Establishing The Tone

Anthony Toner is giving great value for his new album campaign. As we've noticed before, the CD is handsomely packaged and the songs are delivered with soul and sass. And while some acts might consider this a deal well done, the guy has set himself up with a busy touring schedule, playing the bijou arts centres and local halls, putting unique content into festivals and steadily making new pals.

This week, he has unwrapped a fresh scheme. On his ever-alert blog, he is putting out notes to all of his album tracks, day by day. Some writers are rather coy about the creative process, feeling that the mystique may be lost by sharing too much, but Toner is clearly relishing the notion. And thus far, he is complementing the music, sending you back to the record to witness the nuances.

Some of the names have been withheld to protect the innocent, but now we know which part of Bedford Street prompted 'All Of The Above'. The song has the vivacity and colour of 'In France They Kiss On Main Street' but there is also essence of heartbreak on the dark side of the road.

Onwards to 'Grateful', an emotion that is apparently the author's default condition. We learn that it was written in a Nashville hotel room, where the light under the door was real and then metaphorical. A handy title for the album also. And that 'Finally' was a gift to the playwright friend Stephanie Young, who must be chuffing pleased.

I'd say all this is a textbook enterprise for any songwriter with a bit of verve. He is building intrigue and involvement. He's pulling you back for the next installment. Hurrah for the Tone.