Lisa Hendey, CA
Editor, Catholicmom.com; author, "A Handbook for Catholic Moms," producer and host of Catholic Moments Podcast

I second Cheryl Dickow's recommendation for Susanas Sung Rosary project - it has been a gift to my spiritual life since I've reviewed it and canat recommend it highly enough.

For listeners who would like to listen to my podcast with Susan Bailey, they can tune in at http://new.catholicmom.com/2009/02/04/catholic-moments-88-susan-bailey/

Michael Zabrocki, Br. Juniper, bscd
Catholic Recording Artist/Pastoral Musician

Highly Recommended - Prayer Enhanced! 5 Stars! A

Ms. Bailey has accomplished something very special with her recent effort. Continuing a theme where the late-great Pope John Paul II enhanced the timeless prayers/meditations of the Rosary with the Mysteries of the Light - Ms. Bailey's sung version (with additional tracks) enhances the prayer experience of the Rosary with her "contemporary, chant-like" melodies leaving the listener a choice - sing / pray along or simply allow the pure vocals of Ms. Bailey to be the soundtrack of your meditations on the mysteries.

I believe all Catholics and open-minded Christians should experience this contemporary prayer mantra. Highly Recommended.

Maureen Hayes, Cohoes, NY

We received your lovely Rosary package in the mail. It is truly lovely! Wonderful format . . . really one of a kind! You have really outdone yourself!

Stephanie Kammerdeiner, Virginia

Enjoying it very much. I'm going to loan it to the music teacher at my children's school. I think she'll enjoy it too.

Joanne Ray. Millsboro, DE

I recently received this beautiful CD from you. Since receiving the CD I am playing it all the time. When I take my son to work at 4am it just puts me in that inner peace we need.

Sharmane Adams, Pensacola, FL

I LOVE IT!! I can't wait to get one for my mom, grandma, my friends . . . on and on! It's absolutely lovely, I can't describe it. Your story . . . the pictures . . . the music . . . Our Blessed Mother and her Son are so happy! I can feel it in my soul.

Adrianne O'Shaughnessy, Millsboro, DE

I love this CD!The orchestrated version only intensifies the beauty of the CD I have now. Thank you Susan.

David Czukiewski, Harbeson, DE

Thank you for a beautiful rendition. A DVD with the re-enactment of the Stations of the Cross and the sung rosary mysteries would be a great addition to this set. My Bible school students would love it, young and old alike.

Elaine Langford, Millsboro, DE

I play the CD every day and sing along (yes, even at 6:30 am!) I particularly like the meditation guide.

Robert Teldoldi, Oldsmar, FL

Susan's beautifully illustrated guide and reverent music makes the rosary more meaningful for the devout worshiper and encourages new people to pray more often to our Virgin Mother. This is a must for all who pray to Mary.

Lucy Leonard, SNB, Worcester, MA

Thank you for the Mary, Queen of Peace Meditation Guide & Sung Rosary. This is truly the century and special time to make it known to the world what God can do through Mary, His Mother, told in such a powerful way.

Deacon Dave McDowell, Millsboro, MA

What a great CD and Media Guide. I have given a few copies of the CD and Guide to family and friends because it brings one closer to the Blessed Mother and in touch with the Lord. I listen to it driving, working out or when I feel I need to quiet myself. Susan has really done a great job with this and it is worth the purchase.

by Sarah Reinhard

I love to sing, though I wont claim to be able to carry a tune in a bucket. My kids and I sing in the car, and we make up silly songs of our own, and thats as far as I thought it would ever go.

Then I discovered Susan Baileys Mary Queen of Peace Sung Rosary, which you can sample at www.sungrosary.com.

At first, I was hesitant. The rosary is hard enough without making it into music! But one day, when I was particularly stumped and stumbling, trying to pray my morning rosary, I turned it on.

What happened was different than what I had experienced before. As the music streamed through my ear buds, I felt myself calming down. I was focusing on the prayers in a new way, because they were different now that they were sung.

Yes, its repetitive. Yes, if youre like me and you sing on the go, it requires that you know the mysteries (if you purchase the guide that goes with it, you can use that to help you; the art in it is beautiful). Yes, its a different way to pray the rosary, and it takes a while. But sometimes, different is just whats needed.

Sometimes, different takes things to a whole new level.

The sung rosary has helped me appreciate, even more, how singing is praying twice.

About Sarah Reinhard - If Sarah Reinhard isn't off hiding somewhere with a good book, chances are she's chasing a toddler or a Jack Russell (or sleeping, because every mom can use a nap!). She found Prince Charming and married him, and now they enjoy the idiosyncrasies of life in an old farmhouse. Sarah finds herself constantly inspired by life on their farm. Sarah's blog, just another day of Catholic pondering, has more tidbits of her life, including essays, ponderings on life, and general observations about the oddities of motherhood.

from David Wang of the National Catholic Register (www.nationalcatholicregister.org) in Canada:

Susan Bailey- Mary, Queen of Peace Meditation Guide and Sung Rosary

Rosary CDs have always been big sellers among the Catholic audience. This is simply one of the best rosary projects I have seen. Besides featuring very pleasant music that acts as a soundtrack to the rosary, there is a terrific booklet that goes along with the CD that has great readings and reflections for the prayers. If you know anyone who regularly prays the rosary or if you want to inspire someone to start praying the rosary, go to www.sungrosary.com to grab this project.

by Dave Wang, National Catholic Register (Canada)

Rosary CDs have always been big sellers among the Catholic audience. This is simply one of the best rosary projects I have seen. Besides featuring very pleasant music that acts as a soundtrack to the rosary, there is a terrific booklet that goes along with the CD that has great readings and reflections for the prayers. If you know anyone who regularly prays the rosary or if you want to inspire someone to start praying the rosary, go to www.sungrosary.com to grab this project.

Something to Sing About
Review on the Catholic Exchange website by Cheryl Dickow, Catholic book publisher (Bezalel Books)

February 13th, 2009 by Cheryl Dickow

I really don't sing well and as a result, I really don't sing much. Actually, I don't sing at all. I've heard it said that singing in Mass is like praying twice but I just can't bring myself to sing above a whisper in Church. I know that my Catholic brothers and sisters should welcome my sad attempts to carry a tune but I just have a difficult time believing they will. It's not that they aren't charitable in spirit as much as I am convinced no soul has ever had a voice as off-key as mine. So, singing for me is just not something I do.

That, of course, makes me view singing as a beautiful gift from heaven and turns my appreciation for a recipient of such a gift into true awe.

Susan Bailey - singer, songwriter, performer - is one of those gifted individuals whose talents I so admire. I actually came across Susan's work quite by accident, if there is such a thing in God's grand plan. It just so happens that I had been searching the web for a new rosary CD to replace one that I had worn out - yes, it actually wore out - and in the midst of that search I received a phone call from Susan who was, at the time, gathering information about publishing.

It turns out that Susan's CD is a sung rosary and she has a beautiful book that accompanies it; a mutual friend recommended that Susan contact me regarding the book piece of her package. One thing led to another and while I shared some information with Susan I also found out that she writes music reviews for an online magazine called GrapeVine. As we talked I told Susan that Today's Catholic Woman would welcome sharing any of her reviews with its readers. One of our goals at TCW is to provide Catholic women with the latest information regarding books, movies, and music that are worth knowing about.

When Susan mentioned that Lisa Hendey - "TCW's own Geek Galâ€쳌 had just interviewed her for a podcast segment, I knew I had struck gold! After all, anyone who follows Lisa's painstaking music and book reviews knows that she is a great source of book and music recommendations. I then suggested Susan send me her book and CD so that I could share her work with our CE readers as well and I couldn't be more delighted to do just that! After listening to Susan's work, it did not surprise me to find out that Susan has appeared on EWTN "Backstage" and other Catholic programs, as well.

What Susan offers in her combination CD/Book packet is a "must-have" for every Catholic woman today. The rosary is sung in such a way that you actually feel yourself pulled into the melody; even lackluster singers, such as myself, will find themselves easily singing along. This has already become my favorite rosary CD. And if the beautiful music isn’t enough, the booklet that comes with it is a work of art. Beautiful pictures of stained glass windows and magnificent icons, along with meditative writings will surely bless each reader.

The rosary is a gift we have as Catholics and Susan Bailey's CD/Book set is sure to please Catholic woman interested in making the rosary a more integral part of her own daily walk with Christ.

Susan's website is www.sungrosary.com and be sure to check out Susan's contribution to TCW, in which she introduces us to the amazing life of Renee Bondi.

"Mater Dei" is a gentle album, as befits the Blessed Virgin Mary, the subject of the music. A combination of Susan’s own compositions and familiar Catholic hymns, the entire CD pays tribute to the Mother of God.

Susan’s rendition of “Hail, Holy Queen” has a light beat added to the old hymn, and stands out as one of three tracks on the album performed entirely by Susan—vocal leads and harmonies, and all instrumentation.

Susan’s music can be somewhat deceiving as one listens to "Come Into His Presence": There is a temptation to think of her as limited to lilting, pleasant melodies; this misconception is shattered as one progresses through the tracks, witnessing her haunting vibrato on some, and enthusiastic exhortation on others.

In four of Susan’s own songs, "Come Into His Presence," "Immaculate Mantle," "Take Joy in Me," and "Wait With Me," she sings in the first person, from the perspective of Our Lady, a technique that can touch the heart as one envisions Mary telling us, "Don’t despair, oh my little child. Your mother still loves you!"

Franz Schubert based his "Ave Maria" upon a popular tune of his day, and in retrospect, he disliked the finished product. Today, the pop songs fade but "Ave Maria" has withstood the test of time. Not everyone can sing it, though many make the attempt. Susan is successful, adding multitracked vocal harmonies and countermelodies, along with a subtle 3/4 beat.

In an age of widespread indifferentism, it’s refreshing to witness a bold, unashamed tribute to Our Blessed Mother. Thanks, Susan!

I wanted you to know how much I enjoyed "Mater Dei". I loved your song selections. The album flows really well. It is very prayerful!
--Maureen Hayes, Catholic recording artist, www.maureenandbillhayes.com

I wanted to pass on a lovely new CD, Mater Dei, by Susan Bailey, I listened to it on the feast of the Holy Rosary Oct. 7th. It was like Mary taking you by the hand on a journey of love to Her Son. I especially liked " Immaculate Mantle" Produced by David Smith. Susan's "Wait with Me" is one of my favorites and if you are looking for the perfect song for Advent ... this is it! "Promised Son" sounded to me like a "Jewish melody" that I find so delightful. Great work, Susan. Thank you for honoring our Blessed Mother, "Mater Dei" in such a beautiful CD.
--Annie Karto, Catholic Recording Artist, www.anniekarto.com

Your song of last evening [Under My Immaculate Mantle] was beautiful. Thank you, and thank God, for the blessing of this form of praise and worship!
--Marie Davis, Chairperson, Commission for Women, Worcester Diocese

Susan's new CD, Mater Dei, is a unique recording, capturing the writings of Father Gobbi [of the Marian Movement of Priests]. As such, [many of] the songs are sung from Mary's point of view. The combination of traditional hymns along with some sweet original songs work well and fill a niche in the Catholic music scene. Definitely merits a listen.
--Dave Wang of the National Catholic Register

A devotional CD to the Mother of our Lord. Compiled from 6 original works and rounded out with three classics, Susan Bailey, has superbly encompassed Mary's glory within our Faith. Susan's original songs could easily become classics themselves, sounding as though they could quickly be fit into a liturgical setting. While listening you'll find yourself being pulled into the bountiful love of Mary to feel the grace that was bestowed upon her to be shared with the world through her only son, Jesus Christ.
--Nicholas Cole, www.catholictuneage.com

"Immaculate Mantle" is just a beautiful, beautiful song. There was so much care and tenderness in the production that it truly made Mary speaking to me come alive. Excellent job from David Smith (producer)...
--Nick Alexander, CD Reviewer for GrapeVine Magazine, www.nickalexander, com

Susan's new recording project, Mater Dei is the convincing work of a Marian devotee! While listening, the music, the tone and the style of this recording lulled me into the arms of the blessed mother where I felt cradled and rocked into a peaceful slumber.

Upon reading that special permission was given to Susan from The Marian Movement of Priests, it is quite obvious to determine the reason for such an anointed recording. An anointing is given to us by Our Lord if we follow and stay in obedience to Him. By seeking special permission to use the loving words spoken by Our Blessed Mother rather than moving forward on her own accord, she was blessed. You will be touched as you open your heart and listen to this heavenly recording!
--Marge Oliveri of The Angel Connection, www.angelconnection.net

Advent season is almost upon us. Be prepared for it with the new CD by Susan Bailey. "Wait with Me: Advent of the Promised Son" is Susan's second album and contains a pleasing collection of soothing and simply arranged songs. Beautiful acoustic guitars, simple, earthy percussion, poetic lyrics based on scripture, and quiet yet passionate singing focus the listener on the true meaning of the Advent and Christmas season.
Wait with Me features prophecy from Isaiah ("A Shoot from Jesse", "The Lord Has Come to Save You"), a new version of the Magnificat ("He Looked at Me") original songs focusing on Mary's role ("Wait with Me", "Room in Our Hearts") plus covers of "O Holy Night" and Michael Card's "The Final Word". You will be touched by the duet with Susan's daughter Meredith featured on "Baby Jesus". Wait with Me's melodies, rhythms and messages pervade us and persuade us to focus upon the true meaning of this season--this season of hope--this season of the coming Savior!
--Catholic Music Network.com, November 2003

Some people's voices just evoke a holiday feel. Susan has such a voice. This album of originals, a few well-known carols and a couple of covers is Susan's best effort to date. Focusing on advent also gives this album a different feel than most, particularly with a focus on Mary's role. Very nicely done.
--from Dave Wang, National Catholic Register in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, November 2001

I loved Susan's music from the moment I popped Wait with Me into the CD player in my car. The combination of Advent favorites such as Susan's treatment of O Holy Night and heart-filled original compositions makes this a treat for the Advent season. I hope that you and your families will enjoy Susan Bailey and her talents as much as my own family has!(read the full interview at CatholicMom.com; click on "Music" and look for Susan's name
--Lisa Hendley, CatholicMom.com

Today, I finally sat down to listen to your CD. Tears of joy ran down my face! The hallmark of your whole CD is joy!!!! I loved it. I really like your style. Wait with Me [title cut] is my favorite, but I also loved the one with your daughter, Room in Our Hearts. It was all beautifull! Great job, Susan!
-- Annie Karto, Catholic recording artist

"I just had to write to tell you how much I am (we are) enjoying your Advent CD. I am so tired of the usual holiday stuff, and so not in the mood for it. But then I put on your CD, and it helps me get in touch with the true meaning of Christmas, and what this season is all about. Thank you for sharing your gift of music in such a special way."
-- Maria Gasser, DRE, St. Rose of Lima, Northboro, MA

"I really like the Advent CD. More acoustic, more "earthy", perfect for your voice . . . your singing is lovelier than ever."
--Nick Alexander, well-known Catholic parodist

" . . . gentle and pleasing - relaxing and creative . . . "
--Sal Solo, Catholic youth minister and recording artist

"Congratulations on your new Advent-Christmas CD! I listened to several cuts at the mp3 site. Very nice! I really like Shoot from Jesse--the guitar is really great. Who's playing? and the oo-oo echo good arranging!"
--Nancy Krebs, Catholic recording artist

" I love our CD. It sounds really good, and pretty close to the vision we discussed. Really Happy!!! "
Ron Zabrocki, producer/engineer of "Wait with Me"

I've listened to your Christmas CD several times now. I really love it. The singing, the music, it is done very nice. Great job from your daughter and Rich too. The songs you picked also reflect the heart of what Christmas means. It is a blessing.
from Gerhard Hobelman, The Netherlands

SONGS OF INSPIRATION
Susan Bailey, a singer and songwriter from the Boston area, has been compared to Joni Mitchell and Karen Carpenter. Bailey's latest recording, Teach Me to Love, is a collection of 12 original tunes that showcase her pop-folk style. Two tracks, the title song and "Something Beautiful," honor Mother Teresa of Calcutta. "Come Holy Spirit" is a jubilant call. "Stand Up and Be Joyful" makes you want to do just that.
--Lisa Williams of Catholic Faith & Family

Susan Bailey is well-known in Catholic musician circles as a wonderful resource. She started the CCAN (Contemporary Catholic Artists Network), writes a newsletter for Catholic musicians called "The Grapevine" and has been a pioneer in the use of mp3 as a way to hit a larger audience. I recently received her latest album and was pleased to find a pleasant and well-produced collection of adult contemporary songs featuring her rich soprano voice. There are some beautiful ballads, including tributes to Mother Teresa as well as a song for a friend who died of AIDS. The up-tempo songs are nice as well.
--from Dave Wang, National Catholic Register in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, July 2000

Being a Catholic singer/songwriter myself, I'm always curious to see what other Catholic artists are coming up with. I was very much surprised when I received Susan Bailey's newest album, Teach Me to Love, a collection of 12 original songs by Bailey. I always thought of Catholic music as not being able to compete with the mainstream CCM artists, but I was wrong. This album is professionally produced and can go against the "big guys."

A unique blend of instruments, sound effects, and background vocals complements the Bailey's rich voice. Some of the songs made me laugh, stomp my feet, and even brought tears to my eyes.

Teach Me to Love is a beautiful gift for someone searching for a deeper relationship with the Lord and the Catholic faith. Each song delivers a message of hope in our struggle of everyday living; each song is a prayer from Bailey's heart.
--from Mark Hargrave, GrapeVine, June 2000

"The singing, writing, playing, and producing is all gifted and inspired. I am very impressed . . . and people play and send me stuff all the time . . . especially singers looking for songs for their demos . . . and 99% of the time I have to dig for something positive to say . . . with Susan's cd I have to dig to find compliments to do it justice. 'The Door To My Heart', 'Love Will Welcome You', 'Come Holy Spirit', and 'Teach Me To Love' are my immediate favorites."
--James Day, award winning songwriter, Billboard International Songwriting Contest, ASCAP Advanced Songwriters Workshop, John Lennon Songwriting Contest

"My class loves your song, 'Teach Me to Love'. They constantly ask me to play it for them. As of last Thursday four students asked me if they could buy the CD. I cannot tell you how much they love this song and how beautiful it sounds when they sing it. Your message of love is well received here!"
--Diane Uckotter, teacher, Summit Country Day School

"I just can't tell you how much I love your CD! I turn it on the minute I get home from school and put "Stand Up and be Joyful" on the repeat button so it plays for ever and ever!"
--Julie Sakalys, student, Westborough, MA

"We just listened to a few of your new soundclips. One word: AWESOME!!! Top Notch. Okay, that was three words. Fantastic acoustic guitar work on "This Heart of Stone". . . . your writing skills are so strong . . . Let me just say I think you're a top notch Catholic singer/songwriter. If God has plans to use you on a national platform, I wouldn't be surprised. I can't wait to get the CD. "
--Catholic artists David and Teresa Smith of "Crossed Hearts"

First reaction - wow! Second reaction - beautiful. Third reaction - inspiring (so much so that I forgot I was power walking in 90% humidity)! . . . I heard the more advanced "now that I get it, help me to share it or learn to share it" message. Very proactive. Very walk the talk."
--Cynthia Anderson of Wellesley, MA, art director for the CD

"(Recently) 1Body had the pleasure of meeting Susan Bailey . . . and we were lucky enough to hear a few cuts off her up coming CD (Teach Me to Love). I must say the band gave it a big 6 thumbs up. I really loved the "feed my sheep" cut (aka "Simon, Son of John" ) and our drummer really wants to do the song that was the prayer to the Holy Spirit (aka "Come Holy Spirit")."
--George Leite of the Worcester, MA-based band, 1Body

"(Susan)'s voice is absolutely perfect on "Teach Me to Love" and "Something Beautiful!" . . . these songs get me completely!"
--Paul J. Walstad, Sr., whose generous funding made this CD possible

"I just heard your very lovely CD. Perfection is the word. We truly enjoyed it. Only one drawback. You should have supplied kleenex with the CD. We could have used them here. Good fortune. Thank you for a very pleasant afternoon of music."
--Fran Oliveri

"Stand Up and Be Joyful has a reafirming message of the Christ consciousness. You have a beautiful voice and wonderful tune!! It seems to me that what Ron Zabrocki writes about you is all true!! Nice job."
--Joe Feloni, rock guitarist (referred from MP3.com)

" Zabrocki did a fine job in bringing out the true spirit of your music in the arrangements and production, too. Overall, I think it's best I've heard from any of the other Catholic artists."
--Mark Muretisch, Christian recording artist and worship leader

" I cannot stop listening to your cd - it gets better every time I do. Thanks for sharing your gifts with us."
--Mary Jo Kriz, Youth Minister

The program is excellent . . . the music is beautiful . . . Like a good book, I couldn't put the program down. The stories are so great, true and realistic. I could just feel the love of the Lord coming through them.