An Interview With Toby Vok And The His Daughter

Toby Vok, in Essex to promote his new album The Boudiccan Devastational Layer, is a hero to many. But why? We sent senior correspondent Ted Vaak to investigate.

Ted Vaaak: Hello Toby. How are you today?

Toby Vok:

Ted: Your new album is incredible, I must say. How do you create and envisage all these sounds?

Toby:

Ted: You have been described variously as “a hero”, “a wonder”, and even “a sort of variety act which most had considered long deceased.” Do you have any ideas as to why?

Toby:

Ted: Toby, why won’t you talk to me?

Toby:

Ted: Look, will you just put that thing you’re holding down and answer my questions?

Toby:

Ted: I’ve never seen its like before. What is it?

Toby: It is my daughter.

Ted: Is it some sort of cat?

Toby: Of course not. What sort of man do you take me for?

Ted: I never knew you were a man.

Toby: Ask me her name.

Ted: I don’t know her name.

Toby: Ask me what her name is, you buffoon.

Ted: What is her name, Toby.

Toby: Her name is Ornette Toby.

Ted: Oh.

Toby: Ornette Toby!

Ted: Yes?

Toby: Toby! [points a finger at his own chest] Ornette Toby! [gestures towards the child upon his lap] Toby! Ornette Toby!

Ted: Yes.

Toby: It’s very clever don’t you think? I spent quite some time on it.

Ted: I… Yes?

Toby: Toby. Ornette. Toby.

Ted: I’m going now.

Toby: To-by. Or-nette To-by.

[The door slams shut and Toby is lost behind it]

This interview first appeared in the Essex Gramophone Groups Society Spring 2014 newsletter. It has been republished here erroneously.