ALL-STAR ENSEMBLE ASSEMBLED BY PAUL T. RIDDLE
POWERHOUSE DRUMMER AND GRAMMY-WINNING CO-FOUNDER OF
THE ORIGINAL MARSHALL TUCKER BAND (MTB)
LINEUP INCLUDES GRAMMY-CALIBER VIRTUOSOS
MARCUS KING, OTEIL BURBRIDGE, CHARLIE STARR & JOSH SHILLING
LIVE DEBUT AT LAST YEAR’S TELLURIDE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
BLISTERING LIVE PERFORMANCE OF “TAKE THE HIGHWAY” HERE
UPCOMING SHOWS AT THE CAPITOL THEATRE IN
PORT CHESTER, NY FEBRUARY 26 & 27
Paul T. Riddle, powerhouse drummer, and Grammy-winning co-founder of the original Marshall Tucker Band (MTB), has assembled Toy Factory Project as a heartfelt tribute to his late bandmate and MTB co-founder, Toy Caldwell. This all-star ensemble breathes new life into Caldwell’s timeless songbook, transforming personal loss into a vibrant celebration of Southern rock’s soul-stirring spirit. Far more than a supergroup, it’s a gathering of musical titans–each a legend in their own right–united to honor the melodies that have echoed through generations, creating a collaboration of the ages and transforming each performance into a singular, can’t-miss live experience.
At the helm, Paul T. Riddle drives the rhythm with his signature MTB fire, joined by an unparalleled lineup of Grammy-caliber virtuosos:
- Marcus King (Guitar/Steel Guitar/Vocals, The Marcus King Band): Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and musician. A prodigious talent whose blistering guitar wizardry and soul-baring vocals infuse Caldwell’s classics with fresh fire and tenacity.
- Oteil Burbridge (Bass/Vocals, Dead & Company, The Allman Brothers Band, Oteil & the PeaceMakers): Grammy-winning bassist. The groove master whose thunderous lines and improvisational genius anchor the band’s psychedelic jams with Allman-esque depth.
- Charlie Starr (Guitar/Vocals, Blackberry Smoke): Singer-songwriter and musician. A torchbearer of Southern grit, delivering heartfelt vocals and guitar sorcery that evoke the dusty roads and tales of MTB’s heyday.
- Josh Shilling (Piano/Organ/Vocals, Mountain Heart, Wynonna Judd): Nashville recording artist and singer-songwriter whose songs and performances have landed on multiple Grammy-winning albums. A melodic architect whose keys and soaring vocals weave soulful layers, bridging his bluegrass and southern rock roots.
“Everyone has so much love and respect for this music and each other,” shares Paul T. Riddle. “Oteil said this is one of his favorite bands to be a part of and I agree with him. ‘Why are we doing this?’ It brings us complete joy!! It’s all about the love for the music and the love in the room.”
Toy Factory Project first made its live debut at last year’s Telluride Bluegrass Festival — catch their blistering performance of “Take The Highway” here. The set marked a powerful introduction for the band, showcasing their electrifying musicianship and magnetic chemistry while feeding off an enthusiastic crowd and the sheer joy of playing together. Of the show, Rolling Stone raved: “the showcase became one of the most memorable sets in the 52-year history of the Rocky Mountain festival.”
Live the band is joined by violinist/fiddler Billy Contreras (Lionel Hampton, George Jones, Zach Bryan, Ricky Skaggs, Bela Fleck) and percussionist Jimmy Rector (Oteil & Friends, Jaimoe, Melvin Seals, Clip (Parliament Funkadelic), Luther Dickinson, Bela Fleck, Sam Bush). Next up, they’ll take over The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY on February 26 & 27. Tickets are on sale now and moving fast.
Beyond the inspiring live experience, the stars–and busy schedules–aligned for the band to get together in person to record tracks at Peter Frampton’s Nashville studio. The sessions were marked by a palpable sense of joy, camaraderie and creative freedom, with the band relishing the rare opportunity to make music together, recorded live, while in the same room. Unique behind-the-scenes content from the studio sessions is being rolled out on Instagram. The album (release date to-be-announced soon) will feature special guest performances from Peter Frampton, Vince Gill, Derek Trucks and others.
For the latest updates, follow @toyfactoryproject on social media or visit www.toyfactoryproject.com.
| About Toy Factory Project: Toy Factory Project is an all-star Southern rock supergroup honoring the legacy of Marshall Tucker Band co-founder Toy Caldwell, led by original MTB drummer Paul T. Riddle. United by deep respect for the music and a shared passion for live performance, the ensemble brings together Grammy-nominated guitarist/vocalist Marcus King (Marcus King Band), bass virtuoso Oteil Burbridge (Dead & Company, The Allman Brothers Band, Oteil & the PeaceMakers), guitarist/vocalist Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke) and keyboardist/vocalist Josh Shilling (Mountain Heart, Wynonna Judd) to breathe new life into Caldwell’s timeless songbook. It’s a gathering of musical titans–each a legend in their own right–united to honor the melodies that have echoed through generations, creating a collaboration of the ages and transforming each performance into a singular, can’t-miss live experience. TOY FACTORY PROJECTWeb | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube | X |
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