W INTERVIEW
L
AN INTERVIEW WITH
ALED JONES & RUSSELL WATSON
It’s hard to believe it’s been 34 years since a young boy named
Aled Jones rose to fame with his version of Walking in the Air
from Channel 4's animated film The Snowman; and nearly 20
years since famed tenor Russell Watson brought out his debut
album The Voice, topping the UK Classical Chart.
But finally, the pair, who are firm friends, are set to release their
first album together and are heading on a jampacked tour with
dates across the North West including the Liverpool Philharmonic
in October. During that busy schedule they are also making
time to pop into Tweedmill Shopping Outlet, St Asaph which is
celebrating its 25th anniversary and entertain the shoppers while
(hopefully) picking up a couple of early Christmas gifts.
Wirral Life found out what we could expect…
You two have been friends for more than 20 years so what’s it
like when you work together?
Aled: Oh, it’s absolute hell! (both burst out laughing). It’s great,
it’s like having fun with your mates. The whole thing has been an
absolute joy really from making the first record to doing the tour
and making the album. And now we’re a week away from being on
the road together. Russell’s packed the camper van; I’ve picked up
the duvet from the dry cleaners and we’re all set!
Russell: Yes, Aled’s driving because I get a bit sleepy and we’ve got
a PlayStation fitted in the back of the van, so you’ll find me on that
while Aled is driving along. It’s a great relationship.
I would love to watch a documentary about this tour!
Aled: Would it be on after 9pm?
Russell: Haha yes, two old, knackered singers on the road!
Aled: Speak for yourself! How dare you! (they both collapse into
laughter)
Russell: Well it’s a massive schedule, we’ve got a lot of dates very
close to each other, it’s a bit like a rock and roll tour in that respect.
It’s going to be a lot of work.
Aled: I think it’ll be a big help that we’ve got each other to bounce
off and having your pal on stage with you often gives you the
energy you need when things get tiring. I’m looking forward to it.
Russell: and besides I can have a sleep while you’re driving!
What can we expect from the shows? Will you be singing
individually and together?
Aled: No, we’re doing the whole show together. As you say,
sometimes when there’s two performers they might split things
and then come back together, but with this one we’re doing the
whole show together. Russ and I wanted to do something different
and what’s lovely for us and what we think unique about this tour
is that we’re going to be performing songs from the new album
before it’s even been released so people at the concert are going to
get to hear music from the new album before anyone else!
Russell: It’ll be songs that they’ve never heard… and songs that we
don’t know! (he laughs)
What do you think people like hearing more of – your new
material or the old favourites? You must get some requests?
Russell: I can guarantee that Nessun Dorma will be one that gets
asked for and I imagine Aled…..
Aled: Here we go…
Russell: …that as we get into the darker evenings and nearer to
Christmas, there will be a few cries for (he sings) ‘We’re walking
in the air….’
Aled: He has the voice of a beautiful baby, doesn’t he? Isn’t it
gorgeous?
You’ve mentioned previously that music really helps you to
focus Russell?
Russell: For me, definitely. Whenever, I feel a little bit flat I will
choose a certain type of music to pick me up. I am a big believer
in the power of singing and the fact that singing is a great healer.
Singing releases endorphins that make you feel happier. When I
start singing, even doing my warm-ups I get this sort of happy
feeling and it’s a wonderful thing. (continued overleaf)
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