RLD BIO

Now, more than two decades into their career, the six time WAMA nominated duo Red Letter Day – Suzanna Mallow and Andrea Jones is gearing up for another recording. It’s been 11 years since Beefcandy was released and they will be recording another live CD with many of the old favorites that never got recorded and a couple new ones thrown in too. In addition, they decided to do it duo style, without a lot of production added to it. Much like they began their musical career with Owen Hooks by their side. 

There really is no better way to describe the RLD experience...moving effortlessly between genres of folk, pop, country, and blues and all with lots of harmony and heart. Red Letter Day balances out a show usually with a bit of harmonica, saxophone, percussion, bass, acoustic guitar and electric guitar all distinctly different in sound and delivery. What grabs the attention of the “soon to become followers” right from the start is the solid songwriting that sooth, seduce, crack you up, or scream your inner emotions into action. Action, in the sense that RLD’s music is music that is heard and felt right down to the last string holding your heart together! Multi-instrumentalists, is an understatement after seeing this duo live, RLD’s amazing versatility became re-known not only to their audiences but it has also turned the heads of many fellow musicians.

RLD is also known for their ability to combine song-writing, and musicianship with an engaging stage performance that appeals to all ages. They have changed the lineup over the years several times, but always maintained the core duo. Since Red Letter Day’s inception, they have produced four acclaimed CD’s that have enabled them to spread their infectious sound up and down the East Coast and mid Atlantic Region to gain a devoted and loving following. Antwinnie Music Inc. has provided worldwide distribution and radio airplay during peak hours on stations to numerous to mention. Suzanna took over AMI Studios when Andrea was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003, and continues to maintain and manage the studio herself on the campus of Salisbury University. AMI Studios is a division of Antwinnie Music Inc. and you can find out more by going to the link below.
http://www.publicradiodelmarva.net/AMISeagullStudios.html

Andrea became focused on her recovery, and also went through a Masters Degree Program while going through treatment. It wasn’t too much longer when Suzanna had her son, Gaje. And, in 2007 Andrea had her son, Christopher. In 2008, AJ announced her remission from cancer. Although AJ and Suzanna had not been traveling much at all, it was when her son arrived when she faced the reality that she would be unable to travel with RLD for quite awhile. At that time Suzanna began a music project called “the zen monkeys” while Red Letter Day continued and continues to perform close to home.

Finally, we are excited to announce that the Publishing side of AMI inc, is finally being nourished and you will be able to see and read what is going on by checking out the page, “are you an artist looking for songs?”. AJ will be operating the publishing company, and any dealings with ami publishing while Suzanna will continue to operate ami studios. RLD continues to work in partnership with Jim Smith of Swampside Publishing company where many songs on each album are within that publishing library.

Influences Suzanna and Andrea’s performance and musical style edges and borders more on raw soul sharing due to influences from a gospel, soul and blues/rock background. Suzanna grew her musical roots from a seed that held a dichotomy of the exuberance in old time gospel and the gutsy passion of blues. Mahalia Jackson to Andre’ Crouch to Christine McVie woven into a tapestry outlined in the golden threads of Andrea’s sax, a style drown from the smoky juke - joint breaths of Charlie Parker and the sensuousness of Joshua Redmond. Mallow ‘s father was a preacher who did most of his own writing. She claims him to be her original literary inspiration, as well as the person who instilled her with her love for music. Jones recalls her mother’s elevator music on 24 hours a day in the farm house in which she grew up in, and on family trips they all sang in the car together. She mostly remembers her father singing Elvis Presley and Johnny Mathis and learning to harmonize with him.

In the Beginning The summer of 1990 began the rumblings of a group that would bond together and form a group started out as, the Eclectics. The Eclectics soon became a trio of songwriters and took the name, Red Letter Day (RLD). From an early RLD history that included practicing in abandoned buildings, Owen Hooks, (vocals, guitar), Suzanna Mallow, (vocals, guitar, mandolin, harmonica), and Andrea Jones, (Vocals, saxophone, bass, harmonica, recorder, percussion) had burst onto the music scene like a streak of lightning. In fact, it was with sadness that Hooks had to choose between the group and his family since RLD was getting noticed around the country. Mallow and Jones quickly quit their day jobs, and continued to ride the excitement. Not only did they write their own music, they also incorporated their own independent record label and called it, Antwinnie Music Inc. It was named after Mallow’s Aunt that left her a small sum of money that got them started with some needed equipment. After shopping some of the smaller record companies, Mallow and Jones agreed they could do more for themselves on their own independent record company and since that decision, they never looked back. It was Swampside Publishing owner, Jim Smith that first believed in RLD and nourished the young musicians by recording “Live From The Globe” in 1993.

Performed With Caroline Aiken, Dar Williams, Edwin McCain, the BoDeans, Jann Arden, John Wesley Harding, Little Feat, Jon Carroll, Deana Bogart, Cheryl Wheeler, Michelle Malone, and the Commitments. RLD has also performed at events with the Indigo Girls, Melissa Etheridge, Diana Ross, Kristin Hall, the Spinners and Elton John.

Critics say “Each song is intensely personal, but never melodramatic. Thought-provoking, intelligent and often humorous songwriting combined with passionate delivery and musicianship of the highest caliber.”
- Stacy Bias, Pacific West Coast Reviewer

 “Suzanna Mallow is a tiny blonde ball of energy and talent! Enjoyable.”
- Kathy S Svvertson Hudson Valley, NYC Reviewer

“Hardly a tune passes that doesn’t offer considerable rewards, a sharp melodic hook or a colorful array of folk and pop textures.”
- Richard Harris, The Washington Post

“The sound ranges from sweetness of the Murmers to straight up rock n’ roll of Concrete Blonde.”
- Lady slipper Music

It is Andrea’s versatility on Alto and tenor Saxophones and harmonica as well as her vocal range that makes each RLD original song seem to stand alone. Her tasteful phrasing and timing are what any acoustic group would give their right arm to have. Never overpowering, Andrea glues the set together.
- Chelsea Gahar, Northern Virginia Rhythm

“The song writing is exceptional! These ladies will go far.
- John Rickter, Charlotte Observer

“Richness of voice and creative ideas leap from the speakers as the first tendrils of melody hit your ears. Voices that blend and meld interchangeably with one another, flow forward upon instrumentation that uplifts your heart and mind. The co-talent that they display in their live performances is captured on their albums and whether you catch them live or treat yourselves to their albums you immediately become a supportive fan.
– Mari Rhodes, Delmarva Musician

“The harmonic pairing of RLD’s voices gives one a Van Morrison meets Sarah McLachlan meets 4 non blonds” notion however; the combination with their musical roots sets them apart in their own realm…in a class by themselves.”
– John Schuler (New York Entertainment Guide)

“The sound ranges from sweetness of the Murmers to straight up rock n’ roll of Concrete Blonde.”
- Lady slipper Music

"RLD reminds me of the Roches, Emmylou Harris and Shawn Colvin with styles ranging from folk, blues to raunchy rock. They are not without a sense of humor. They were hilarious!."
- Johanna Brams (The Morning Call)

Discography

1993 “Live From The Globe”, Swampside Publishing (BMI)
“Hardly a tune passes that doesn’t offer considerable rewards, be it tight harmonies, a sharp melodic hook or a colorful array of folk and pop textures.”
- Mike Joyce, The Washington Post

1996 “4 Bowls Of Colour”, Antwinnie Music Inc. & Swampside Publishing (BMI)
“Feel-good melodies with tasteful instrumentation and memorable songwriting make thes CD one of RLD’s best. Every song a favorite! “A huge winner!”
– Kenneth Johnson (The Charlotte Observer)

“a flotilla of significant songs full of great hooks. I’m proud to have it in my collection.”
– Sean Brennan (The Washington Post)

1997 “Until Then”, Antwinnie Music Inc. (BMI)
"The club mix fits great in the 'morning music' realm of a DJ's gig..It’s beautiful! "
- Circuit DJ Brian Norwood

“Red Letter Day's CD single that features both the original ballad and a club mix of a song written in tribute to a friend who died suddenly in May of 1997. The club mix has been played by many of the top circuit DJ's in the country and is featured on a web site by an international organization called Griefnet. Heartfelt performance and lyrics that ring the message of hope through both versions.”
 – amazon.com

2000 “Beefcandy”, Antwinnie Music Inc. & Swampside Publishing (BMI)
“fine & polished and on their own!” – New York Press
“A journey of emotions that roller coasters over quixotic hills of love, through valleys of emptiness, around curves of hysterical satire and through straight-aways of hope…RLD got intense!”
– amazon.com

Accomplishments:

• 1995 Best of the Eastern Shore -Metropolitan Magazine Readers Poll
• 1996 Washington Area Music Association (WAMA) nomination for Best Alternative Pop Band
• 1996 WAMA Best Alternative Pop Album nomination (4 Bowls of Colour)
• 1996 WAMA Best Rock Band nomination
• 1996 WAMA Best Rock Album nomination (4Bowls of Colour)
• 1996 Ticketmaster/Musician Magazine Showcase Choice
• 1997 WAMA nomination for Best Female Vocalist (Suzanna Mallow)
• 1997 Billboard Magazine Rock N Mania Concert Choice
• 1997 Best Band of the Eastern Shore – Metropolitan Magazine Readers Poll
• 1999 Ticketmaster Showcase Winner
• 1999 WAMA nomination for Best Duo/Group
• 1999 Lilith Fair Competition Finalist for DC/MD/VA
• 2001 Nomination for Best Alternative Pop Song for “Loser” (Beefcandy CD) by Just Plain Folk