Henry Tóth is a veteran guitarist, composer and producer. The Slovak virtuoso’s four-decade career has taken him around the world. He is the guitarist of the popular band Elán, and has collaborated with international stars like Marián Čekovský, Richard Müller, Rob Grigorov and Marián Greks.
Early in his career, Henry Tóth toured from Poland to Cuba with artists like Marcela Leiferova, Marika Gombitova, Demikát Marián Greksa, Jana Kocianova and the band Citrón. In 1996, with his band Big H he received a Grammy West award for best instrumentalist, and earned nominations in the categories of Producer of the Year and Album of the Year. Tóth recently turned 60 years-old. To commemorate the occasion he has released his long-awaited debut solo album.
The eponymous new project was released worldwide via all major streaming services on December 14, 2022. The album is an epic instrumental journey through the many creative moods of a world-class musician. The 22-track collection finds the ax-man in top form as he slides through blues jams, pop ballads, and theatrical jazz productions. It’s a live and spontaneous vibe.
From the cinematic 70’s pop/jazz of “The Whistling One” to the funky Chicago blues of “Smoky”, the album showcases the impressive talents of Henry Tóth as musician, composer and producer. Stylistically, the album covers a lot of ground. Tracks like “I Got Lucky Tonight”, “Chillout ” and the emotional ballad “Absent-minded” give a nod to the musician’s long pop/rock résumé. Elsewhere we dig into some down and dirty swamp-rock blues, on tunes like “Cabriolet” and “Henry’s Magic Mood.”
The real treat of the record however is in Henry Toth’s gleeful genre mash-ups. He drops gritty country funk on songs like “Chinese Man in Texas’ ‘ and the fun “Wild Town”. “The Drummer’s Bucket” is a real highpoint, pairing a rock ensemble with a full horn section and some smoking lead guitar. Later he turns down the volume for some Gary Moore-style slow blues ballads like “Friends in Piece”, “Mama” and “Lucy”. The beautiful “Summer Rain” offers the album’s sole acoustic interlude.
Check out Henry Tóth’s debut solo album in its entirety below, or listen on your favorite streaming service. You can also hear Henry Tóth on the Deep Indie Jazz, Deep Indie Chill and Deep Indie Dive playlists. Follow the links below to connect with the artist. Get on his socials and dig into a rich and extensive musical history.