Album Notes

The influence of her 2002 move to Nashville shows in Susan Anders' solo album "Release": lyrically more direct, musically rootsier than her work with her former band Susan's Room, "Release" shows a new side of Susan, anchored as always by her soaring voice and nimble songwriting. "Release" kicks off with the raw, driving "You're My Release" and ends with the post-bad habit confession "I Don't Do That Anymore". Inbetween the album glides through themes of love both stable and unstable as well as songs about different life transitions: "I'm a Beginner Again" looks at a recent divorcee starting all over, "Crack In The Ceiling" addresses an "Aha!" moment about the need for change, and "Good Times Left" is a celebration of the last days of Susan's father-in-law. Hooky choruses abound: this is a great sing-along album. Featuring Bryan Owings on drums, Dave Francis on bass, Steve Conn on organ and accordian, Jim Hoke on dobro and harmonica, and with guest appearances by Dana Cooper, Hillary Scott, Kathy Hussey, and Susan's Room alumnus Ritt Henn. Susan plays acoustic guitar and produced "Release" with husband Tom Manche, who doubles as the able lead guitar guy.

Susan Anders: acoustic guitar, piano and vocals
Tom Manche: guitars & percussion
Dave Francis: bass
Bryan Owings: drums
Steve Conn: organ
Dana Cooper: harmonica
Tim Lorsch: mandolin & fiddle
Jim Hoke: harmonica & dobro
Kathy Hussey, Hillary Scott & Erica Alexander: backing vocals

Susan Anders has recorded five albums with her former band Susan's Room as well as a solo lullaby album, "You Can Close Your Eyes Lullabies". She is also a vocal coach: her instructional releases include the "No Scales Just Songs Vocal Workout" and "Harmony Singing By Ear". Born and raised in Berkeley, California, Susan now lives in Nashville, Tennessee.