More years ago than I care to disclose, I was at school with Guy Chambers, the songwriter and producer, probably best known for his collaboration with Robbie Williams. I mention this because the BBC Children in Need ‘Got it Covered’ programme on Wednesday told the behind the scenes story of how Guy Chambers and Jonathon Quarmby worked with 10 famous actors to produce an album, in aid of Children in Need. Actors not known for their singing ability, including David Tennant, Olivia Coleman, Jodie Whittaker etc., were clearly well out of their comfort zones, but Guy and Jonathan, aided by vocal coach Mark De-Lisser
Managed to coax performances out of them.
The programme was fascinating, and although it showed the various tracks in rehearsals, rather than the finished product, I thought some of the tracks seemed promising. I bought the album as soon as it came out last Friday. I have to say the album is simply amazing, so much better than the material shown in the TV programme. Some tracks are almost unrecognisable from the TV snippets. I really can’t remember the last time I listened to every track of an album on every play. I love it and I am so proud of Guy.
Joanna Connolly