I was brought up in the South Island of New Zealand, In a family with a big passion for music we also have an opera singer, concert pianist, rock diva, & wonderful vocalists and players in our fold.
Mum is a great Ragtime Piano Player who was always practising and gigging when I was growing up, she had a vast repotoire & played what seemed like hundreds of songs, I’ll be forever grateful to her for the opportunity of hearing & consequently learning these wonderful old songs.
New Zealand was a great place to live growing up, the seasons, countryside & space inspired me in many ways. With no TV, radio was my vehicle to hear all different kinds of music, loved the Big Band sounds, American Folk songs were played a lot and consequently became our favourite family sing-a-longs at the farm.
After learning classical piano it wasn’t long till I got my first guitar, loved the freedom of it, always having loved melody and with a growing interest in chords, my musical journey began with many teachers on the way. After graduating in Australia from The Queensland Conservatorium of Music, my direction became more focused, and the sounds I had absorbed for years started to come together.
My songwriting style has evolved & changed over the years depending on what style of music I was into at the time. My 2008 album ‘This Fire’ combines elements of Alt & Traditional Country/Bluegrass & Folk/Classical. Toni Pollard Bands 2011 album Jumpin at the Bug’ pumps along with the bands unique rootsy take on some wonderful old classics & originals played in the Jumpin Jazz/ Swing/New Orleans style.
