I won’t – you’ll just have to buy the album to hear how good he is for yourself. A LIGHT BELOW THE DOOR is an exceptional record from an exceptional talent.' - No Depression online review
'...world-class songwriting, with a voice that's eminently pleasant to the ear. Artistically he seems to be peaking right now, as well. Light Below The Door, consequently, is not an album to be missed.' - Wildy's World review blog
'A very fine songwriter and performer. This new collection of songs is marked by acute, truthful observation... He's very good, this guy.' - Flying Shoes online review
Toner may be the relative newcomer, but he has little to learn about songwriting... [He] impressed most... and can now easily take his rightful place alongside such celebrated company. - Belfast Telegraph
No 'moon in June' material from this man. He operates outside the box. - Sunday World
A little bit country, a little bit pop, a little bit rock'n'roll, all packaged with bags of gentle charm. - Sunday Life
'...A Fantastic new album, packed full of honest and immediately likeable tracks.' - Newtownards Chronicle
Discography
Eventually (album) 2002
A Sky for Every Day (album) 2008
Sailortown (single 2008)
Marion, That's All Right (single 2008)
The Duke of Oklahoma & Other Stories (album) 2009
A Light Below the Door (album) 2011
Me & John Lennon & You (single) 2011
Photos
Bio
Anthony Toner has been described as ‘John Prine meets James Taylor – in a second hand book shop’. His single ‘Sailortown’ grabbed the attention of radio listeners in Northern Ireland in 2010, and his music has held public attention ever since.
Anthony was a journalist for 17 years, and held down a part time job as a guitarist and singer in a dance band, gigging all over the country. Those unique experiences have been instrumental in the writing and recording of his latest album, A Light Below the Door – it’s peppered with superb guitar playing, catchy melodies and some of the finest lyrics to come out of Northern Ireland.
The album is the fourth collection from this accomplished writer - each gaining more acclaim than the last.
He takes as his subject material the inevitable failings of the heart, but also urban decay, dormitory towns, flirting by e-mail, drinking and jumping off rooftops.
Over the years he has shared the stage with Nanci Griffith and Guy Clark in Nashville, and showcased in a special gig at Austin’s South by South West. Along the way he has played a week of shows at Grand Central Station in New York and had his song ‘Well Well Well’ used as the musical backdrop to the Northern Ireland TV weather bulletin for an extended period.
He’s also developing a strong following in Canada, having performed regularly in Quebec as well as in Toronto and Vancouver. His live performances always feature entertaining stories from the road, peerless guitar playing and thought-provoking songs that stay with you on the way home.
Band Members
Links
