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Sunday Edition


15
Jan
2005
Toni Jolene Clay– My Table in the Wilderness


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Producer: Vic & Toni Clay
Label: The Potter's Clay Music Group
Website: www.tonijoleneclay.com

I first became aware of Toni Clay back a few years ago when she sang a duet with George Younce on the song “Set me on the Rock Joshua” on his solo recording, “I Believe.” I remember thinking, “WOW…what a voice!” I then did a bit a research through the years and found her name on a lot of recordings doing background vocals and then eventually found her name on several songs that she had written that were recorded by various artists such as Legacy 5, Lauren Talley, Florida Boys, Galloways, Hoppers, Melody Boys Quartet and George Younce. Last year I reviewed a CD by singer/songwriter Jeff Ferguson called “Send a Little Rain” , and on this recording Toni sang a duet with him on a song, and it re-sparked my interest in this lady. I eventually crossed paths with her late last year and found that not only does she do background vocals and write great songs, but much to my delight she also is a recording artist, and “My Table in the Wilderness” is her latest effort, with 7 of the 11 songs written or co-written by Toni.

The heavy beat of the uptempo “I FEEL A BLESSING COMIN' ON” gets things underway, while “IN YOUR PRESENCE” ushers us into a peaceful time of worship before Toni turns in a heartfelt rendition of “ALL I NEED TO KNOW”. Lauren Talley recorded this song written by Toni with Linda Lang, on her current solo recording, “Surrender” , but I think I'll have to take the writers version over Lauren, as many times is the case, no one can sing a song quite like the writer.

The bluesy “IT'LL HAPPEN AGAIN” is a highlight of the recording that has previously been recorded by Southern Harmony as well as other artists. Next comes a black campmeeting style song called “KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON” written by the aforementioned, Jeff Ferguson. Another song that falls into the same lyrical vein is the song, “SHAKE IT OFF”.

“JESUS WEPT” is a simple, but yet very profound song based on the simple scripture found in the book of John and offers some possible insight on other times that Jesus may have wept.

The country/blues tinged, “MY TABLE IN THE WILDERNESS” is taken from Psalm 78:19 and Toni declares, as David also proclaimed, that God can and does furnish a table of plenty in those dry and barren times in our lives.

Toni turns in a good rendition of the favored, “HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW” before the recording closes with two quite intriguing numbers, “COME HARVEST TIME” (formerly recorded by Glen Campbell) and “GOIN' HOME”. Both songs strangely resemble old Negro slave spirituals and they really are remarkable songs that bring the recording to a very fitting and reflective close.

This recording has a real churchy feel to it, with quite a bit of soul thrown in. Toni can turn even the most unembellished song, into something really spectacular. She's Southern Gospel, with a bit of the jazz quality of Lena Horne, the gentleness of Janet Paschal and maybe just a hint of the edginess and soul of Patti LaBelle or Aretha Franklin. All I can say is what a wonderful talent this lady is, and what a tremendous recording this is as well.

Personal Favs: IN YOUR PRESENCE; ALL I NEED TO KNOW; IT'LL HAPPEN AGAIN; KEEP ON KEEPIN' ON; COME HARVEST TIME; GOIN' HOME

Reader Comments

Toni is an awesome songwriter and the lady has a very unique voice. I first met Vic & Toni at a recording session they were producing for the Melody Boys Quartet a few years ago. I look forward to getting my hands on a copy of this recording.


Commented by On 01/16/2005
Toni Jolene Clay, the powerful yet comforting voice of a true servent of God. I have been wondering when someone would recognize this beautiful, humble talented lady. Her voice and song lyrics - at times will take your breath away, sometimes make you want to shout... and others drop you to your knees. Always with her eyes on the Lord. His light shines through her. You don't want to miss this or any of Toni's projects. I can't wait to hear her next project. Bring it on Toni!


Commented by On 01/19/2005
James, it is so good to read your words and hear a level of excitement and genuine appreciation for what you've discovered regarding Toni Jolene Clay. She is one of those talented supporting cast members of gospel music that only those who read project liner notes and songwriter credits seem to be the most familiar with. But, like all good secrets, they're rarely ever kept a secret for long! Thanks for pointing out a truly talented singer and songwriter!


Commented by On 01/24/2005
All I can say is, "it's about time." In Houston, Texas, we have know about Toni for a very long time. We have appreciated her beautiful voice for many years. I am proud to call her a friend, and delighted that the rest of the world will soon find out what we have known. Thanks for the wonderful review.


Commented by On 01/25/2005
With a voice of conviction and a sincere heart Toni J. Clay is a true "Christian" singer! You can feel the Holy Spirit surround you as you hear her sing. I love the spirit in which she uses the talents that God has given her and I have been blessed to know her. She is appreciated by me as well as our congregation and is considered family. I know God is blessing others through her.


Commented by On 01/25/2005
Toni Clay,is the wife of my long time friend.
Vic Clay.great guitar player,and Record Producer.
Toni is one of Gospel musics hidden treasure's.
She has a great voice and is a great song stylist,plus a God given ability to write songs.
I am so happy that she is doing much solo work.
Vic and I were a part of Rex Humbard's Cathedral
of Tomorrow Television ministry.I pray God will
use her singing minstry in a greater way.
Bobby Clark..........


Commented by On 01/29/2005
Dear Vic,

I can spell guitar right.........Bobby


Commented by On 01/29/2005
I have done 9 projects with Vic and Toni Clay. I have recorded quite a few of Toni's songs and we have also written some songs together. They are more than songwriters, musicians, producers, and artists, they are some of my best friends and an important part of my Christian family.
I believe that Toni is one of the most gifted writers and singer in Gospel music. More people need to know about her gift of songs and ministry. I love you Toni and Vic.


Commented by On 02/01/2005
Toni is a gifted writer and singer. It was a blessing for me to write with her and John Mathis, the song IN YOUR PRESENCE. I had never co-written before and it was a great experience. Toni and Vic are some of the nicest people I've met and I'm so glad Toni is getting some of the recognition she deserves.


Commented by Gene Reasoner On 02/03/2005
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