NIALL TONER, WORKING ON LOVE

NIALL TONER
WORKING ON LOVE

Avalon Records
AVCD 0071

   Toner is an Irish native who already has four projects under his belt. For this new CD, Toner traveled to Nashville to record this all-original project of love songs and songs of relationships. Toner sings lead and plays mandolin, banjo, and guitar, and is joined by multi-instrumentalist and producer Keith Sewell as well as Scott Vestal (banjo), Justin Weaver (mandolin, guitar), John Mock (harmonium, bodhran, whistles), Samson Grisman (bass), and Wendy Buckner (vocals). Selections include the title-cut “Working On Love,” which most couples have to do, “Josie’s Reel” about a young man vying for a dancer’s attention, “Old Tyme Love,” a musician’s lament, and “The Mountain And The Sky” about love on the edge. Also included are “Bill Monroe’s Mandolin,” an instrumental love, the Irish-flavored “Planxty Coolasnaughta” and “The Flower Of Liffey Hall,” and the gospel “Walk On Water” about the parable of Jesus. Toner has a pleasant voice as he sings all the lead vocals, and the backing arrangements and instrumentation show the Celtic influences of his music. This project is another fine example of good music coming from our international bluegrass community. (www.nialltonerband.com)BF