Victoria, BC-based Susan Ellenton is a thirteenth-generation Canadian who won her first songwriting contest at age twelve. She began performing in the Yukon in the early 80's and has toured from Alaska to Newfoundland. The composer of two full-length musicals, Stepping Out, a history of the women's movement, and Hagimari No Hagimari, which explores creation myths from the Pacific Rim, she also wrote Victoria's official song, "The Harbour of Her Heart."

Soon after recording In the Backyard (1995), with singing partner Robert Anderson, Ellenton, a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, fell victim to serious RSI problems and lost the ability to play musical instruments. Working out her frustration and anger, Ellenton began taking long daily walks and discovered a new way of approaching music by writing songs and poems during her walks and singing them a cappella in a new style. "It seems to me now that I lost my hands to find my voice. These poems and songs help me to remember the magic of just being."

The transformation in Ellenton's style has been captured on The Secret of My Happiness (1998), an a cappella solo album that features a new subtlety and maturity in her vocalizations and a deep underlying sense of rhythm. The songs and poems on this album are engaging, personal, reflective and frequently touching. There is also a fine sense of humour. Let your kids listen to "Troll Breath--A Cautionary Tale" and it's the one they'll pick to memorize as a school project. This unusual album will find a welcome spot in your collection. The Secret was produced by Richard Scholtz.

The Secret of My Happiness
1998 Ellanderston (SECD02)

Beautiful; The Kid; Shine On; Camp is the Place; Ring around My Love; Painting the Path; When I Laugh; Bless Me, Barbie; Troll Breath--A Cautionary Tale; There You Were; The Secret of My Happiness; Presto!; Lily; She Likes ...; She Is Looking; Brainchild, Farewell; Strong Heart; From the Center 44:24