Natural Album preface When I began writing and recording this album of songs my 3 children were infants happily playing in the cubbyhouse in our backyard. Now, almost 20 years later, my children are adults pursuing their own careers , and the album, “Natural” is finally completed. The reason for the long delay in finishing the project was due to a medical condition I contracted called Spasmodic Dysphonia, which causes involuntary spasms in the muscles surrounding the vocal chords. It affects speech patterns and subsequently makes the act of singing extremely uncomfortable and unpredictable. This event created havoc in my personal and professional life, so the recording process was put on hold while I sort out many and varied treatments and therapies to regain my voice. Meanwhile, back at the studio, Mark Tinson ,the producer of the album and unofficial big brother I never had !, was busy converting the half completed album to digital format so it could be stored safely and completed later when I regained my voice. Almost 15 years later, Mark called me to suggest I complete the album using other singers as my vocal condition had not improved. He had completed recording the instrumental backing on most tracks and even managed to restore and clean up four tracks that I had sung as rough guide vocals. That left only 9 songs to be sung by other people but I was reluctant to have other people singing songs that were so intimatly connected to my peronal life. My aprehension was soon put to rest as the process of matching the right singer to each song was wonderful and extremely satisfying for me and I’ll be eternally grateful to each person who contributed so much energy, enthusiasm and empathy to the songs they sang ! It was as if the songs had been written specifically for each of those singers. Local legends such as Brien Mcvernon [Circus life/Retro Rockets] , Michael Hawke[Total Fire Band/Jungle Kings] , Justin Ngariki, Peter DeJong[Heroes/The Smarts], Ty Penshorn[Little Hornet], Julie Wilson [Andy Firths Nova Swing/Heartfelt Rodneys ] along with the amazing Kevin Bennett [The Flood/Chasin'The Train] and my daughter, Sophie Gibbons all contributed their unique vocal magic and helped me to realise a lost dream ! Tony Johns. 2016 Natural Album Credits ; All songs written by Tony Johns. Songs arranged by Tony Johns & Mark Tinson Produced, recorded & mixed by Mark Tinson at Steelville Studio Audio post-production by Don Bartley at Benchmark Mastering Artwork by Tawney Design Photography by Carol Lancaster Email tonygibbons@dodo.com.au Studio Musicians & associated bands/artists. . Steve Sowerby on Drums [Eurogliders/Richard Clapton Band] Ian Lees on Bass ; [ Moving Pictures/ Chasin’ The Train ] Rick Melick on Hammond Organ & Piano; [John Denver/Joe Bonamassa] Bob Spencer on Electric Guitar; [ Skyhooks / Angels ] Mark Tinson on Electric-Baritone & Slide Guitar, Mandolin & Dobro ; [ Heroes / Ted Mulry Gang ] Tony Azzopardi on Percussion;[ The Prophets/ Doug Parkinson & Marcia Hines ] Michel Rose on Pedal Steel; [ The Catholics / Feral Swing Katz ] Mark Collins on Banjo; [ Goldrush / Fargone Beauties ] Special Mention to Wayne Goodwin [deceased] who played Violin,Fiddle,Strings & Mandolin and did the heavenly string arrangements on “Natural ” ;[Emmylou Harris / Graham Nash ]. [RIP Wayne]. My heartfelt appreciation and admiration to the 8 singers who sang my songs with such empathy and enthusiasm !; [ Kevin Bennett sang "what I'm gonna do Tomorrow" and "Hold on to You" , Julie Wilson sang "Your Bed Tonight" , Brien McVernon sang " Ï'm Satisfied" , Michael Hawke sang "I Built This House" , Peter DeJong sang "Walkin'Track" , Justin Ngariki sang "Happy Chap" , Ty Penshorn sang "Stop Go Man" , and my beautifull daughter, Sophie Gibbons sang "Natural" . It's been an immense privilidge for me to collaborate with all the wonderfully talented people who helped complete this album and I thank you all. My eternal gratitude to Mark Tinson [ Tinno ] for supporting and encouraging me throughout a low point in my life and persevering with this project when I had all but given up on ever finishing it ! He's been a friend and mentor since I was a teenager and allways will be ! He is the reason you can hear these songs and I hope you enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed watching them come back to life !