Beyond The Dover Recording Musicians:
Susan - vocals, acoustic guitar.
Dan Walsh (Romi Mayes, Fred Eaglesmith) - electric, baritone and dobro guitars.
Charlie Hase (Ronnnie Hayward, Gary Fjellgarrd) - pedal steel guitar.
Jody Johnson (The Swiftys) - bass guitar and bowed upright bass.
Grant Stovel (The Swiftys)- Drums.
Produced by Susan Wheatley and Scott Franchuk. Recorded and mixed by Scott Franchuk at Riverdale Recorders, Edmonton, Alberta. Mastered by Richard Harrow, audiomastering.com
It Was A Train Thing Musicians:
Susan - vocals, acoustic guitar.
Brett Allen - slide guitar.
Eric Allen - upright bass.
Produced by Susan Wheatley and Brett Allen. Recorded live off the floor and mixed by Brett Allen at Snowghost Music, Whitefish, Montana. Mastered by Richard Harrow, audiomastering.com
Influences
Joan Armatrading, Steve Forbert, Lucinda Williams, Mary Gauthier, Tom Wilson & BARK, Ramblin' Jack, Willie P. Bennett, Fred Eaglesmith, Tom Russell, Jenny Whiteley, Sarah Harmer, Kathleen Edwards, Eliza Gilkyson, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Shelby Lynn, The Swiftys, Shuyler Jansen, Old Reliable, Steve Coffey, Ron Sexsmith, Blue Rodeo, Cowboy Junkies, Junkhouse, Pearl Jam, The Cranberries, Nirvana, The Cure, Echo & The Bunnymen, Talk Talk, Crash Vegas, Sinead O'Connor, Eurythmics, The Police, The Clash, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, KD Lang, Frank Sinatra, Gordon Lightfoot, Cat Stevens, Carly Simon, Carol King, Fleetwood Mac, Simon & Garfunkel, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Stones, Beatles, Elvis, The Animals, Beethoven, etc....
Susan Wheatley’s debut CD, Beyond the Dover, is a tale about a family that must face and come to grips with mental health issues. For Susan, it is part of a journey to connect with her listeners who have similar stories. A significant part of this journey is moving towards something better, brighter than “The Dover”, a gritty Edmonton hotel symbolizing this family’s struggles.
And down this path she has found inspiration in herself, in the demons of her past and in artists like Lucinda Williams and Mary Gauthier. She has charmed the stage with Ramblin’ Jack Elliot and graced the recording studio with Blackie and the Rodeo Kings’ Tom Wilson. The Edmonton-native has shared with the world her stories on CBC Radio One, on CKUA, at the South Country Fair and at the reputable Showcase for Alberta Sessions. She has recently found love, revelation and rhythm in a fellow musician – a relationship that is her biggest muse at the moment.
“This album is definitely a journey for me,” says Susan, who has now taken up shop in Calgary. “And I truly want to bring people along with me so we can do some healing together.”
While some adventures have a distinct look or style, the ones with Susan aren’t so simple. She has embraced her alternative and punk rock roots and painted them with alt-country and folk colors. Throw in some tales about forgiveness - all sung in words so honest you can feel them - and you have a very unique traveling partner at your side.
“But peace comes to those who forgive. Once you do then you can truly live,” sings Susan in the chorus for her song, Peace Come to Those Who Forgive. “Starting with yourself and then to everybody else, peace comes to those who forgive.
After casting her demons behind her, Susan moved to Ottawa where she sowed her vocal seeds, singing jazz and alternative rock tunes in various groups around the Canadian capital. Since then, she has returned to Alberta, settling in the city of Calgary. This is where she has truly grown as an artist and found a voice unique in the Alberta landscape.
Even though her story isn’t close to being over, Susan is content with where she is now both personally and musically.
“Life is great and life is wonderful,” says Susan, who - in the words of Iggy Pop, another artist whom she admires - has a ‘lust for life.’ “We’re all strong enough to move on from our past.”
So listen to what Susan has to say because this story has a happy ending.
I have a few ideas..... After taking one of Colin's sleeping pills and snoring through the sky back to Ontario i remembered what i wanted to tell you ...i was just to out of it to speak... Let's talk...
I'm coming your way next month.... Let's drink tea and rip things... Oh yeah... Have you seen this??? Pass it on.... It's a new project i'm coming out with in the new year.... It's Me,some Cowboy Junkies,a Skydigger,Brent Titcomb.....and a whole lot of groove... http://www. youtube. com/watch?v=eIXkfl-ZjVw
Sue performed 2 flawless sets at the Blue Chair Cafe in Edmonchuk to an enthusiastic sold out crowd last Saturday. I felt truly honored to not only to witness one of the brightest lights in music nowadays perform live, but also to have been sat with some of greatest folks, including Awesome Auntie Joycee, The Incomparable Cousin Johnny O'Luders, Tom the Bomb, and his trusted sidekick, the always amazing Ottawa Edie (who can really cook when she wants to), and of course RCJ. Thank-you all for cherished memories that will surely last me more than a few lifetimes...Love you all, cain't wait 'till next time...BC Kevin
Thanks for the comment. Glad you enjoyed our tracks. The Bare Naked Ladies - strangely enough I used to be in a band that did a couple of covers from their album Gordon.
Oh hell yah I've been thinking about heading up to E-town for your cd release, but so regretfully, I can't go with you. I'll be there in spirit though:)
I have some amazing pictures from your show at the Ironwood. I'll post them as soon as my 'puter cooperates. Best of luck darlin! ~S
Thanks for the birthday wishes. It was a 2 1/2 mile walk to see the lava flow yesterday. I couldn't believe how close we were able to get. Today we are recuperating. Hope your CD release was a smashing success.
Hey Susan..I best apologize for my absence at your CD release party..got in from Lethbridge and bagged, won't be driving any further North tonight. I wish you all success with the evening! have a great show!
