Union

"Released in 1988 to critical acclaim, the debut album from Toni Childs showcases her unique, strong, emotional voice, while creating a new sound for that time - incorporating world sounds, programmed drums and top notch musicianship. (Players include drummer Rick Marotta and guitarist David Rhodes).

'Union' is a beautifully crafted recording that features African rhythms, synthesizers and other exotic instruments, but it is Toni's compelling songs and vocals that really stand out. The upbeat "Don't Walk Away" became a hit single, followed by the Caribbean inspired "Stop Your Fussin'". Other highlights include the shimmering "Dreamer" and poetic closing number, "Where's the Ocean" - all written and sung from the heart."
- GEOFF (24th September, 2008)

Toni Childs began her traveling early. Born in Orange, California, she grew up in small desert farm towns and moved to distant states such as Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma and Nevada. Raised in a family where movies and rock 'n' roll were forbidden, she ran away from home at 15 and hitched up and down the West Coast, jamming with local blues bands.

She saw Pink Floyd at the Cow Palace in 1972 and had an epiphany that sparked her imagination and spurred her to seriously consider becoming a singer/songwriter. By the time she was 17, Childs was belting out songs in local Los Angeles bars. In 1979, after briefly becoming one of many singers for the group Berlin, she formed Toni and the Movers. The L.A.-based band lasted two years and at its end included Micki Steele, later of The Bangles, and Jack Sherman, a future Red Hot Chili Pepper.

In 1981 Toni signed a song publishing deal with Island Music, which financed her move to London. There she lived in an empty office of a local recording studio, sweeping floors and dusting consoles in exchange for rent and recording experience. While in London, Toni formed a band called Nadia Kapiche - which included Dave Rhodes (Peter Gabriel), Mike Cotzi (Shreikback), Martin Swaine (The Waterboys, World Party) and Steve Creese (World Party). It was during the four years of living in London that the seeds of world music were planted. In 1985, after returning to L.A., she was signed to A&M Records and soon began to work with songwriter/producer/musician David Ricketts (David+David) on the soundtrack for the film 'Echo Park'.

Childs' debut LP, 'Union', was recorded over a two year period in Hollywood, London, Paris, Swaziland and issued in '88. Time Magazine wrote: "In a year of auspicious breakthroughs for women writer-performers, Childs was the standout." The New York Times called Childs "one of the most promising among a new generation of composers and performers." Not unexpectedly, she earned Grammy nominations for "Best New Artist" and "Best Female Rock Vocal Performance".