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Tony Cook, who is also known as "Laidback Tone" is the quintessential 'bushboy'! He represents outback Australians, a gentleman, a bushman, a larrikin, but most of all a fairdinkum bushboy who can also play a half decent song!

Before we talk about the music, I bet you're wondering what a bushboy is? Well the name bushboy was coined a few years ago at one of Tone's live shows, as he explains, Australians identify with being Australian and the name cowboy originated from America which was introduced to Australians when US troops came down-under in WW2 and brought with them rodeo.

Tone's sense of patriotism and humour came up with the name bushboys, he says, "It’s the Aussie version of an American cowboy, but with some added Australian characteristics, i.e a bushboy is someone who works and lives in the bush, loves a good laugh, and is generally pretty handy, including taking the micky! I guess what I wanted to encourage is the use of an Aussie term that outback Australians can identify with, as not all of us from the bush are rodeo cowboys!"

As you’ve probably guessed Tone grew up in the bush, in particular remote north western and central Queensland. He has led quite an interesting life so far, starting out as a Jackeroo on cattle stations in North Western Queensland, he then went on to join the defence forces, paratrooping with the army and deploying to the Middle East.

Since leaving the forces and moving back home to the bush, Tone has developed his musical interests releasing his first EP titled Laidback Tone. The EP contains three original compositions, all of which have a unique and individual sound.

Tone’s music reflects his background, he writes about the bush we all love and draws inspiration from people, characters and events he has experienced in his lifetime.

If you would like to purchase Tone's EP just go to iTunes and look up Laidback Tone - each song costs as little as $1.69 to download to your iPod.

Alternatively if you would like a hard copy just email me, or contact the Charters Towers Tourist Information Centre who sell hard copies to the general public, or if you just want to check this bloke out click on 5 Acres and If I Were A Better Man.

Alternatively log on to www.countrymusicchannel.com and request Tone's video clips.

Gotta love a bushboy!