- Toni Bunnell is a singer-songwriter and a multi-instrumentalist.
She writes all her own songs and accompanies them on the guitar, Appalachian Mountain dulcimer, bouzouki, hurdy gurdy and fiddle.
The English singer Toni Bunnell earned rapturous applause in the Jazz Cellar..creating the thought-provoking atmosphere which is the essence of her performance Mannheimer Morgen Rheipfalz, Germany (Harlekinade Festival)
Toni Bunnell possesses one of the best voices I’ve ever heard from a traditional style singer ROCK ‘N’ REEL
One seriously beautiful singing voice Ian Almond (Musician)
NEW album: Tracking the Changes
‘This is a very mature and thoughtful collection of songs and tunes from an exceptional songwriter and very talented musician. Toni is an excellent storyteller who blends both traditional and modern themes together. Her observations are thoughtful, often reflective and relevant. I particularly liked Breaking News, Toni’s take on the 9/11 tragedy, and Space to Breathe, a song she wrote during lockdown.’ Stan Graham
RNR review of Tracking the Changes ****
Issue 102, November/December 2023
‘Before encountering the work of Toni Bunnell, I thought hedgehogs were flat things that lived on roads. Now I know those spiky-top Mrs Tiggy-winkles of the hedgerows have a champion in this wildlife biologist and author of Rescuing the Disappearing Hedgehog. That she accompanies her own trad-flavoured songs on guitar, harmonium, bouzouki, Appalachian dulcimer and hurdy-gurdy, on a series of respected albums, is but further evidence of her remarkable talents.
On Tracking the Changes four dexterously authentic traditional instrumentals meet with ten new, direct, issue-driven compositions with Come All Ye chorus structures, delivered in a resilient voice weathered by experience. These songs are populated by the universal soldiers who ‘march in hope and innocence’ to the clarion call of the pipes; as well as the squire in his hall and the child chimneysweep; as seeds fly over the divisive Berlin Wall in defiance of political boundaries; to the stark pictures of the polluted ‘Waterways of England’, a powerfully moving lament for this disenchanted age.
These are songs that respect ‘the spirit of people throughout the world’, songs that remind us to ‘move to the future but remember the past’. Tracking the Changes is a living heritage.’
Andrew Darlington
Movie: Playing the hurdy gurdy in Brittany with Pepere my friend’s dog. Click on image of hurdy gurdy at top of page.
Where I Come From In Solidarity
Last Port of Call
Eight CDs available:
In Solidarity
Where I Come From
Special People
Nothing More to be Said
Tune on a Shady Bench
Last Port of Call
Heart to Home
Tracking the Changes
Book : Music Makes A Difference: A Practical Guide to Developing Music Sessions with People with Learning Disabilities has been published by
M&K Update
New CD with twelve original tracks written and performed by Toni Bunnell
Heart to Home
Don’t Pass Me By
Story of Agnes
Through a Hedge Backwards
Comes the Hour
Gifted
Streets of Hamelin
Music in my Soul
The Lights of Keighley
The Grenfell Disaster
The Dark Wood / Bourree a Malochet
Looking Back
New Single Track Download: In Solidarity
An original song with a strong message in support of France.
Click on image to download track.
Dear Toni,
Roland at the folk club kindly passed on your name.
I’m performing my musical comedy show at the Black Swan Inn on Friday 1st July and he suggested that you might be available to do a short support slot. If you’re available and willing I’d really appreciate a 15-20 minute spot. My show is set in 1695 and is very much English-themed, focussing on Henry Purcell and his drinking pals.
The whole evening is speculative in terms of money. The pub is not charging for the room and my income is based purely on tickets sales and subsequent CD sales. I did this in Sheffield in February and it proved successful and I was happily able to give my supports some cash.
If this appeals to you, I’d be very happy to tell you more. Please call me on the number below for a chat.
Many thanks and best wishes,
Dante
01522 512753
http://www.danteferrara.co.uk
Sorry – I’ve only just picked up your message. Hope it went well. Best Toni