Jake Toth is an American multi-instrumentalist and composer from the Hudson Valley of New York, now based in Denver, CO. His debut album, Wallkill River Blues, is a masterful collection of instrumental guitar compositions that balance technical precision with emotional depth. Rooted in the American Primitivism movement, the album draws inspiration from John Fahey, Jack Rose, and Robbie Basho, offering a fresh yet timeless approach to fingerstyle guitar. Upon release, it was featured in Westword’s Best Music from Colorado Musicians, solidifying Toth’s place in modern acoustic music.

Toth’s music is deeply immersive, capturing a sense of place and memory. Wallkill River Blues paints a vivid portrait of the landscapes of his upbringing, blending intricate fingerpicking with field recordings—such as crickets at night—to create an evocative sonic world. Recorded at CCM Recording Studios in Denver by Alex Palmer and mastered by Chuck Johnson, the album was released on October 25, 2024, via Brown Trout Records.

Following its success, Toth returns with The Phoenicia Tapes, a stripped-down folk EP recorded live in a cabin in Phoenicia, NY, on the night before trout season. With only vocals, guitar, and the ambient sound of rain on a tin roof, the EP showcases his storytelling. The first track, “Wallkill”, reflects on his hometown with bittersweet honesty, while “Mary” is an abstract meditation on longing. The EP serves as a thank-you to listeners, offering an intimate glimpse into Toth’s songwriting.

Through both instrumental and lyrical compositions, Toth continues to explore solitude, nostalgia, and place—crafting music that resonates with raw beauty.