Artist description Diarmuid - an ancient Irish name pronounced "Dear-mid"; The oil painting above is of me during my schooldays in Ireland - painted by my elder brother Damien. These songs were recorded in my living room, on an 8-track digital mixer, with me playing the various instruments and singing. I have played in a few bands before, but these recordings were a special mission. Besides, I have always wanted to play bass; this gave me the chance.

Music Style Blend of Solo Acoustic and Soft Rock with backing band - Bass, Drums, Keyboards

Musical Influences Neil Young, Roy Harper, John Martyn, The Beatles, Supertramp, Van Morrison, Camel, Yes, The Who, Split Enz, my elder brother Damien and all the great pop and rock music of the 60s and 70s.

Similar Artists Have been likened to some of Simon & Garfunkel, Bread, Supertramp, Cat Stevens, Gallagher & Lyle, James Taylor and The Grateful Dead!

Artist History Started playing guitar and writing songs in my schooldays, in Ireland. Lived in England for 8 years, playing folk and rock music, still writing occasional songs. Now live in New Zealand - still playing and writing, with occasional sessions with The Fabulous Frugals, a little-known rock band in this fine land - NZ.

Group Members Just himself, for now, with my elder brother Damien playing acoustic guitar and adding backing vocals on Confusing Sometimes.

Instruments Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar, Keyboards, Synth, Electric Drum Kit.

Albums Life & Times and Down to You

Press Reviews From Dave Ansell - Music Reviews - New Zealand: "From Diarmuid Toman comes "Life and Times" a diary of life experiences and reflections set upon a canvas of acoustic and contemporary musical landscapes. If you're a fan of Cat Stevens, Simon and Garfunkel, Crosby/Stills/Nash a little bit of Bread and some of the acoustic sounds Supertramp ("Two of us", "The meaning") used to put out all those years ago, then this one is definitely for you. The songs are inspired by a variety of personal experiences from the early 70's to the late 90's. From schooldays in Ireland, the war time fears in Ireland (Check out "Half of Armagh"), thru to environment giving way to industry ("The Broom"), the meaning of life ("Wensum Mile"), plus many more personal and beautifully presented pieces. Diarmuid sings and plays all the music himself and there is careful use of 2 and 3 part harmonies, layered acoustic and electric guitar. The first 8 tracks are very acoustic; very much in the style of Cat Stevens / Simon and Garfunkel structurally (as a point of reference, although the style is unique in it's own right). Elements of Crosby/Stills/Nash ("Sunny Day") and Bread (Intro ..."Life and Times"). Plus, for anyone that remembers the emotional uplifting of the guitar intro to "Blowin Free" (from the classic Wishbone Ash - "Argus") "that sound" is found here quite often and appropriately. The second half of the disc is more "upbeat". "When I'm alone" a very stylish country sounding tune, very original. Nothing flashy, nothing over the top. A very well played original disc with a huge depth of lyrical content based on personal life experiences to keep you thinking and humming even after the first couple of plays. Standout tracks....The Deluge, Life & Times, Sunny Day, The Broom, Half of Armagh, Too Tired to Sleep, When I'm Alone, He Was, Wensum Mile. Also check out....Bread, Seals and Crofts, Simon and Garfunkel, Garth Brooks, Crosby/Stills/Nash, Cat Stevens, Neil Young (Acoustic), Joni Mitchell (early/ acoustic), America. End."From Andy: "Loved the CD too! Bit like Roy Harper - Excellent drinking out in the sun sort of music. Reading the sleeve notes brings a bit of a lump to the throat though. But I guess you don't get to write (and perform) stuff like that unless there's some emotion behind it! Fabulous! Andy" Thanks Andy : Roy Harper certainly has been a major influence. Regards, Diarmuid

Additional Info For CD Copies, comments and enquiries, e-mail diarmuid.toman@xtra.co.nz

Location Auckland, None - New Zealand

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