Biography

Toner writes Bluegrass and Country songs that ring true, and would not be out of place on any Bluegrass Master's Albums. This Irishman knows his stuff. 5 Star Review.
Maverick Magazine

I admire the way Niall's deep affinity for Bluegrass and American Country Music blends seamlessly
with his Irish sensibilities. It makes him a uniquely appealing Artist, and Pinecastle Records are
lucky to have him.
Pete Wernick - Doctor Banjo

Great original Bluegrass Songs and Instrumentals. We are delighted to play Niall Toner anytime.
Brian McNeal Prescription Bluegrass

Niall makes great open-hearted music and his tributes to Bill Monroe and Jimmie Rodgers are just superb. His 'Ocean of Teardrops', composed in-the-style-of The Blue Sky Boys and The Monroe Brothers,is a duet song that just kills me.
Paul Williams Songwriter & President of ASCAP


Niall Toner formed his String Band in the early 2000s, performing a basic repertoire of Bluegrass and Old Time Country Music. During 2001, Toner made a major change, and began concentrating on writing and recording his own original Songs and Tunes in Americana/Folk/Traditional Country style, and since that time he has released five all-original, acoustic Albums. Niall has played many major Music Festivals, including, most recently, MERLEFEST, in North Carolina in 2014, and Bunratty/Sixmilebridge Folk Festival in 2015. Now, Niall releases his fifth Album of original Songs and Tunes, Produced and Recorded by Keith Sewell [ Lyle Lovett Band/Dixie Chicks ]in Nashville at 16 Tons Studios on Music Row. WORKING ON LOVE is a mixed bag of love songs, with something here for every Acoustic taste. Official release date is St.Valentine's Day, February 14th, and the Album will be available on all formats, including APD for Radio, and iTunes and amazon.com for lovers of original Bluegrass and Acoustic Country.

Niall writes :




As part of a Radio interview in the mid-eighties, Ken Stewart of RTE Radio One asked me a question about the greatest gifts I had received from my parents, and I said that I thought they were the gift of music, and a sense of curiosity about it's roots and origins. This was particularly true when I was introduced to Bluegrass and Country Music around the time of my 11th birthday. Combined with the gift of a Harmony Acoustic Guitar and an overdose of Hank Williams, Jimmie Rodgers, The Carter Family and the wonderful Bill Monroe, I was hooked. I was determined to spend most of my spare time learning about this particular genre, as a player, singer, song-writer, musician, band leader and radio presenter.

Over the years, I have played with, and learned from so many fine musicians in so many combinations, it's hard to decipher where the learning/teaching process begins or leaves off. One result is that I am humbled and honoured to be the recipient of so many accolades. It's the kind of thing that simply sneaks up on you and I'm very appreciative of the support you have shown me for sticking to my [ Musical ] guns. It's certainly not the fastest way to get rich and famous, but it is a musical life that I find to be both fascinating, interesting and satisfying.

My very first Album was released in 1973 on Thrust Records, and included one of my first originals, Terenure Stomp. That was followed by There's a Better Way in 2001, Mood Swing in 2005 and NTB 3 in 2008, all on Avalon Records. In 2012, Onwards and Upwards was released on North Carolina's Pinecastle Records. Now, in late 2014, I have recorded my 5th all-original Album, Working On Love, which will be released in early 2015, probably on St.Valentine's Day, on account of the preponderance of love songs on this recording. This Album will be available from iTunes, Amazon.com, and, as they say, all good Record Stores, including Claddadh Records on Cecilia Street in Dublin.
A limited number of signed copies will be made available for sale through the Shop here on this website.

Thanks for your continuing support, and I hope we can meet at one of my live shows in 2016/2017.
Niall Toner.