PRESS

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 ~ (Nashville, TN)

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.

~ Andy Cole (London, England)

AWARDS

CHRIS AUSTIN MERLEFEST BEST SONG WINNER

2001 BEST ORIGINAL SONG ~ "ME AND MY HEARTACHE ON THE RUN"

written by Toni Catlin & Gwil Owen

U.S.A. INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING COMPETITION

2007 FINALIST BEST SONG ~ "UNDERTOW"

written by Toni Catlin & Warren Sellers

2006 FINALIST BEST SONG ~ "DEEPER"

written by Toni Catlin & Warren Sellers

ASCAP PLUS AWARD

 2003 & 2004

GRADUATE MUSICIAN'S INSTITUTE ENCORE PROGRAM