An array of top Irish musicians are showing their childish side for charity.A collection of some of the most talented performers from Northern Ireland and the Republic have come together to back a Belfast-based charity’s music project.
A total of 31 performers including Snow Patrol, Westlife, Ronan Keating, Duke Special and Mary Black have donated a track for the Tuesday’s Child self-titled double album which was first launched in Belfast on 8th November ’07 and in Dublin on 7th March ’08.
Other top names featured on the album are Brian Kennedy, Eleanor McEvoy, Julie Feeney, Cara Dillon, The Four Of Us, Duke Special, Jimmy MacCarthy, Liam O’Maonlai, Kila and Kieran Goss.
They appear alongside Brian Houston, Kate Purcell, Foy Vance, Aine Whelan. Siobhan Pettit, Ben Glover, Paul Casey, Orla Murphy, Layla Astley, Olive Kayes, David Ballantine, Gerry Creen, Damian McNicholl, Bertie Fulton, Aileen Kerr, Claire Sproule and Cat Malojian.
The eye-catching cover and insert of the album, designed by Richard O’Connell, Director of Neworld Associates , Dublin, continues the childlike theme and features all the artists in their younger years. An interactive copy may be viewed on www.tuesdayschildalbum.com.
The project has attracted the involvement of other top music professionals such as sound engineer Jon Astley from Close to the Edge who has worked with Abba, The Who, George Harrison and Eric Clapton and has numerous gold and platinum records to his credit. Enda Walsh of Amberville studios recorded many of the new songs including the Tuesday’s Child track.
Tuesday’s Child, based on the UNCRC human rights if the child, is dedicated to bringing hope to the most vulnerable children, regardless of their nationality, circumstance, gender or beliefs.
All money raised from sales of the thousands of CDs which have been distributed across Ireland, North and South, will go directly to supporting such projects throughout the world. One of the areas prioritised for proceeds is Gaza.
The charity, spearheaded by Belfast woman Orla Sheehan, who also produced the album hope it will be the number one selling album in Ireland this Easter.
She said: "We are overwhelmed by the generosity and compassion shown by so many artists and musicians who have made this wonderful album possible. The messages of support and dedications from each artist have been incredible. Special thanks also to Jon Astley, Richard O’Connell, Helen Sheehy and Enda Walsh who all donated their services".
She went on to say "Our vision is that all children have an equal chance to fulfil their potential and follow their dreams. In keeping with our ethos, the album showcases local singer-songwriters and some of the best new talent in Ireland alongside some of the top names in Irish music". For a few artists, this will be their debut album and we wish them well.
Up-and-coming Belfast star Duke Special has also contributed a special arrangement of Come Wander With Me to the album. Ronan Keating wrote a new song Heaven and Kila wrote Beyond for the album. The Tuesday’s Child track is written by up-and-coming Belfast singer-songwriter Gerry Creen.
The charity plans to release the album in the rest of the UK later in the year.
Gary Lightbody, lead singer of Snow Patrol, said he felt being involved with a children’s charity was important. "I became an uncle for the first time around the same time we were asked to contribute to this album," he said. "Upon my first hold of my niece Honey, I soon realised that without my sister and brother-in-law she would be helpless. So many children are born without the protection and love that my little niece has, and that is why charities like this are so important."
Mary Black said "Children are precious and should never have to suffer..that is why I am so happy to be involved in this worthwhile project."
Former Boyzone singer Ronan Keating said every child deserves a good start in life. "As a father of three wonderful kids, I am lucky to be able to provide them with what I hope is a great start in life. Every child deserves nothing less."
Eleanor McEvoy summed it up with her dedication on the album. She said "thank you for finding a way to help and for focusing on the need to help children, especially those affected by conflict and violence".The Tuesday’s Child album is on sale now in all record stores in Ireland. It can also be purchased online from the Tuesday’s Child store at www.tuesdayschild.org.uk
Proceeds of the album will go towards helping children in need in 12 countries inluding: Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Congo (DRC), Egypt, Ghana, Grenada, Israel, Moldova, Palestine and Zimbabwe. Each project is in keeping with the UNCRC rights of the child.
To view the album in full log on to http://www.tuesdayschild.org.uk or email [email protected].