Album Notes

TONErecords collaborative trio, "Spice of Life", includes JANELLE DONOVAN, a vivacious and accomplished vocalist and songwriter with a New York / Georgia musical heritage. Together with seasoned, internationally experienced co-writers/musicians/producers TONY PERRINO and JOE MELE, a unique and appealing blend of musical influences has been created. Tony has been on stage and/or recorded with such greats as Delbert Mc Clinton, Dan Toler (formerly of the Allman Bros.), Savoy Brown, Blue Oyster Cult and Blues Noir. Joe has lit up the stage with his tasty guitar work for B. B. King,Aretha Franklin,Dickey Betts and Dan Toler (both formerly of the Allman Bros.). SPICE of LIFE draws their music from a crossover of blues, jazz and Americana roots creating a charismatic blend of country and city sounds. A bit like Susan Tedeschi meets Shania Twain.
The appeal of their songs is demonstrated by the numerous awards they have won. They have won the North East CMA Songwriter of the Year Award for 2000 and 2001. Janelle has won Female Vocalist of the Year for 2001 as well as the Sunrise Award (for up and coming vocalists). She was named as one of the top female vocalists in the New York Capital Region in a "favorites" poll run by the area's largest newspaper, the Times Union. Janelle has received multiple nominations over the last several years for Best Female Vocalist. She, Tony and Joe have been frequently nominated for Songwriters of the Year and Song of the Year. In addition, their band was nominated as Entertainer and Instrumental Group of the year.(See Northeast CMA Website)
They have also received awards from "Billboard" and other song writing contests.

They are currently contracting with Triple Scoop Music for a variety of publishing opportunities.

A recent reviewer writes about TONY and JANELLE in regard to their work on the hit blues CD "What I Am” by Blues Noir:

“What I Am” Album Review by Pamela Polston
Seven Days Vermont
"BLUES NOIR, WHAT I AM ...
- The blues has little competition in the Sexiest Music Department; there's something about that slinking, slow grind, the steady-driving boogie that heads straight for the first chakra and plays the devil.
"Sweet Mama Big Legs" reminds me of the '60s British blues band Cream; something about its driving arrangements and the way the guitar and bass - in this case, a tuba played by producer Tony Perrino - play in unison...
On "One Red Rose," though, the inspired choice to invite vocalist Janelle Donovan just makes me want to hear more of her. The song is an achingly slow grind, and she wrenches the most out of her too-short turn at the mike. Can anyone give me a good reason why this woman isn't in the band full-time?"

Their successful Nashville tours have brought their seasoned performing skills to the nationally acclaimed Bluebird Café on numerous occasions.
Their band, in a more country mode, has also entertained audiences at shows, which included such greats as Vince Gill (Grammy winner), John Berry (Grammy nominee) and Bobbi Cryner. Their CD "Moonlight Ride" went to #5 on the European CMA album charts.
Janelle Donovan, Tony Perrino, and Joe Mele have also enjoyed outstanding reviews:
• "Brilliant vocalist and songwriters!" RPEM-FM, Spain
• "Modern and Powerful, Great Stuff" Carinzia Radio, Austria
• "Can't find better words than fine crossover-inspiration for much of the music world" Oestjaelland Radio, Denmark
• "I think this pretty lady has an enormous amount of talent. She is a superb lyricist.
Her words have depth and meaning and they flow like warm honey - smooth and sweet." Tammy Childs, Cyber City Magazine