What's been said about Toni....

Maverick Magazine review.
February 2007 issue

Toni Catlin
Uncovered

Catlines Music

4 out of 5 star rating



Nashville-based singer-songwriter with an honest, thought-provoking style

Toni Catlin made her recording debut five years ago with the release of HEARTACHE ON THE RUN. Now she follows it up with an equally impressive album which Mary Gauthier describes as 'fantastic', adding, 'Her singing is stunning, simply beautiful. Her songs are first rate, and her style crosses many genres;' high praise indeed from a singer-songwriter who is held in high esteem by her peers. It is difficult to categorise Catlin's music but then, why should everything be neatly pigeonholed? Influenced by the likes of Lucinda Williams, Shawn Colvin, Patty Griffin and others of similar ilk one could say that stylistically she broadly fits in with these without ever being branded a clone. Enlisting the help of a number of co-writers she worked with on her first album, Catlin's name is appended to all fourteen songs, two of which, Disappear and When The Morning Comes she has written on her own. Without exception, the songs are, as Mary Gauthier proclaims, first rate, sensitive, literate, poetic with the lyrics strongly suggesting that Ms Catlin is not only wearing her heart on her sleeve but convincingly revealing her own life experiences which elevate them above much of the mish-mash pap churned out by retained nine-to-five writers and grabbed, off the peg, by some a&r guy for the newest pretty face on the scene who doesn't even get to see the song until she is actually in the studio.

A number of the songs relate to a certain insecurity in the game of love. Not Goin' Down offering unequivocal advice to a wavering lover that, although the protagonist is prepared to fight to keep the flame aglow, love is a two way thing and if he fails to respond then the battle is lost. The driving Undertow shares a similar theme as indeed do Uncovered, Break Me Open and Shooting Arrows In The Dark, pleas to lovers to commit themselves to a deep and meaningful relationship. Strong Stuff, on the other hand, tells us of the singer's addiction to the touch of her lover and we find her making all the running on A Little Leads To More and Deeper while Disappear, one of the highlights of the album, with its sad sense of resignation, is one of the most poignant songs I have heard in a long while. Another heartbreaker is When The Morning Comes and this, coupled with Sunday Morning leave the listener in little doubt as to what it feels like to be the loser in love. None of these are mere 'nine-to-five' jingles. There is potency about every one, which makes for compelling listening.

Jointly produced by Doug Lancio, who has worked with Gretchen Peters and Patty Griffin, and Thom Jutz, well known for his work with Richard Dobson for a number of years, the production is well suited to the material. There is a good balance between insistent, driving numbers, mid-paced songs and slow, heartfelt ballads. At no time is the singer drowned out by her backing which, in the experienced hands of Lancio and Jutz, offer exactly the right vehicle for the lyrics. It has been a five-year wait since Ms Catlin's last album. This lady has something fresh and meaningful to offer so one can only hope that we will not have to wait as long for her next album.

UNCOVERED should be readily available through most good import stores or may be purchased via Toni's website.
LK - ©Maverick 2007



Turners Hill House Concert, West Sussex
Sunday May 20th 2007
A review by Andy Cole

Setlist
1. Wayfaring Stranger 2. Not Goin' Down 3. Strong Stuff 4. We Are Water 5. Disappear 6. Shotgun Down The Avalanche 7. Undertow 8. Landslide 9. Hallelujah 10. Me And My Heartache On The Run 11. Room To Burn 12. Deeper 13. Willin' 14. Break Me Open 15. Top Of The World 16. So Beautiful 17. Angel From Montgomery 18. Tenderly 19. Wrong Side of Me

This provided Vermont native now Nashville based singer-songwriter Toni Catlin with her only UK gig for this year. A unique intimate stop-off before jetting off to play shows at Akrotiri Villas, Crete in Greece. It is always special to catch an artist when they have a great new album out. Her latest album UNCOVERED produced by the Grammy-nominated multi-instrumentalist / producer Doug Lancio certainly has been well received. Gaining radio airplay on Bob Harris' Country and extensive support across the UK local BBC network.

She also showcased some brand new material from a cover song project, an idea of her father, which he encouraged her to embark on. Songs included bringing back halcyon days of being close to nature singing songs together around the campfire at the family resort Timberlock in the Adirondacks, New York State whilst enjoying the spectacular wilderness and lakeside settings.

This project has been full mastered so expect to see another release at the latter part of this year. It is at this stage unnamed but I raised the question that perhaps it may be titled 'Covered'!

Playing solo in a totally unplugged guise she opened with the well-known folk song 'Wayfaring Stranger' a Burl Ives signature song about a vagabond on a journey home, readers may be more familiar with recordings by the likes of Emmylou Harris.
After playing 'Strong Stuff ' about a boyfriends addiction to the demon drink and the singers own take on dealing with her inner demons with the obsession of a lovers touch. She shared with us that writing songs is like answering questions in ones own life. Toni, who writes for publishing company Matt Lindsey Music, said this song has been pitched to a multi award Winning Female artist - Watch this space!

Greatly inspired by Patty Griffin after seeing her live 'We Are Water' was a song Patty allowed Toni to cut in 2001 .It is therefore apt that they now share the same producer in Doug Lancio, 6 of the 14 tracks on the 'Uncovered' album being credited to him. Later in the set she also performed 'Top Of The World' another Patty Griffin masterpiece.'Disappear' a personal favourite from the 'Uncovered' CD completely captures Toni's stunning vocal. With her forlorn cry which has a delicacy and fragility it draws in the listener especially when delivering the glorious chorus: 'Just like smoke into the atmosphere / I'll slip away and disappear / Like leaves when they hit the ground / You won't have to hear the sound / Of my heart breaking or dry my tears I'll just disappear.
It was joyous on the evening to hear her take of 'Willin' (Lowell George) which Jon Randall cut, Stevie Nicks' 'Landslide' and particularly Shawn Colvin's 'Shotgun Down The Avalanche' for whom she once opened and whose musical style has rubbed off on songs like 'Not Goin' Down'.

After 'Undertow' one of several songs she has co-written with L.A based Warren Sellers, we were informed that this was a carry-over track from a compilation CD called 'Girls with Guitars'. Toni was to tour the UK in 2001 with Kimberley Dahme and Cindy Kalmenson as part of a Girls With Guitars trio. Owing to the terrible events of September 11th understandably with families the other 2 girls cancelled. Toni spoke about flying over just days after "in a very empty plane" for her 1st ever UK date, such was her determination to bring her music to our country.

'Hallelujah' really grabbed the attention, something of an anthem song inspired by an article about the injustices in churches and in the greater world.

Toni is still quite rightly immensely proud of the former title cut ‘Me And My Heartache on the Run’ concerning surrender. This song co-written with Gwil Owen was a 2001 winner at the prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting Contest held at Merlefest in North Carolina.

John Prine's superb 'Angel From Montgomery', always a crowd pleaser towards the end of a set well suited her soulful and emotional delivery and didn't disappoint. As the evening drew to a close we aptly heard the song 'Tenderly' with its opening 'The air is cooling and the sun's going down/.., written by L.A writer Kevin Fisher this appeared on Sherrié Austin's 1998 debut 'Words'

Brand new song 'So Beautiful' demonstrated the quality of this Nashville tunesmith, the later being a hugely uplifting song with its special words. In fact earlier after the rootsy 'Break Me Open' Toni spoke both of the challenges when writing for publishers and that how Nashville has inspired her to "raise the bar" musically with all the great music around. On the evidence of this West Sussex House Concert she certainly has!
Many thanks to all concerned for making this such an enjoyable evening.
( See - www.houseconcerts.org.uk)

Andy Cole


"Equal parts rootsy folk-rock and country with integrity, singer-songwriter Toni Catlin weaves tales of heartache, acceptance, and redemption and delivers them in a soulful, mellifluous voice that suggests she's lived more than a few of her lyrics. Her debut album Heartache on the Run features many of Nashville's top session musicians, but Preston Sullivan's production avoids the studio-sterile pitfalls and conjures more of a band vibe." ~ The Nashville Scene

"Toni Catlin, Merlefest songwriting winner and exceptional folk-rock, country talent's debut CD Heartache on the Run is deftly written and captivating."
~The Rage (Nasvhille, TN)

"Heartache on the Run is a solid debut from Toni Catlin, who, with producer Preton Sullivan, has put together a talented group of players including guest vocalists Jon Randall, Britt Savage, and Walt Wilkins. "Wrong Side Of Me" is a "he done me wrong" female throw-down tune that's country flavored and gently rocking. Catlin's voice is rich and distinctive, the song a definite must play".
~ Jessie Scott (Gavin)

"Toni Catlin borrows a moan from Patty Loveless, a sigh from Alison Krauss and a slightly edgy outsider sound from Jamie O'Neal. It's not all somebody-done-somebody-wrong songs, but expect a double dose of longing from this promising new Nashville artist. Eddie's Attic."
~Creative Loafing Magazine (Atlanta, Georgia)

"Nashville-based singer-songwriter Toni Catlin, a regular of Billy Block's infamous Western Beat live radio show, delivers a debut album that is not only refreshingly different to most Music Row productions, but also highly listenable. There are several notable A-team players in attendance: Dave Pomeroy, Russ Pahl and Mike Seevers, not to mention Jon Randall on background vocals. But the real star of this record is Catlin and her well-written tunes, that stand up well to the pair of outside songs, Patty Griffin's We Are Water and Julie Miller's Sometimes I Cry. Like Gretchen Peters, Shawn Colvin and Miller at their most inspired, Catlin is a
deceptively edgy songwriter who frames her thought-provoking poetry in an irresistible musical tableau. The most immediately compelling tracks are the effervescent Breakin' New Ground, the instantly memorable Somewhere In Your Heart, the touching and enigmatic No Justice In Love and the catchy Bulletproof. This lady performs with a confidence that allows her to flawlessly merge a wide vocal range with a considerable dose of raw emotion and soul. One to definitely seek out and enjoy."
**** (4 Stars)
~ Alan Cackett (Country Music Int'l Magazine)

"Toni Catlin's Heartache on the Run is one of those CD's that remind you of heading out on a long road trip, either in a car or more profoundly on the "road trip"of life. Toni's voice is pure and mature beyond what one would think of a debut album. It's like the first time I heard Fiona Apple and Alana Davis – both seemed too strong and powerful for debuts, as if their old souls made for voices beyond first-time recordings. "
~ Ryley Bane (Women In General Magazine)

"Toni Catlin, a newer voice in Music City but one steeped in deep blue country and literate folk. A Vermont native with Colorado in her past, Catlin brings a touch of that mountain mellow vibe to her brand of alt. Country."
~Craig Havighurst (The Tennessean)


Concert Review

UK Country Music Magazine "MAVERICK" - Issue 2 August 2002

BR549
Toni Catlin
Soul Cafe,
Maidstone

It was the busiest night so far for the Soul Cafe in Maidstone Kent, as they prepared to welcome one of the best live country acts on the circuit. But before BR549 rocked the joint, it was the turn of Toni Catiin, a lovely young lady from Nashville to entertain the eager audience. A very talented singer-songwriter in the mould of Patty Griffin and Shawn Colvin, Toni has been opening shows in America for many top names such as Mary Chapin Carpenter and has also been a featured performer at the highly popular Fan Fair.

This is her second visit to our shores, and she has gained a fan in Radio 2 presenter Bob Harris, prompting a couple of appearances on his show.With just her guitar as accompaniment, Toni stuck mainly to tracks from her new CD, starting with the lively Breakin' New Ground with its thought-provoking lyrics, and showing off her strong and very emotive vocals on Wrong Side Of Me.

Although Toni likes to sing mainly her own songs, she does make a few exceptions as in We Are Water, penned by one of her favourite writers, Patty Griffin. Her wonderfully soulful voice then enriched the gorgeous ballad Me And My Heartache On The Run, which was co- written with Gwil Owen, and If I where a Train, which would not sound out of place on a Martina McBride album. Toni also tried out a few new songs such as No Stopping This Heart and the beautiful I'm Gonna Live, which hopefully means that there will be another great album due out from this rootsy lady with the mellifluous voice.

As introduced at the beginning of their live COAST TO COAST album, the mother of all hillbilly bands then took to the stage. I had been unsure before the concert if they would still be as good a band as before, as they had recently lost original members Gary Bennett and 'Smilin' Jay McDowell, who no longer wished to tour. But my fears were quickly dismissed as new members Willie Firebraugh on upright bass and Chris Scruggs on lead guitar and vocals slotted in sweetly. BR549 quickly got the crowd moving with their signature tune Cherokee Boogie. Don Herron then kept the mood going as he almost set his fiddle alight with the speed of his bow on the hillbilly favourite Bettie, Bettle. Chuck Mead never let the pace drop at all as he moved from one song to the next covering the pounding Too Lazy To Work, Too Nervous To Steal, the toe-tapping Tell Me Mama and the rocking Smoke That Cigarette.As the set progressed I came to the conclusion that BR549 had actually got better with the changes, as Chris Scruggs, especially, added the extra steel to their performance, taking them up that extra level. His guitar playing Is of a very high standard and helps push their musical boundaries even further. Chris took over on lead vocals on a few occasions, and proved his vocal quality on the rocking Ain't Got Time, Faron Young's Live Fast, Love Hard, Die Young and the great Shotgun Boogie with Herron playing some incredulous pedal steel. The songs were now coming thick and fast, as they seemed to want to cram in as much as possible in the allotted time.Mead excelled on the fast-talking comic song Uneasy Rider, which was further enhanced by some electrifying guitar picking from both Mead and Scruggs. Chuck then asked 'What time is it?", and Don answered "Time for Crazy Arms!', which totally pleased the audience. Chris then took centre stage again on the very country Hole In My Pocket, before Herron once again played some scintillating fiddle on Bob Wills' My Window Faces South.Throughout the whole show 'Hawk' Shaw Wilson provided the perfect beat on the drums as we have come to expect from someone so well respected. Still the songs kept a-comin', with yet more of their favourites, including Honky Tonk Song and the ever popular Little Ramona (Gone Hillbilly Nuts). The set was finally brought to a close with the vehemently slapped bass of Firebraugh on Way Too Late.No way were they going to be allowed to end without an encore (even though they had slipped out the back door for a quick cigarette), and they came back a-rockin' with 78 Wheels And A Crowbar and One Long Saturday Night. A second encore then ensued with the fiery Cracker Jack, and an absolutely amazing evening was finally brought to a close. This was one of the best concerts I have seen for a long time, and without doubt the best so far at the Soul Cafe.

Dave Knowles

Pre-Tour Update

UK Country Music Magazine "MAVERICK" magazine
- Issue 1 July 2002

re. Toni Catlin.

Nashville-based singer/song- writer Toni Catlin made her UK debut last October, and returns this month for a longer trek that takes her right across Britain. A Vermont native, who began performing covers of Jackson Browne, Linda Rondstadt and Shawn Colvin at her family's Adirondack resort, Toni released her debut album, HEARTACHE ON THE RUN last year to critical acclaim. Refreshingly different to most Music Row productions, the disc is loaded with great songs performed with a confidence that allows her flawlessly to merge a wide vocal range with a considerable dose of raw emotion and soul. Borrowing a moan from Patty Loveless, a sigh from Alison Krauss and a slightly edgy outsider sound from Jamie O'Neal, the lonesome cry in her voice is both delicate and powerful with an honesty that engages the listener from the onset.A regular of Billy Block's infamous Western Beat live radio show, Catlin perfected her talent for singing and playing the guitar at St. Lawrence University and the Austro-American Institute in Vienna, Austria. After travelling through Europe and Central America, she settled in Boulder, Colorado where she worked for the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Here she began to develop her own musical style by performing regularly in the Rockies ski towns. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Catlin grew up ski racing, horseback riding and leading wilderness trips. After an intensive vocal studies program at the Musician's Institute in Los Angeles, she took the advice of many noted songwriters appearing at Telluride and moved to Nashville. There she teamed with producer Preston Sullivan to create her debut release. Though there are several notable A-team players in attendance: Dave Pomeroy, Russ Pahl and Mike Seevers, not to mention Jon Randall on background vocals, the real star of the record is Catlin and her well-written tunes. The single. Wrong Side Of Me, is captivatingly honest with the gutsy weariness of moving on. This song delivers a sympathetic yet powerful stance on taking control of the boundaries of love. No Justice In Love swaggers into an infectious groove as Catlin's voice shines with a declaration of acceptance. The mysterious intro to Bulletproof builds to an upbeat, driving tune that embodies inner strength-the ability to survive, the drive to go on. The song of surrender, Me And My Heartache On The Run, was penned with Academy- award nominated songwriter Gwil Owen.As a winner of last year's prestigious Chris Austin Songwriting Contest held at Merlefest in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, Toni is establishing herself as a quality songwriter in Nashville, the city where the competition is fierce. To coincide with this second UK tour Toni has released a seven-track mini-album that features four songs from her album alongside three new songs, the best of which is the plaintive Sometimes I Cry. We suggest you check out the website http://www.tonicatlin.com and also try and catch one of Toni's gigs.

Adrian Cooke

 

 


CD Review

UK "Country Music People" Magazine - July 2002

TONI CATLIN

Heartache On The Run
Breakin' New Ground / No Justice In Love /
Me And My Heartache On The Run / Wrong Side Of Me /
We Are Water / Somewhere In Your Heart /
If I Were A Train / Talkin' To The Wind /
Bulletproof/ Sometimes I CryProducer: Preston Sullivan
Catlines CPTCCD1001 (40m 5s) [US]
****

This inhabits that Nashville-but-left-of-centre-female-writer/ performer territory. In other words what you get is something that sounds a little country but has rock chops and attitude. This was my introduction to the Vermont native but I gather she has visited these shores once before on a flying visit but is shortly heading back for a more substantial tour.Catlin boasts strong, tough and tender vocals which always hit the mark. Her material, eight out of ten co-writes, generally holds the attention, while the band is pretty effective although special mention must go to Russ Pahl's superlative steel.The slow, grinding title track, Me And My Heartache On The Run, finds Catlin grimly determined to take her heartache somewhere - anywhere - that doesn't remind her of the bad stuff she is leaving behind. Fluid steel, cool Hammond and crunchy guitar are effectively supportive.A similar theme of taking the hurt on the road is explored in the equally good lead-off, Breakin' New Ground, a nifty midpaced Greyhound bus saga.Catlin appears to have rather bad deals when it comes to love. In No Justice In Love she despairs of ever getting an even break in a solid entry with the loudest ever accompanying side drum. However, she does manage to toughen up a tad on the minor keyed Bulletproof with its plangent chorus fuzz guitar strokes, busy conga and wailing vocals. Just as assertive, and as good, is The Wrong Side Of Me with its bitter lyric, surprise electric sitar and equally surprising left-in-the-air cold end. OK, perhaps not a huge amount of light and shade or great contrasts of tempo, but of its kind, hip country with a modern rock sensibility, it's really pretty good. People have mentioned Shawn Colvin but check her out for yourself (www.tonicatlin.com)

Reviewer : Jon Philibert

Concert Review

BBC Country Music Website July 2002.

This was the opening night of Catlin's lengthy UK tour, a self-financed return hoping to build on the success of her first visit last autumn. The evening proved to be very enjoyable and the young singer-songwriter from Vermont was warmly received. Local 20-year-old guitarist singer/songwriter Stephen Lowis opened the show and set the tempo. We were treated to a five song set of cover songs which included David Gray's Babylon, REM's Losing My Religion and U2's One. A particular highlight was an excellent rendition of Ryan Adam's When The Stars Go Blue from his album Gold, which drew deserved applause.

Accompanying herself on acoustic guitar throughout the evening, Catlin performed twelve songs largely drawn from her independently produced debut album Heartache On The Run that gained such wide acclaim last year. She opened with the first track from the album, Breakin' New Ground. With her honest phrasing, a confident voice showing raw emotion and her lyrical explorations into the boundaries of love it quickly became clear why she is turning into a respected Nashville tunesmith. The audience were captivated.

Other songs from the album included Me And My Heartache On The Run (for which she won the 2001 Merlefest songwriting competition), If I Were A Train, Talkin' To The Wind and Wrong Side of Me. Catlin was joined on stage by mandolin player, Jake Armerding. He cited Tim O'Brien as a major influence and his playing added a new bluegrass flavour to Toni's well-crafted songs. He and Toni sang the catchy Wichita, a favourite song of theirs from Tim's album Away Out On The Mountain, and looked to be really enjoying themselves. Towards the end of the night came another song not on the debut album; I Live. A reflection of Catlin's personal feelings about the events of September 11th, the lyrics spoke of courage and having the strength to go on. She had made her trip over to the UK very soon after that terrible day as she was determined to make a breakthrough here.

For that reason alone she deserves all that comes to her and judging by the prolonged ovation at the end of the evening, a loyal fan base will no doubt grow.

Reviewer : Andy Cole - July 2002