Tony Hillyard
Guitars: Andy Manson acoustic 12 fret, 6-string guitar, 00 style body shape. And 14 fret, OM style instrument with a very responsive sitka spruce top and some lovely Indian rosewood for the back and sides. For a full list of Tony's instruments click here.
K & K Equipment: Pure Western Mini pickup systems and Pure XLR preamp.
Biography
A singer with a long association with folk clubs in both hemispheres, Tony performs traditional and contemporary songs from New Zealand, America and the British Isles. His voice has been described as: “Smooth as Boddingtons' real ale with a touch of malt whisky thrown in for good measure!"
His new album, Each Step On The Way, produced and recorded by Davy Stuart in Christchurch, New Zealand, was launched at the Wellington Folk Festival. Accompanying Tony is a diverse and gifted group of internationally respected musicians: Bob McNeill; Davy Stuart; Karen Tweed; Tapani Varis;
Chris While and Julie Matthews, bringing a fresh, new dimension to Tony's treatment of carefully chosen ballads and songs.
“The new CD by Tony Hillyard is just great. This man has a voice like hot creamy chocolate. The songs chosen are beautifully balanced and the excellent accompanying musicians are just where they should be and so often aren't, behind the singer. Wonderful work by Davy Stuart.” Dick Coker
'Each Step On The Way', Tony Hillyard's cd is bloody beaut.
I love it.
The first track made me cry at first hearing. (and it's nothing to do with what he looks like.. teehee)
Add this cd to your collection folks. You'll cry and laugh and dance.
Mahinarangi Tocker
Recognised for performances that are liberally dosed with strong, emotional melodies and lyrics, Hillyard researches and chooses his material with rare skill and sensitivity; carefully interpreting powerful ballads from the folk tradition as well as compositions from singer/songwriters such as Dougie MacLean, Richard Shindell, Richard Thompson and New Zealand's Mike Harding.
In the 70's and 80's he gigged in and around London with a variety of musicians, including the very talented Dave Benton. Since arriving in New Zealand in 1985, he has regularly performed in New Zealand's folk clubs and festivals. Supporting Margaret Farrelly, he appeared on Radio New Zealand broadcasts and on both her recordings as well as her guest appearance at the National Folk Festival in Wellington.
Tony has toured with Tui Finalist John Sutherland, and has shared the stage with Davy Stuart and Bob McNeill, twice winner of the Tui Best Folk Album Award, at the Auckland, Wellington and Canterbury Folk Festivals.
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