Debut album from in-demand multi-instrumentalist Toby Shaer.  Amalgam is the culmination of over 15 years of writing and collecting melodies.  The wait has been worthwhile!

AN IMPRESSIVE CV

Hailing from Essex, Toby Shaer (it’s pronounced ‘Share’) is a multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer who, over the past decade, has established himself as one of the most sought-after musicians on the UK folk and roots scene. 

Toby’s musical journey began when, at the age of five, he first picked up a recorder and managed to squeeze a tune out of it.  Since then, things have mushroomed enormously and he’s now considered to be a virtuoso on a wide range of instruments.  On Amalgam – Toby’s debut solo album – he plays more than 15 instruments, including flutes, whistles, fiddles, guitar, cittern, harmonium and udu.

Toby’s CV is as impressive as his instrumental portfolio and includes stints with The John McCusker Band, Sam Kelly and the Lost Boys and as a member of Cara Dillon’s touring and recording bands.  More recently, he’s collaborated with the likes of Heidi Talbot, Ainsley Hamill, Honey and the Bear, Jack Warnock and Archie Churchill-Moss.

A CULMINATION

For Toby, Amalgam marks the culmination of more than 15 years of writing and collecting original melodies.  It’s an instrumental album and, to help fulfill his ambition, Toby has enlisted the services of a group of equally-accomplished musicians: Archie Churchill-Moss on button accordion, Evan Carson on percussion, Polly Virr on cello and Conal McDonough on Uilleann pipes.  The result is an album that channels instrumental virtuosity to achieve sheer musical delight in the form of a varied and thoroughly enjoyable collection of tunes.

The playing is – as would be expected – precise.  But there’s more than just precision to admire on Amalgam.  The tunes are performed with an enjoyment that is clearly evident.  Whether it’s Toby’s breakneck, lung-busting flute extravaganzas, his soaring, fluent fiddle or his choppy, dependable guitar accompaniment that catches the listener’s attention, Amalgam is a collection that thrills and exhilarates in equal measure.

Just about every track contains passages that will amaze the listener.  Opening track, Billy’s Set, builds up pace before bursting into full bloom with the vibrant, rousing Gobha Bh’ann a Hogha Gearraidh.  It’s followed by Glen’s Set, which reaches a similarly bedazzling conclusion with the stunning Glen’s Reel, before North Connel Set goes, arguably, one better with the breathless Tidal Surge Wharf.

IT ISN’T JUST THE FAST-PACE...

Amalgam isn’t just about fast-paced virtuosity though.  Toby and the band are equally comfortable in tackling a lament like Lennie’s March (the tune that opens Glen’s Set) or the soothing One For Sam – a tune that, at times, verges on the sound of a string quartet.  Prittle Brook Greenway is every bit as pastoral as its title suggests, whilst tango and flamenco are the flavour of the day for the invigorating Spain.

The production is pristine and the multitude of instruments are perfectly balanced.  It’s usually Toby’s flute or his fiddle that takes centre stage but – listen closely.  The throb of Evan’s bodhran is ever-present and the full sound that is an outstanding feature of Amalgam wouldn’t have been possible without Conal’s pipes, Polly’s cello or Archie’s accordion.

HIGHLIGHTS? THEY’RE ALL HIGHLIGHTS

As far as the tunes are concerned, it’s the Irish influence that’s most evident – but it doesn’t dominate.  The high points are almost too numerous to single out but I’ll have a go.  Of the three sets that open the album, I’d probably pick Glen’s Set as a favourite – for its sheer variety.  The mournful One For Sam is, quite simply, beautiful, as is the 2-tune medley, Gracie’s.  Evan’s percussion is a revelation on the Slips And Reels set (a set that demonstrates that Fairport don’t hold the monopoly on the tune they call Dirty Linen) and Minimus & Maximus simmers softly before breaking out into a joyful expression of summery bliss.

Amalgam is rounded off nicely by Vas y Mimile – an exceptional pair of tunes in which Toby’s magical flute is accompanied by plucked violin strings, before the whole ensemble join in to bring Amalgam to the fulfilling close that it deserves.

Toby has declared himself ‘delighted’ to have finally achieved his debut solo album release.  I strongly suspect that it won’t be his last.

Watch Toby Shaer perform One For Sam – a track from the album – below:

Toby Shaer: Website

At The Barrier: Facebook / X / Instagram