01/11/2009

The Toy Hearts Interview: Stewart Johnson

The Toy Hearts are a Birmingham-based group who play some superbly uplifting bluegrass and western swing. Consisting of several Johnson family members - Sisters, Hannah (lead vocal/mandolin) and Sophia (guitar/harmony vocals) and their father, Stewart (banjo/dobro). Their history is one of pure dedication the their musical craft and the UK's burgeoning bluegrass scene, with dad's involment stretching back to the 60's. The group's recent album was the critically acclaimed 'When I Cut Loose', however, there's a new one on its way. Here's a few questions we set for Stewart -

Where did your original bluegrass influence come from?

I heard Flatt and Scruggs playing on The Beverly Hillbillies TV show.

Was there much of a UK scene for bluegrass in the '60's?

I was not aware of any Bluegrass scene in the sixties, but I used to tune in to AFN (American Forces Network, radio station) whilst living in Germany, they would occasionally play Bluegrass, along with Blues, Country, RnB, Soul, Folk, Jazz. I enjoyed all of these.

What are you enjoying about the UK scene now?

Its hard to get out and see stuff when you are gigging a lot, I tend to go and see stuff I know I am going to like because I have to prioritize my time, I really enjoyed 'Imelda May' and her band! We got to open for about eight gigs on her recent tour, and they were great!

What are some standout moments from your time on theatre stages and film sets?

Standing next to Ken Dodd in the line up to meet the Queen and the Duke at the 1999 Royal Variety Show, Ken was hilarious! Also coming on in the wrong scene in Great Balls of Fire!

You must be proud of your daughters. There is a strong tradition of the bluegrass family. Has that been important?

I am very proud of Sophie and Hannah, this family tradition thing, I hardly ever think about these days because we have been working together, writing and performing and all the rest of it for so long now, it just seems normal to me because its what we do.

How's the new dobro working out? If there was a fire threatening your instuments which would you save first?

I love my new Rayco, its a great guitar. I also love my Diamondback made for me by Ced Thorose, also a great guitar. I cannot answer that question about which of my instruments I would save!! It is too painful to think about! (Sorry Stewart!)

Are there still places in the US you'd like to explore? Music related or otherwise?

Yes, I still have not been to New Orleans and Louisiana in general! Not only for the music, I am a big fan of the writer 'James Lee Burke'. I would like to visit the New Iberia Peninsular where the 'Dave Robicheaux' novels are set.

http://toyhearts.co.uk

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