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SUSAN TONEY is in her element with guitar in hand and audience before her. With a rare talent and diverse sound; drawing on pop, alternative country, pop/rock and rhythm and blues, she captivates her listener with brilliant lyrics and unexpected melodic twists and turns. She takes you on a journey with disarming subtlety, as the intensity of a whisper, becomes an explosion. Solo or with her band, her music explodes with raw edge and intimacy; her pure, passionate, voice compels attention. The band features Susan Toney on lead vocals, keyboard and guitar along with veterans Arno Lucas on percussion and vocals (Al Jarreau, Jackson Browne, Don Henley, Ricki Lee Jones) and Chad Watson on bass and vocals (Janis Ian, David Arkenstone, Delaney Bramlett, Charlie Rich Jr. & Sr., Ronnie Milsap).
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SUSAN TONEY • LOVE IS THE CURE • CD FEATURING:
Susan's new Pop, Country CD "Love Is the Cure" © 2012, ℗ & © 2012, has just been completed. Produced, engineered and mixed at Ocean Way Recording Studiios in Nashville, TN by Grammy award winning, multi-platinum producer David Z (Etta James, Eric Clapton, Prince, John Mayall, Johnny Lang, Tab Benoit, etc.), "Love Is The Cure" is destined to be a Grammy award winning, multi- platinum album. Susan's incredibly intimate, smooth, southern with a touch of California Pop vocals, performance, guitar playing and world class hit songwriting are joined with artist, writer, piano virtuoso Jane Getz (piano, keyboards, piano & string arrangements), country greats Mike Rojas (piano, B3 organ, keyboards), Pat Buchanan (acoustic, electric guitar), Jack Holder (acoustic, electric guitar), Bob Britt (acoustic, electric guitar), Steve Mackey (bass), Lynn Williams (drums, percussion), Bekka Bramlett (background vocals) and Gospel music's, The McCrary Sisters (background vocals). Add David Z's timeless, flawless producing, engineering, mixing and production, and mastering by the renowned Ray Kennedy and you have a hit. Her new album, "Love Is The Cure" is available through CD Baby and Partners - Worldwide Physical, Retail & Digital Distribution (iTunes, Amazon MP3, Rhapsody, etc.). "Love Is the Cure" ℗ & © 2012; © 2012, Susan Toney, Screaming Child Music (BMI), Strange Child Records © 2012. All Rights Reserved.
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CD ONE SHEET:
LOVE IS THE CURE - Susan Toney, Artist
“Style” - Pop, Country, Rock, Blues
“Comparison" to other artists - “Cheryl Crow” meets “Shania Twain”, "Carrie Underwood", "Alanis Morissette" and Joni Mitchell".
“Go To” Tracks -
1. The Trail Of Light And Dark 05:11
2. Missing Me 04:39
4. Love Is The Cure 03:58
5. Angelina 03:30
6. How Can I Reach You 04:33
9. In Her World 03:46
℗ & © 2012 Strange Child Record; © 2012 Susan Toney, Screaming Child Music (BMI). www.susantoney.com All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission. Made in the USA by Strange Child Records. Unauthorized copying, reproduction, hiring, Lending, is prohibited. Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.
REVIEWS:
"Once again your crusty chronicler felt the need to resurrect his old “Listen Again” series. For those of you just joining us, the “Listen Again” series is a series in which we revisit albums that for one reason or another perhaps did not receive the attention/acclaim they deserved when they were originally released. Whether it was that the recording was ahead of its time, broke away from the artist’s usual style, was poorly publicized or was initially misunderstood, the “Listen Again” series urges music fans to listen again. This time we reconsider Susan Toney’s Strange Child. For those who missed the profile piece in “Girls Rock”, Susan Toney is a Los Angeles-based actress, multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter working hard to make her mark in the entertainment industry. Toney, a winner of many music awards, reached a major moment in her music career in 2010 when she finally released her 13 track debut disc, Strange Child."
Continue reading on Examiner.com/Susan Toney: listen again at http://www.examiner.com/article/Susan-Toney:listen-again/
-Will Phoenix, Music, Arts & Entertainment Critic, Examiner.com (June 24, 2012) http://www.examiner.com/article/Susan-Toney-listen-again
"Susan Toney is a Los Angeles-based actress, multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter climbing her way up the ladder and making her mark in the entertainment industry. Toney, a winner of many music awards and a participant in ASCAP’S Lester Sills Writers Workshop (Invitation only), reached a major moment in her music career in the winter of 2010 when she released her criticaly acclaimed 13 track debut disc, "Strange Child," © 2010. Perhaps Toney’s best work yet, however, can be found on her most recent release, the 13-track Love Is the Cure. The album was produced by Grammy award winning, multi-platinum producer David Z (Etta James, Eric Clapton, Prince, John Mayall, Johnny Lang, Tab Benoit, etc.). Toney takes the lead with her guitar and lead vocals. She’s backed by an assortment of other artists including Jane Getz (piano, keyboards, and string arrangements), Mike Rojas (piano, B3 organ, keyboards), Pat Buchanan (acoustic, electric guitar), Jack Holder (acoustic, electric guitar), Bob Britt (acoustic, electric guitar), Steve Mackey (bass), Lynn Williams (drums, percussion), Bekka Bramlett and The McCrary Sisters (background vocals)."
Continue reading on Examiner.com/Susan Toney: Girls Rock! at http://www.examiner.com/art-in-los-angeles/Susan-Toney-girls-rock/
- Will Phoenix, Music, Arts & Entertainment Critic, Examiner.com (April 6, 2012) http://www.examiner.com/art-in-los-angeles/Susan-Toney-Girls:Rock!
"Susan's sound is pop, country and her vocals are California pop mixed with country. She's a complete singer, songwriter, artist package." David Z, Producer (Etta James, Eric Clapton, Prince, John Mayall, Johnny Lang, Tab Benoit, etc.).
- David Z, Producer, Nashville, TN - Artist, Susan Toney, "Love Is The Cure" © 2012, David Z, Producer with artist, Susan Toney, Ocean Way Studios, Nashville TN. (Aug 11, 2011).
"This world class artist is going to bring real lyrics and melody back to the music industry." Pat Buchanan, legendary studio player, electric & acoustic guitar (Travis Tritt, etc.).
- Pat Buchanan, legendary player (Travis Tritt, etc.) at Ocean Way, Nashville, TN., Pat Buchanan with Artist Susan Toney, "Love Is The Cure" © 2012, Nashville, TN. (Aug 10, 2011).
"She’s an award-winning songwriter whose tunes would sound easily at home on albums by Linda Ronstadt or Bonnie Raitt, yet when she takes the stage and sings them herself, it is an experience that will leave you exhilarated with the feeling that you have seen a true polished gem of an artist, a complete, ready-to-go package. That is why Nashville and LA are buzzing about her possibilities, as are a number of savvy film people‚ both indy filmmakers and major studio honchos who appreciate the visual quality of her lyrics. Strange Child‚ her critically-acclaimed debut album, is only the tip of the iceberg, as she has more than 350 songs waiting in her portfolio, a trust fund of music that is sure to pay off. In fact, you could wager the farm on it. Trust me on this one."
- Paul Anderson, Music Critic, LA, CA, Pasadena Star News (Dec 08, 2003)
"Every so often, maybe once or twice per generation, an artist will come along whose work just totally reaches straight to your soul, pulling out dual feelings of dejá vu and thrilling discovery, the kind where you can't wait to let your close friends in on the treasure you've found, though you'll forever remind them that you heard him or her first. Susan Toney is one of those goose-bump inducing artists. As a songwriter, she has a knack for combining lyric, melody and hook together in a package based in folk, country, blues and pop traditions that has savvy people in Nashville and L.A. buzzing. These are songs that could be covered splendidly by a rainbow mix of singers, though in her own hands she makes them sound like a demo tape for the gods. She's definitely the real deal, the only question is, who will be the lucky one to close it?"
- Paul Anderson, Music Critic, LA, CA, Pasadena Star News (August 10, 2003)
"Every so often, maybe once or twice in a generation, an artist will come along whose work makes a beeline straight to either your heart or soul; on a rare occasion, they will latch onto both. It is the kind of feeling that induces both goose bumps and déjà vu, as you sit there thinking “I’ve got to tell someone else about this,” and you do. If you’re lucky enough to be a journalist or writer, you become their champion. And always, in the back of your mind, you are looking forward to the day when you can gloat and simply say, “I always knew. I was there at the beginning.”
- Paul Anderson - Music Critic, Los Angeles, CA (April 12, 2003)
“Brilliant lyrics, melodies and a voice you fall in love with. I have no doubt Susan will become a household name.”
- Paul Drew - Commercial Pop Radio Programmer, Radio Interview (June 12, 2003)
“One of the most gifted writers and singers to come along in years.”
- Arthur Braun - Publisher (Elton John, Bernie Taupin) (June 10, 2004)
“Catch this rising star quick on the club scene before you have to pay real money to see her on tour, which will no doubt come her way.”
- Sam Dunn - Music Connection, People Magazine, LA Style (June 2002)
“A thought provoking, cutting edge singer-songwriter with guitar in hand.”
- Joe Seta - Producer (Ricki Lee Jones, k. d. lang) (August 5,2002)
“I wouldn’t be surprised to find out this long distance artist is rising to the forefront of contemporary pop music soon”.
- John Aaron - Night Moves Magazine (July 2001)
“Susan is unusual in a comfortable kind of way. The medicinal quality of her music is also for sale.”
- Charles John Quarto - One of Americas finest poet/ lyricists (Willie Nelson, Joni Mitchell) (August 2002)
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REVIEW (Full Length): Examiner.com/Susan-Toney:listen-again
- Will Phoenix, http://www.examiner.com/article/Susan-Toney:listen-again (June 24, 2012):
"Once again your crusty chronicler felt the need to resurrect his old “Listen Again” series. For those of you just joining us, the “Listen Again” series is a series in which we revisit albums that for one reason or another perhaps did not receive the attention/acclaim they deserved when they were originally released. Whether it was that the recording was ahead of its time, broke away from the artist’s usual style, was poorly publicized or was initially misunderstood, the “Listen Again” series urges music fans to listen again. This time we reconsider Susan Toney’s Strange Child.
For those who missed the profile piece in “Girls Rock”, Susan Toney is a Los Angeles-based actress, multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter working hard to make her mark in the entertainment industry. Toney, a winner of many music awards, reached a major moment in her music career in 2010 when she finally released her 13 track debut disc, Strange Child.
The CD was recorded, engineered, produced, mixed and mastered by multi-platinum producer, engineer Michael Mancini (Whitney Houston, Billy Joel, Toni Braxton, The Killers, etc.) at Hollywood Sound Recorders in Hollywood, CA and at Pompei Sound Studios in Henderson, Nevada. and co-produced by Richard Barron, bassist Chad Watson and Toney at Sonora Recorders in Atwater Village, CA. Toney, who leads the way with her guitar and vocals, is backed by an assortment of other artists including session musicians: Lou Pardini (piano, keyboards and background vocals), Doug Bossi (acoustic and electric guitar), Abe Laboriel Sr. (bass), Sergio Gonzalez (drums) and Scott Mayo (background vocals) as well as Arno Lucas (drums and backing vocals) and Greg Leisz (pedal steel and dobro).
Strange Child opens on perhaps one of her more popular pieces, “Hollywood”. This is both a favorite of both fans and critics alike. It focuses on the city of subject and serves as a strong introduction to her capabilities at the time.
The second selection is “Cigarettes And Wine”. This, too, is a favorite of many of Toney’s listeners as well as some online critics perhaps in part for its sad story of an imperfect relationship. It’s followed by “Twenty Shades Of Blue” which picks up the pace and features the added talents of Brian Ray on electric guitar and background vocals by Jean McClain and Lauren Wood.
One of the best songs on the disc, however, is “Midnight Rose”. This popular favorite would have, decades ago, been a big hit for the likes of Helen Reddy. It is the tuneful tale of a woman who essentially wants to be more than a booty call. It’s a pretty piece and Toney takes the idea and makes it both timeless and her own.
The next number is “Strange Child”. Jeff Pevar is featured here on electric guitar as Toney continues to demonstrate her ability to write songs that cross genres and melodies that are anything but typical. “Carolina” follows and introduces Skip Edwards on Hammond organ and Novi Novog on electric viola. Toney, who also plays chamberlain here, knows how to changes things up a bit to add variety to the mix.
One of the best cuts here, however, is the one of four tunes not totally penned by Toney. “Just Don’t Mention Love” was co-written with Troy Dexter. The song not only has a memorable message that is quite contemporary but it also features Edwards on Wurlitzer and McClain returning as background vocalist. "Friends And Enemies", the slightly unexpected "Asia" and "Until I Believe" are also included here. The proper production focus is always placed on Toney thus making it difficult to differentiate between the Hollywood and Henderson group or the Sonora team on the material herein.
“Field Of The Heart” follows. This is the longest cut on the CD not that one particularly notices. It is notably quieter than some other tracks and is also distinguished by the addition of new musicians and musical elements including Vail Johnson on fretless bass, Land Richards on drums, Edwards on accordion and Novog on electric viola.
“Critic’s Choice” goes to “Stay With Me A While”. It’s a sincere near sensual appeal to which any man would succumb. Here Toney sets aside her familiar guitar and sits down at the piano as Novog returns on viola, Edwards plays the synthesizer and Stefanie Fife adds the final touch on the cello. The track adds to and further accents the diversity in Toney’s bag of tuneful tricks.
The closing cut is another noteworthy number named “Ransom”. All in all, this tops off a musical mash-up of pop, country, rhythm and blues and Americana. Toney’s talents even early on exhibit ample evidence for the critical comparisons to such other guitar gals as Sheryl Crow, Shania Twain and Joni Mitchell. Even Toney’s earliest material is exceptional and worthy of consideration. If you’ve never listened to Susan Toney’s Strange Child, listen to it. If you've already listened to it . . . listen again.
My name is Will Phoenix and . . . that's the bottom line.
- Will Phoenix, Examiner.com/Susan-Toney:listen-again (June 24, 2012) http://www.examiner.com/article/Susan-Toney:listen-again
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REVIEW (Full Length): Examiner.com/Susan-Toney-Girls:Rock!
- Will Phoenix, http://www.examiner.com/art-in-los-angeles/Susan-Toney-Girls:Rock! (April 6, 2012):
"Susan Toney is a Los Angeles-based artist-actress, multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter climbing her way up the ladder and making her mark in the entertainment industry. Toney has had an interest in music and performing since she was young. As a high school student in Texas she studied musical theory, piano, classical guitar and sang in the choir.
She continued her studies in college graduating with a BFA and MFA in Broadcast Film Arts at Southern Methodist University. She would soon relocate to California. "I moved to L.A. to work in film, television and music." There she would work in various positions in the entertainment industry.
As a writer and performer Toney would go on to work with such luminaries as Jane Getz (John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Harry Nilsson, The Bee Gees, Charles Mingus ), Bob Tucker (The Temptations, Tupac and India.Arie), John Avila (Oingo Boingo), Arno Lucas (Al Jarreau, Jackson Browne) and John Townshend. Toney, who also performs live with a backing band, has had some interesting experiences on the road as well. She opened for the Filipina diva Kuh Ledesma at The Grove in Anaheim, CA and has played at many major music conferences, festivals, fundraisers and local venues in North America.
Toney, a winner of many music awards and a participant in ASCAP’S Lester Sills Writers Workshop, reached a major moment in her music career in 2010 when she finally released her 13 track debut disc, Strange Child. The album included such highlights as the lead-in “Hollywood”, the tuneful title track “Strange Child” and the inviting, intimate “Stay With Me A While”. Other songs off the album including "Hollywood", “Midnight Rose”, “Until I Believe” and “Ransom” were later featured in The Making Of Strange Child a documentary about making the CD.
Soon Toney had garnered exposure on major market, independent and web radio. Highlights include being a featured guest performer on KPFK, KPCC, KUCR, KCLA and other stations across the U.S. on such programs as Woman On Air, Unsigned Artists and Wild Woman Radio Her music also receives airplay in Canada and Europe and on Direct TV.
She is also on the United Airlines compilation CD. Toney has also been on the LA cable television show, Acoustic Café, hosted by Jeff Gold. Her music has appeared in films, including Little City, She Smile Pretty (in which she plays a restaurant customer). Movie Cues signed her as an artist-writer and represents her catalog for use in upcoming films, TV shows, videos and video games.
Perhaps Toney’s best work yet, however, can be found on her most recent album, release date July 6, 2012, the 13-track Love Is the Cure. The album was produced by Grammy award winning multi-platinum producer David Z (Prince, John Mayall, Etta James, Eric Clapton). Toney takes the lead with her guitar and lead vocals. She’s backed by an assortment of other artists including Jane Getz (piano, keyboards, and string arrangements), Mike Rojas (piano, B3 organ, keyboards), Pat Buchanan (acoustic, electric guitar), Jack Holder (acoustic, electric guitar), Bob Britt (acoustic, electric guitar), Steve Mackey (bass), Lynn Williams (drums, percussion), Bekka Bramlett and The McCrary Sisters (background vocals).
The lead-in is a song titled “The Trail of Light and Dark”. It’s an appropriate enough initial introduction to Toney’s music. Still, while it is the longest cut on the work it only begins to touch upon the type of tunes Toney is capable of crafting when she steps into a recording studio.
The second selection is “Missing Me”. This is perhaps a prerequisite for any gal with a guitar doing country pop music. This type of song in this day and age don’t usually work for your crusty chronicler but while we have heard this kind of song before Toney takes it and manages to make it her own with her own point of view.
“Love Is the Cure” is the next number. This one is effectively done and it nicely offsets the previous piece in terms of both message and music. It’s no surprise that it was chosen as the title track as it works quite well as a pop and also adult contemporary composition.
It’s followed by “Fix This Broken Heart (Falls Apart)”. It is yet another example of the Toney’s versatility in terms of her songwriting and performance skills. It’s also almost overshadowed by one of the best songs on the album—“Angelina”.
“Angelina” is a subtle song about a woman in perhaps the world’s oldest profession. It’s vaguely reminiscent of an earlier song or two by other performers and yet distinctly different thanks to Toney’s talents. It seems to contain elements of jazz and blues that makes it work surprisingly well.
“How Can I Reach You” is a nice blend of Toney’s influences. It is a sincere country rock ballad that stands alone. “When the Storm Comes” follows next touching on yet new genres in a piece that is both beautiful and spiritual and reveals a new side of the artist.
“All Roads” includes some interesting vocal work and gives listeners an insight into Toney’s optimism as she takes a “glass half full” look at the Thomas Wolfe attitude. Toney’s performance makes the listener believe that if one really wants to go home it is indeed not only possible but actually easy. (One truly wonders if Toney trades in her boots for red slippers when she sings this one!)
“In Her World” is a lofty number perfectly placed on the playlist to follow the previous piece and precede “You're Wrong Again”. “You’re Wrong Again” is interesting in that it contains both attitude and an unexpected story. “Down By The Water” is yet another track that amply explains why Toney is oft’-times compared to both Joni Mitchell and Shania Twain.
“I Will Deliver” is next. This is yet another song that seems surprisingly sincere and certainly contains a message that any man could appreciate. Toney’s lyrics contain an attitude that is sadly sometimes all too rare coming from a woman and in truth holds a truth that perhaps anyone in a relationship—male or female—should more readily consider. This is the “Critic’s Choice” over the other tracks here if only for her songwriting. (In fact, the upcoming film, Harmony & Melody, will feature this track and three other cuts from this disc.)
The closing cut is “Through the Heart”. Again Toney is able to teach without being preachy. Her songs touch upon many common elements and messages and yet Toney manages to give the audience her own heartfelt and personal take. Her diverse blend of musical genres and performances on this recording prove that when she sings “I Will Deliver” . . . she means it.
My name is Phoenix and . . . that's the bottom line."
- Will Phoenix, Examiner.com/Susan-Toney:Girls Rock! (April 6, 2012) http://www.examiner.com/art-in-los-angeles/Susan-Toney-girls-rock/
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REVIEW (Full Length):
"Music Straight To The Heart" - (April 2003)
"Every so often, maybe once or twice in a generation, an artist will come along whose work makes a beeline straight to either your heart or soul; on a rare occasion, they will latch onto both. It is the kind of feeling that induces both goose bumps and déjà vu, as you sit there thinking “I’ve got to tell someone else about this,” and you do. If you’re lucky enough to be a journalist or writer, you become their champion. And always, in the back of your mind, you are looking forward to the day when you can gloat and simply say, “I always knew. I was there at the beginning.”
Susan Toney is one of these rare artists that engender such passionate responses from the heart and soul. She is the kind of singer who’s voice immediately registers a feeling of comfort, with a hint of Southern twang around the edges, still betraying her Oklahoma roots after living in California. It is a voice full of honesty and pathos, wry and world-savvy.
Combine that with a poet’s eye and a pop tunesmith’s feel for melody and you end up with a complete package that traverses pop, folk, country, R&B and just about any other genre you can think of. Her songs wrap it all up in little masterpieces that will have you humming along by the third chorus. Some songwriters wait all their lives to come up with a single great hook; Toney manages to do it effortlessly, genius resonating throughout her entire catalog.
From plaintive torch songs to blustery sing-a-longs, Toney sings with a smoky intensity that demands your attention as she sings songs that could only come from someone who has been to the edge and back, combining an old sage’s wisdom together with a child’s wonderment. Toney has won several songwriting awards and competitions (Billboard, American Song Festival, etc.). As a true sign of her abilities, she has had a near-constant stream of fellow songwriters clamoring to work with her.
Her CD, "Strange Child", is garnering glowing reviews and rapturous attention from radio programmers, a nearly impossible feat for a first-time independent DIY release. It has led to a number of songs being placed in movies and television, which is rather fitting, since she initially supported herself in Los Angeles as a successful cinematographer. When she begins pre-production on her next album, she will face a dilemma: which of her 200-odd songs will she choose?
Toney moved quite a bit while growing up – Oklahoma, Kansas City, New York, St. Louis and several towns in Texas. She began playing music in the fourth grade, studying classical guitar, piano, banjo, harmonica and singing in the school choir, then, continued through high school. She went to SMU to further her music studies, where she earned a Masters in Film/Television, Bachelors of Film/Television and Bachelors of Arts degree. Students would show up early to listen to her latest song before class began. Later, she moved to Southern California where several doors in the music industry would open for her. Toney, the young sage again, waiting on the right time to walk through them.
Suffice it to say, this Pasadena-based artist is the real thing. She says, “I am a pop artist and though I can crossover and sing other styles, vocally driven music is what I do. I love film scoring, acting and directing.” She sighs one last time, “But ultimately, music is the quickest, straightest path to the heart.” It’s a road that Susan Toney knows well. And pretty soon, the world will know that, too."
- Paul Anderson - Music Critic, Los Angeles, CA (April 2003)
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SUSAN TONEY • LOVE IS THE CURE • CD LINER NOTES:
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SUSAN TONEY • LOVE IS THE CURE ℗ & © 2012, © 2012 Susan Toney, Screaming Child Music (BMI); Strange Child Records © 2012.
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SUSAN TONEY • LOVE IS THE CURE • Strange Child Records • SCR 2011-1
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SUSAN TONEY • LOVE IS THE CURE
PRODUCED BY DAVID Z
Total Time 53:01
1. The Trail Of Light And Dark 05:11
(Susan Toney)
2. Missing Me 04:39
(Susan Toney)
3. Love Is The Cure 03:58
(Susan Toney)
4. Can You Fix This Broken Heart (Falls Apart) 03:48
(Susan Toney)
5. Angelina 03:30
(Susan Toney)
6. How Can I Reach You 04:33
(Susan Toney, Jane Getz)
7. When The Storm Comes 02:58
(Susan Toney, Jane Getz)
8. All Roads 04:38
(Susan Toney)
9. In Her World 03:46
(Susan Toney)
10. You're Wrong Again 04:21
(Susan Toney)
11. Down By The Water 03:32
(Susan Toney)
12. I Will Deliver 04:22
(Susan Toney, Jane Getz)
13. Through The Heart 03:42
(Susan Toney)
℗ & © 2012 Strange Child Records. © 2012 Susan Toney,
Screaming Child Music (BMI). www.susantoney.com
Made In the U.S.A. by Strange Child Records. All Rights
Reserved. Unauthorized copying, reproduction of the
recording, hiring, lending, public performance and
broadcasting prohibited and are a violation of applicable
laws. Warning:Unauthorized reproduction of this recording is
prohibited by federal law and is subject to criminal prosecution.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SUSAN TONEY • LOVE IS THE CURE • Strange Child Records • SCR 2011-1
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Assistant Engineered By Jacob Murry At Ocean Way Studios
Nashville, Tennessee
Recorded And Mixed At Ocean Way Recording Studios
Nashville, Tennessee
Mastered At Zen Masters By Ray Kennedy
Nashville, Tennessee
Photography By Steve Roberts Photography
Memphis, Tennessee
Art Direction and Graphic Design By:
Chris Yeseta, Tujunga, California
Emad Haddad, Pasadena, California
Jim Rasfeld, Canoga Park, California
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SPECIAL THANKS:
To Pat, Allen and Jessie at Ocean Way Studios, Nashville . To David Z for the calm focus on the music, sound, recording and genius in rightly combining the elements on the platinum, grammy award winning album you produced, engineered and mixed. Thank you for your generosity and guidance. To Jacob Murry for your attention to detail. To Ray Kennedy for your tremendous talent, skill and ability to help us hear the album that was so beautifully, written, sung, played, produced, engineered, mixed and mastered. You're the best, thanks for attention to the intricate details and your support of my career. To Jane Getz for your musical contribution, talent, mentoring and friendship. To Bob Tucker, for your friendship, artistic guidance, impeccable recording and production in your studio in Los Angeles, California on the parts and tracks, David Z mixed in to the record in Nashville. To my dear friends who wrote, sang, played, drove and flew in, to make this record very special. Mike Rojas for your talent and brilliant playing. Bob Britt for your great style and the wonderful, cool parts you played. Pat Buchanan for your staggering talent, hearing the beautiful things you play, your immense belief in my work and support of me as an artist. Jack Holder for connecting to the soul in my songs, for driving from Memphis and bringing your legendary talent and "the blues," from your heart and hands, to my music. Steve Mackey for your brilliant playing, bringing the musical bottom and balance together with the notes you played on my record. To Lynn Williams for your impeccable playing, generous spirit and the distinctive, solid beat you've developed, working and traveling with so many great country legends. Bekka Bramlett for your voice and heart going where my songs took you, for your faith and friendship. To Ann, Regina and Afreda, "The McCrary Sisters" after just flying in from a tour, for driving in to Nashville and singing your beautiful background vocals. Thanks for adding to the special anointing, prayer and faith, which surrounds me and this album and for the love and friendship that is there when we work. To Chris Yeseta, Emad Haddad and Jim Rasfeld for your honesty, clarity, talent, art direction and graphic design on the album. To Teresa for your artistic and creative guidance, help, love and suport. To my friends, loved ones and family, for your invincible faith, unconditional love, and support. Finally, my humble thanks and praise to God, the creator of all living things large and small, for my life, gifts, talents, prosperity, healing and the blessing to share them. To my mother, the fine artist and friend, for all of your help. This album is dedicated to my mother and father, who's instruction, love and patience, will last my lifetime.
℗ & © 2012 Strange Child Records.
All Rights Reserved. Made In The U.S.A. by
Strange Child Records. www.susantoney.com
Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
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LOVE IS THE CURE CD SONG LYRICS:
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THE TRAIL OF LIGHT AND DARK 05:11
(Susan Toney)
You come back here again so selfishly
For the last piece of my heart
And I so foolishly and carelessly take part
I watch my hope die and my soul cry
Well how much do you need
Then I remember your photographs
You like to watch them bleed
Chorus
Baby the trail of light and dark you see
It’s just the trace of life and death you leave
Baby the trail of light and dark you see
It’s just the trace of life and death you leave
Ooh hoo
You’ve got a four by four box staring straight at me
But no matter how fast you pull that shutter
Your lens will never capture me
Because you’ll try to slip by
As soon as I believe
I still remember the way you laughed
When I was on my knees
Chorus
Ooh ho oh ho ho
Now you want to come back to me
But these eyes of mine can see
(Repeat Chorus Twice)
Ooh hoo oh ho ho ooh hoo oh ho ho
Ooh ho ho ho ooh hoo ah ya ya ya ya ya ya ya ya
SUSAN TONEY: lead vocals, acoustic guitar
MIKE ROJAS: piano, keyboards
PAT BUCHANAN: electric guitar
JACK HOLDER: acoustic, electric guitar
STEVE MACKEY: bass
LYNN WILLIAMS: drums, percussion
BEKKA BRAMLETT: background vocals
© 2012 Susan Toney Screaming Child Music (BMI).
All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.
MISSING ME 04:39
(Susan Toney)
Deep inside this green box
Where all the secrets hide
My heart and soul are strong and whole
From all the tears I’ve cried
I’m letting go of worry
Surrendering my fear
Releasing everything
Trapped inside of here
Chorus
So here’s your lonely Here’s your empty
You won’t find me I will be gone before you know
You’re missing me Missing me
You’re missing me Missing me
You gave me some money
To help me live my life
But you expected silence
That I just kindly not remind you
To say it never happened
My pain some made up thing
Some strange hallucination
I invented to be mean
Chorus
The truth is sometimes costly
But it’s always worth the price
In the long run it’s much cheaper
Than all the secrets and all the lies
Now I must go my own way
It’s long been overdue
I found the key to all the locks
That shackle me to you
So here’s your lonely And here’s your empty
You won’t find me I will be gone before you know
Here’s your lonely Here’s your empty
You won’t find me I will be gone before you know
You’re missing me You’re missing me
You’re missing me U’m missing me
Are you missing me Are you missing me
Missing me U’m missing me
Are you missing me Missing me
U’m missing me Are you missing me
SUSAN TONEY: lead vocals, acoustic guitar
MIKE ROJAS: B3 organ
PAT BUCHANAN: electric guitar
JACK HOLDER: acoustic, electric guitar
STEVE MACKEY: bass
LYNN WILLIAMS: drums, percussion
BEKKA BRAMLETT: background vocals
© 2012 Susan Toney, Screaming Child Music (BMI).
All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.
LOVE IS THE CURE 03:58
(Susan Toney)
I’ve seen your best work
You must be proud
You took your best shot
To take me down
But you’re just here on borrowed time
You pretend to be a good friend of mine
Crooked smile twisted rhyme
Victory is mine
Chorus
And I don’t know why I feel afraid
Your love will get me through
The darkest nights you shine your light
If fear is the pain
Love is the cure
You like to sneak up
Without a sound
I picked your face out
Amongst the crowds
You’re just here on borrowed time
So don’t pretend to be a good friend of mine
Crooked smile twisted rhyme
Victory is mine
Chorus
If fear ooh if fear is the pain
Love is the cure
I don’t know why I feel afraid
Your love will get me through
The darkest nights you shine your light
If fear ooh if fear yea is the pain
Love is the cure Love is the cure
(Repeat Twice)
SUSAN TONEY: lead vocals, acoustic guitar
MIKE ROJAS: B3 organ
PAT BUCHANAN: acoustic, electric guitar
JACK HOLDER: acoustic guitar
STEVE MACKEY: bass
LYNN WILLIAMS: drums, percussion
BEKKA BRAMLETT: background vocals
© 2012 Susan Toney Screaming Child Music (BMI).
All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.
FIX THIS BROKEN HEART (FALLS APART) 03:48
(Susan Toney)
Can you fix this broken heart
It’s been broken from the start
Surely it was meant for love
What were they thinking of
Chorus
‘Cause I hear birds sing and I love moonlight
I Feel sentimental in that soft light
And I feel so fine most of the time
Except when it comes to this heart
That’s where it all falls apart
Kind of worried I’m kind of scared
I kind of wish that you were here
All the answers are deep inside
Why do they have to hide
Chorus
Huh ho ha ha ha ha ha ha
Can you fix this broken heart
Can you fix this broken heart
It’s been broken from the start
Surely it was meant for love
What were they thinking of
(Repeat Chorus Twice)
Can you fix this broken heart
(Repeat Eight Times)
SUSAN TONEY: lead vocals, acoustic guitar
MIKE ROJAS: piano, B3 organ, keyboards, synthesizer
PAT BUCHANAN: acoustic guitar
JACK HOLDER: acoustic, electric guitar
STEVE MACKEY: bass
LYNN WILLIAMS: drums, percussion
THE MCCRARY SISTERS: background vocals
© 2012 Susan Toney, Screaming Child Music (BMI).
All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.
ANGELINA 03:30
(Susan Toney)
There’s a girl walking the night
Standing under the light
And they call her Angelina
Nothing to hide letting it show
She un-buttons her long brown overcoat
After the men have come to see her
Chorus
Hey now Angelina
Angelina
Angelina
Don’t be fooled she’s not who she seems
A bright flame burns beneath
The skin and the eyes of Angelina
Though it’s gone dim many a time
Inside a fragile broken heart cries
As her soul waits to claim her freedom
(Repeat Chorus )
Do di di it’n duh Di di’n di di duh
Di di’n it duh di Di’n di di di’n d’it di duh
As I watch I’m wanting to know
Where else she could go
And pray that her fate is her redeemer
When I was young he said it was love
It’s only by grace I didn’t get shoved
Back to the rooms where secret’s linger
(Repeat Chorus Twice)
SUSAN TONEY: lead vocals, acoustic guitar
MIKE ROJAS: piano
JANE GETZ: piano, Rhodes, keyboards
PAT BUCHANAN: electric guitar
JACK HOLDER: acoustic, electric guitar
STEVE MACKEY: bass
LYNN WILLIAMS: drums, percussion
BEKKA BRAMLETT: background vocals
© 2012 Susan Toney, Screaming Child Music (BMI).
All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.
HOW CAN I REACH YOU 04:33
(Susan Toney, Jane Getz)
How long ago did you stop listening
‘Cause you don’t hear a word I say
Seems like miles and miles between us
When did you go away
You say it’s hard to trust somebody
‘Cause you don’t even trust yourself
Got the cards all stacked against me honey
You push away the one who tries to help
Chorus
How can I reach you
Where have you gone to
How can I get through
Where do I start
Ooh baby I miss you
What can I do
To find a way back into
Into your heart
Can’t you see my lips are moving
My feet are walking toward the door
My voice echo’s in the hallway
But you don’t hear it anymore
You don’t know my heart is breaking
You’re so wrapped up in yourself
I am yours just for the taking
Do you want somebody else
Chorus
Let me in let it be
Let it live let it breathe
How long has it been since you touched me
You turn your back when I turn off the light
But there is someone who loves me
And He will hear my prayer tonight
Chorus
Find a way Find a way Find a way back into your heart
SUSAN TONEY: lead vocals, background vocals, acoustic guitar
MIKE ROJAS: piano
JANE GETZ: piano arrangement, piano, keyboards, synthesizer (clarinet)
BOB BRITT: acoustic, electric guitar
JACK HOLDER: acoustic, electric guitar
STEVE MACKEY: bass
LYNN WILLIAMS: drums, percussion
© 2012 Susan Toney, Screaming Child Music(BMI); Jane Getz, Janiac Music (BMI).
All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.
WHEN THE STORM COMES 02:58
(Susan Toney, Jane Getz)
When the storm comes
I will be ready
Ready as I’ll ever be
When the storm comes
He will shelter me
When the storm comes
And the thunder rolls
And the cold wind blows
When the storm comes
I won’t be alone
Well He will take me as I am
I’ll be safe and sound
Rockin’ in the cradle of Abraham
Walkin’ on hallowed ground
Chorus
When the storm comes
I’ll fly above the clouds
No I’m not going down
When the storm comes
I’ll be homeward bound
Instrumental
He will take me as I am
Though sinner I may be
I’ll be riding through the streets of Jerusalem
Breaking bread with the King of Kings
(Repeat Chorus Twice)
When the storm comes
I’ll be homeward bound
(Repeat Three Times)
SUSAN TONEY: lead vocals, background vocals, acoustic guitar
MIKE ROJAS: piano, B3 organ
JANE GETZ: piano, string arrangement, keyboards (strings)
PAT BUCHANAN: acoustic, electric guitar
JACK HOLDER: acoustic, electric guitar
STEVE MACKEY: bass
LYNN WILLIAMS: drums, percussion
THE MCCRARY SISTERS: background vocals
© 2012 Susan Toney, Screaming Child Music (BMI); Jane Getz, Janiac Music (BMI).
All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.
ALL ROADS 04:38
(Susan Toney)
You wonder if you’ll ever get it right
So you lie awake at night
You’re searching in the darkness for your light
While your flame is burning bright
Nobody told you
Well I think it’s time that you should know
The truth be told
All roads lead you home
Got you doubting if you can really fly
Unaware you touch the sky
Not knowing where you are you’re so surprised
When you open up your eyes
Nobody told you
I think it’s time that you should know
The truth be told
All roads lead you home
There’s no mystery in power or money
There’s mystery in love
Don’t make the mistake of letting them take
Your diamond in the rough
Don’t you let them convince you
That you’re not good enough
Hey hey hey hey hey’e
So you feel alone you feel afraid
Question all the moves you’ve made
You’re running out of faith but you still pray
Well you never lost your way
Nobody told you aah ah
Well I think it’s time that you should know
The truth be told
All roads lead you home
All roads lead you home All roads lead you
All roads lead you home All roads lead you
All roads lead you home
All roads lead you All roads lead you
All roads lead you home
All roads lead you All roads lead you home
(Repeat Eight Times)
SUSAN TONEY: lead vocals, acoustic guitar
MIKE ROJAS: piano, B3 organ
PAT BUCHANAN: acoustic, electric guitar
JACK HOLDER: acoustic guitar
STEVE MACKEY: bass
LYNN WILLIAMS: drums, percussion
THE MCCRARY SISTERS: background vocals
© 2012 Susan Toney, Screaming Child Music (BMI).
All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.
IN HER WORLD 03:46
(Susan Toney)
She’s got this way about her
No need to try and figure it out
Just like that long haired alley cat
Who stayed for good on the front door mat
Chorus
But she’s not yours
She’s calling this her home
You’ll never own her
But you’ll never be alone again
‘Cause things are all right in her world
‘Cause things are all right in her world
She turns confusion back to silence
Cups the darkness in the palm of her hand
With a kiss blows it straight back to heaven
In her state of grace the devils just a weak frightened man
Chorus
Well she’s like the moon and sun and stars
She takes you gently to a place in her arms
That you’ve never been
Chorus
She’s got this way about her
(Repeat Five Times)
SUSAN TONEY: lead vocals, acoustic guitar
MIKE ROJAS: piano, B3 organ, keyboards
PAT BUCHANAN: acoustic, electric guitar
JACK HOLDER: acoustic, electric guitar
STEVE MACKEY: bass
LYNN WILLIAMS: drums, percussion
THE MCCRARY SISTERS: background vocals
© 2012 Susan Toney, Screaming Child Music (BMI).
All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.
YOU'RE WRONG AGAIN 04:21
(Susan Toney)
Take a step
Back away from me
I don’t want your pain and your grief
I bet you thought this poor dumb girl would never see
The edge of the cliff
Chorus
These eyes see better at night
You’re blinded by the light
You should have covered your tracks
You were too confident
That this was one fight I wouldn’t win
You’re wrong again
I’m on solid ground
I’m stronger than I’ve ever been
A mountain of rock beneath my feet
My step is sure and my aim is even better yet
So much for your sure thing
Chorus
All the years I hurt inside
I tried to find some place to hide my sorrow sorrow
You were there to rob me blind
Prepared to steal my heart my soul my mind
Chorus
You’re wrong again You’re wrong again
(Repeat Four Times)
SUSAN TONEY: lead vocals, acoustic guitar
MIKE ROJAS: piano, B3 organ
PAT BUCHANAN: electric guitar
JACK HOLDER: acoustic, electric guitar
STEVE MACKEY: bass
LYNN WILLIAMS: drums, percussion
BEKKA BRAMLETT: background vocals
© 2012 Susan Toney, Screaming Child Music (BMI).
All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.
DOWN BY THE WATER 03:32
(Susan Toney)
Down by the water
I’ll spend some treasured time with you
I’m a sweet loveless daughter
That your momma never knew
Chorus
I hope that in my eyes you’ll see
A woman’s love can set you free
Free set your soul free
And make you whole again
Fire burns like embers
You stroke my hair and touch my face
My soul remembers
Then you find my secret place
I hope that in my eyes you’ll see
A friend’s love can set you free
Free set your soul free
And make you whole again
So many days and so many nights
I prayed you’d find your way
(Repeat First Verse)
(Repeat Chorus)
Set your soul free
And make you whole again
Set your soul free
And make you whole again
Down by the water
SUSAN TONEY: lead vocals, acoustic guitar
MIKE ROJAS: piano, B3 organ, keyboards
BOB BRITT: acoustic, electric guitar
PAT BUCHANAN: acoustic, electric guitar
JACK HOLDER: acoustic guitar
STEVE MACKEY: bass
LYNN WILLIAMS: drums, percussion
© 2012 Susan Toney, Screaming Child Music, BMI).
All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.
I WILL DELIVER 04:22
(Susan Toney, Jane Getz)
Tell me what you really want and I will deliver
Got the purest gold and the finest silver
There is nothing too big there is nothing too small
If you want a little somethin’ or you want it all
You are the one I have been waiting for
Chorus
You be the taker I’ll be the giver anything you want
I will be your light in the darkest winter
And love will flow to you like a mighty river
Anything you want I will deliver
If you’re thinking of a mansion or a castle in the sand
Or just a little white washed bungalow baby here I am
I will take you to the waters edge as far as you can walk
And when you think you can’t go on love will carry you across
You are the one I have been waiting for
Chorus
Your heart can’t see can you believe
Now I give my word to you and I don’t take it lightly
There will be no broken promises baby trust me
I’ve got the strength of my convictions and the power of faith
And I will move a mountain for you baby if that’s what it takes
Chorus
Anything you want I will deliver
Ooh anything anything
Don’t you worry baby leave it to me
I’ll be the giver
Take it all Take it all Take it all
Anything you want I will deliver
SUSAN TONEY: lead vocals, background vocals, acoustic guitar
MIKE ROJAS: keyboards
JANE GETZ: piano, piano and string arrangement, keyboards (strings)
PAT BUCHANAN: acoustic, electric guitar
JACK HOLDER: acoustic, electric guitar
STEVE MACKEY: bass
LYNN WILLIAMS: drums, percussion
THE MCCRARY SISTERS: background vocals
© 2012 Susan Toney, Screaming Child Music (BMI); Jane Getz, Janiac Music (BMI).
All Rights Reserved. Used By Permissionn.
THROUGH THE HEART 03:42
(Susan Toney)
Well your sitting there afraid
Lost inside and don’t know what to do
A prisoner of the fears surrounding you
No one can rescue you
Chorus
And the only thing that’s true
Is the only way to love
And the only way to love
Is as gentle as a dove
The only way to love is through the heart
I hope you make it through
All the plans that we have made
Divide them up and cut them all in two
Feel free to keep the walls protecting you
I couldn’t make it through
Chorus
Well your running scared
But you can’t see how blind you are
At times I thought you nearly touched the light
But you let go of it suddenly
Clutching for the need to just be right
Chorus
The only way to love is through the heart
The only way to love
The only way to love is through the heart
I hope you make it through
Ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh ooh
Oh oh ooh ooh ooh ooh oh
U’m I hope you do Oh ooh ooh ooh
Hope you make it through
Hope you make it through
SUSAN TONEY lead vocals, acoustic guitar
MIKE ROJAS piano, B3 organ
PAT BUCHANAN electric guitar
JACK HOLDER acoustic, electric guitar
STEVE MACKEY bass
LYNN WILLIAMS drums, percussion
BEKKA BRAMLETT background vocals
© 2012 Susan Toney, Screaming Child Music (BMI).
All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission.
All songs written by SUSAN TONEY, published by Screaming Child
Music BMI; except songs co-written with Jane Getz, published by
Screaming Child Music BMI and Janiac Music BMI.
Lyrics used by permission. All Rights Reserved.
Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
℗ & © 2012 Strange Child Records. All Rights Reserved.
Made in the U.S.A. Strange Child Records. www.susantoney.com
Unauthorized copying, reproduction of this recording, hiring,
lending, public performance and broadcasting prohibited.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
SUSAN TONEY • LOVE IS THE CURE ℗ & © 2012, © 2012 Susan Toney, Screaming Child Music (BMI); Strange Child Records © 2012.
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SUSAN TONEY • LOVE IS THE CURE • Strange Child Records • SCR 2011-1
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