Travis Toy's CD!

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 2 Jul 2024 10:53 am

I have only just become acquainted with this album. Junior Mercer played it to me on my recent visit to his studio.

This is going out on a limb and inviting criticism, but I feel this is the most innovative and exciting steel guitar project in years - many years!

I know I'm late to the party - it came out in 2019!!! - but I'm blown away by its scope and its musicianship. Much of the material is Travis' own work (he wrote almost all tracks) and its musical diversity is so refreshing! At one point, I thought I was hearing a Dave Grusin piece.

And the solitary vocal is wonderful; he has an excellent and commercial-sounding voice. I wonder if his time with Rascal Flatts has influenced him here.

A remarkable CD - certainly the best I've heard since Gary Carter's epic of many years ago. TT's technique is mind-blowing as is his grasp of extended chords and harmony. (I bet it's all on E9th, too.

)

Bravo, Travis Toy: this recording is way 'outside the box' and I applaud you.

Steve Cattermole · Post by **Steve Cattermole** » 2 Jul 2024 1:36 pm

I agree with everything Roger said.Best album I've heard in a long time too. Super great playing. And he's a really nice guy also

Larry Dering · Post by **Larry Dering** » 2 Jul 2024 6:43 pm

Roger I agree. The tracks I've heard are amazing. I need to get my copy.

Dale Rottacker · Post by **Dale Rottacker** » 3 Jul 2024 4:00 am

Larry Dering wrote:Roger I agree. The tracks I've heard are amazing. I need to get my copy.

You do need to get this Larry ... I had a copy of this for quite awhile while Travis was putting some finishing touches on the mix. I thought it was the best thing I'd heard in years, so much so that I did something I NEVER do, I bought several copies to give to family and friends. It sill blows me away how good this is.

Larry Dering · Post by **Larry Dering** » 4 Jul 2024 5:33 am

Agreed. I'm making my order today. Thanks Dale.

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 4 Jul 2024 5:40 am

Here's a link:

https://travistoy.com/store

Get yourself a copy (or two) and find out how little you know about playing steel.

Tony Prior · Post by **Tony Prior** » 6 Jul 2024 2:56 am

If this CD doesn't make your blood boil , there no hope for you !

Also grab TT's Hwy 40 track, fresh and over the top awesome !

I'm thinking the Tele picker is Andy Wood on all of the tracks.

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 6 Jul 2024 5:25 am

The sleeve notes assign him to a handful of tracks but I agree with you, Tony. It sounds like the same guy throughout the album.

Andy Woodwas an unfamiliar name to me: he has that Brent thing down, doesn't he?

I can't see mention of a bass player, though. Any ideas?

Joe Krumel · Post by **Joe Krumel** » 6 Jul 2024 5:51 am

Hey Roger,wouldn't surprise me if Travis was the bass https://youtu.be/HrPkrdCAEF4?si=EIZkOyMAXhGgsRbw.He is a monster on that also.

Roger Rettig · Post by **Roger Rettig** » 6 Jul 2024 8:06 am

The thought occurred to me, Joe, but I hadn't seen that before.

Who are those guys??

Joe Krumel · Post by **Joe Krumel** » 6 Jul 2024 10:11 am

Hi Roger. The guitar/vocal is mike Rogers and dobro is Josh swift. Pretty sure they worked with Doyle Lawson.

Rick Campbell · Post by **Rick Campbell** » 6 Jul 2024 9:38 pm

Roger Rettig wrote:The sleeve notes assign him to a handful of tracks but I agree with you, Tony. It sounds like the same guy throughout the album.

Andy Woodwas an unfamiliar name to me: he has that Brent thing down, doesn't he?

I can't see mention of a bass player, though. Any ideas?

Andy Wood is from Marion, NC. I used to work with him in a house band at a music theater Pigeon Forge, TN. He a super picker. He was also a national mandolin contest champion.

RC