Artist description It is music's rich blend of different styles which the band terms "Earth Rock" because of its roots in folk, jazz, pop/rock, Latin, and rhythm and blues. It is a unique ensemble of artists all adding their own style to the music of singer/songwriter Toy. Together, ToyBand focuses on rhythm and vocals, wrapping them tightly around a wide range of melody lines.

Music Style Earth Rock

Musical Influences Greatful Dead, Paul Simon

Similar Artists eclectic acoustic rock

Artist History ToyBand formed in 1997, playing two hour-long sets of original music in and around Chicago. They released their own album, titled "Ever Endeavor" under Papaya Productions,Inc in 1998. Wanting to give both locally in the communities around Chicago through the arts, and globally by combatting the extinction of one of the oldest species on the planet, ToyBand donates time and proceeds from the album to the following: The International Chalk Festival, The ProsArts Studio, Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, The AIDS Foundation, Special Education courses in Chicago, and The International Crane Foundation. ToyBand takes pride in calling themselves the "stress-free band."

Group Members Toy- lead vocalist, acoustic guitar, Jay Lyon- bass guitar, Sammie Torres- percussion, Linda Waste- additional vocals.

Instruments The human voice, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, percussion, drums, and flute.

Albums Ever Endeavor

Press Reviews "Led by clear, strong Mary Chapin Carpenter-esque vocals...the musicians skirt the genres of straight-ahead, percussion-driven rock, blues, flamenco, and sparsely arranged delicate folk with impressive virtuosity and style." -Don Hammontree, Press Publications (Elmhurst, IL) "ToyBand is 'earth' folk rock a la Indigo Girls at its finest. Sammie Torres' percussion work provides the backing for the dynamic singing duo of Toy and Linda Waste. Gentlemen, prepare to fall head over heals..." -Eric Maloney, tourdates.com "It's catchy tunes and diversity of music, going from pop to folk to jazz, are all accentuated by Toy's enticing vocals, which weave through jazzy phrases or stay on a sweet melodious path, dramatically putting across intriguing, rambling lyrics." -Jonas Kover, Observer Dispatch (Utica, NY) "...Nothing on this CD qualifies as anything less than delightful to listen to...Toy's voice is both clear and plaintive, soulful and strong...If the chrysalis looks this good, imagine what the butterfly will be like a few years from now." -Whitney Spurgeon, On-Line Music

Additional Info Extended family on the cd: Mike Whalen and Bill Urban on drums, Tony Liszewski and Mark Hague on electric guitar, Sean Kelly on additional percussion, and Dina K on flute.

Location Chicago, IL - USA

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