Album Notes

About the Artist
Susan Bailey is a gifted singer, songwriter and guitarist performing all original music of hope and inspiration. Her style ranges from upbeat commercial pop to soothing acoustic folk, but the lyrical content is not ear candy. Susan's music delivers a heartfelt message geared towards introducing the listener to a personal relationship with God and a life dedicated to service. She counts Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, John Michael Talbot, Amy Grant, and the Beatles among her influences. Her voice has been likened to Linda Ronstadt and Karen Carpenter.

Ron Zabrocki, seasoned NY producer who has recorded the likes of Mariah Carey and Michael Bolton has said of Susan: "The absolute best Catholic Recording artist anywhere . . . Susan writes and sings from the heart. Her positive style transcends ALL religions and will be the one to bring Catholic music to the masses." Michael Zabrocki, well known Catholic recording artist writes, "A wakeup call to the heavily produced world of Christian music: Susan Bailey should emerge as one of the Catholic Church's most gifted singer/songwriters today. She is one the purest singers in the game.

Reviewers from MP3.com wrote,
"Inspiring and well sung."
" . . . writes and sings very inspiring music. It has heart and penetrates to the meaning of the song. It touches the soul and makes one want to be better."
"Musically superb and lyrically inspirational!"
" . . . an incredible voice that touches me deeply. The lyrics are strong, and the arrangement is well done ."
"Beautiful music from the soul."
"Her voice is wonderful, and her lyrics are powerful."
"Susan's music is uplifting because is has heart and soul..."
"Creative musical talent."

About the Album:
Mater Dei truly unique Marian recording project.

Lush new age, acoustic and pop style arrangements coupled with vocals resembling Karen Carpenter and Enya showcase the songs of Mater Dei . Six original songs penned by Susan are featured along with Marian classics plus a contemporary and glorious new rendition of Shubert's Ave Maria.

"Mater Dei is unique because Mary speaks directly to the listener," Susan says. "Several of the songs are written from the point of view of Mary, talking to her children, and drawing them lovingly closer to her Son, Jesus."

Four of the songs were drawn from the text of the Marian Movement of Priests publication, To the Priests: Our Lady's Beloved Sons by Fr. Stefano Gobbi. Susan received permission from the MMP to put Fr. Gobbi's writings to music.

Themes of Mary's motherly and healing love permeate the songs:
Come Into His Presence invites the broken, the poor and the little to bring their cares to Jesus by resting in Mary's arms where the love of Jesus is revealed.
Under My Immaculate Mantle, a simple and hypnotic hymn, invites all Christians to unite together and be as one under her immaculate mantle where she will lead them to the "heart of Chris Jesus."
Take Joy in Me is an uplifting and fun song with an infectious beat, reminding listeners of the refuge of her immaculate heart in times of trial and storms.
Wait with Me is a peaceful and soothing song inviting the listener to wait with Mary as she anticipates the birth of her Son, Jesus. It is the perfect song for Advent and Christmas preparation.

Two other songs, the gentle yet rhythmic Room in Our Hearts and the unforgettable Promised Son speak of the birth of Jesus and the pivotal role of the Mother of God.

Susan's rich voice and warm, prayerful delivery are her trademarks. Marge Oliveri, inspirational speaker and proprietor of The Angel Connection in Westborough, MA, writes, "Susan's music is extremely blessed, has touched many hearts, and has promoted the conversion of many searching souls. It is a gift to experience how she allows the Holy Spirit to move her and touch so many. She sings with a deep love and devotion to Our Lord and Lady and one cannot help slipping into a peacefulness we know not of this earth. She has the voice of an Angel."

Susan Bailey is a longtime resident of the central Massachusetts region along with her husband Rich and her two teenaged children, Stephen and Meredith. She has been performing locally and regionally for over ten years while ministering in song each Sunday at St. Luke the Evangelist Church in Westborough. Susan is also the edtor and publisher of GrapeVine, the first online magazine devoted to Catholic performing artists (www.gvonline.net).