What's going on? @ jamesloynes.com

"And the Winner Was..."

2011-10-24T04:56:00.000-07:00

With my choir (United Voice)'s next concert coming up so soon, I realised that I hadn't even written a post about their last concert, which was in fact a lot of fun!...

On 28th May 2011, the choir performed our latest concert "And the Winner is..." (a celebration of award-winning music of the stage and screen).

It was certainly one of the best concerts the choir has performed to date. It was quite the event, with the ladies glammed up in black and gold ensembles and the men all dressed up gangster style, sporting pinstriped trilbys, black shirts and white braces!

Our home venue, The Millennium Ballroom at Southport's Temperance Institute was decorated in true showbiz style, complete with red carpet, red theatrical certain swags, twinking lights and six foot Oscars either side of the stage.

Our botanical beauties, June Dudley and June Wright did a great job with the floral decorations as usual and with great music, accompanied Michael Greenhalgh at the piano and Tom Chester on the drums, the choir and soloists outdid themselves. It was a majorly fun night all round and the nicest thing was, I think this was the first choir concert I wasn't ill after!... Actually forget I said that... mustn't tempt fate!

It really is exhausting work puling together each concert with a large group of people, what with preparing the music, writing fresh new arrangements, teaching the songs each week to the choir, preparing practice resources and directing (amongst other incidental things, all of which I couldn't manage without the help of my family - especially my lovely Francesca), but each concert the choir just get better and better and make it so worth while.

I'm always so proud of them after each concert and this one certainly set the standard for our next upcoming concert!

One of the many floral arrangements by our

lovely flower ladies in the choir:

In rehearsal for "And the Winner is...":

The boys posing in the dressing room.

Very cool fellas!:

In performance (before sunset):

Evening arrives and the magic begins!:

Sweet :)

2011-03-09T07:05:00.000-08:00

Ok, this is completely unrelated to music... I confess, I'm addicted to sugar. I know it... and more particularly chocolate. Right now I'm waiting in anticipation (well, not just sat here waiting) for my wife to return home with Sainsbury's triple chocolate chip cookies (they're good!) which I will devour without leaving a crumb and will (guaranteed) be disappointed when they are gone, because I will definitely be able to manage plenty more!

It's bad because I'd much sooner eat than drink and it's no wonder I get headaches at the end of the day from dehydration, when I'd always much sooner consume a Cadburys!

Curse you sugar! (in a loving way)
Why do you have to be so good?

Oh well, I guess as they say, the first step to recovery is admitting it!

Think I'll write a song about it... call it "Bittersweet symphony"? no... that's been done. Maybe "Sweet Disposition"... no, apparently that's been taken too by The Temper Trap.

Still, sounds like a good inspiration for a lyric!

Maybe not quite so unrelated after all :)

This weekend's performance...

2011-03-04T07:06:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to remind those who are local, that I'll be performing at St. Peter's parish church, Darwen (Lancashire) alongside local soprano Sarah Louise and funny man Don Banks, who will be hosting the evening.

The concert is entitled "How Can I Keep From Singing?" (inspired by my album of the same title) and will include some great songs, all chosen to uplift, inspire, amuse and remind you that you're glad to be alive!
I'll also be performing several of the songs that feature on my latest album "And I Love You So", which is incidentally available on my website (can you tell I want you to buy it?!)

Further details are provided on the poster above. You can enlarge it by clicking on the image.

Hope to see you there!

Back on air...

2011-03-03T03:39:00.000-08:00

Was great fun visiting BBC Radio Lancashire last Wed (23rd Feb), to be a panelist along side local fundraiser Mic Cowgill and actor Michael (Mike) McKell, and to perform live in their Radio Theatre.

It's been a while since I went on the radio, but the lovely Sally Naden who presents the 11 o'clock show made me feel right at home. She's such a nice person. It was lovely when before we went on air she put her notes down and told the other panelists, "I've got to give this young man a hug."
As Sally reminded me on air, we've known each other for about 11 years (I was 15 when I first went on the talent segment of "The Happy Daft Farm", then the morning show, presented by Sally and comedian and presenter Jim Bowen).
After that, I had to opportunity to perform as part of their live stage tour of the show, which for me, as I was developing as a performer, was great experience.
It's been a while since then and so much has happened in between. I get a little polite and quiet when it comes to radio interviews, so I tended to sit back and nod or smile at the panel's topics of conversation (not a very useful thing when on the radio!) - Sally was funny, when off air she looked across at me and said "James, I'm going to have to ask you to stop interrupting!"

I sang a couple of songs that are featured on my new album "And I Love You So" (accompanied on guitar by Kevin Cookson), which I think relaxed me a little and by the end of the programme I managed to be the more chatty and potentially daft me, that people will be familiar with... even managing to drop my mother in it by sharing her opinion on a certain celebrity's Sunday dress, when visiting once - for which my mother later thanked me "very much!" and noted that it seems she always gets a mention regarding celebrities and their clothing when I go on the radio, reminding me of the time another BBC Lancashire presenter, Ted Robbins had told listeners of when I was performing live with him at Blackpool Winter Gardens and my mother had come to look for me in the dressing rooms, bursting in on Ted in his underwear. She didn't flinch, just asked "have you seen James?" - Nothing phases my mother. Must be the former nurse in her!

Well, the show more or less rounded up, with a rendition of "Moon River" and an opportunity to quickly mention the concert I'll be performing with Darwen soprano Sarah Louise this weekend (Sat 5th March) at St Peter's, Parish Church, Darwen. (Click here for more info) or see next blog post.

Was a really lovely time on Sally's show. I've been invited back to chat about upcoming projects, so looking forward to that. Will be sure to let you know when! :)

Performing on BBC Radio Lancashire
accompanied on guitar by Kevin Cookson:

Catching up with the lovely Sally Naden,
(BBC Radio Lancs presenter)

Photos in this post by Mike Johnson (mikeseyephotographic.co.uk)

And I Love You So...

2011-03-01T05:06:00.000-08:00

Really excited at the moment! Have a few exciting projects in the pipeline, so keep a watchful eye on this space 'cos there'll be quite a bit to tell in the near future.

The most recent news though, is that I have just released my latest album "And I Love You So"!

It's available now at www.jamesloynes.com and is an acoustic collection of classic ballads. One of my great passions when performing live on stage are the classic ballads (those songs that never lose their charm).
The album features arrangements by award-winning composer Sally DeFord of Colorado, USA and with guitar accompaniments by British musician Kevin Cookson (an extremely talented pair).
With a nostalgic feel, this is a real chillout album, with numbers including the title track "And I Love You So", "Moon River", "Breaking Up is Hard to Do", "When I Fall In Love", "You Raise Me Up" and much more...

The two have been so busy with their own exciting projects at the moment, but have been so generous with their time. I'm so grateful for their involvement on this album. Thanks you two! :)

You can hear clips of some of the songs on the album on YouTube here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5027QuRXvE

Also, don't forget you can keep up to date with what's happening, by following me on twitter:
http://twitter.com/jamesloynes

Hope you enjoy the album!

The Stage New Year Party 2011

2011-01-30T12:55:00.000-08:00

Singing "All I Ask of You" with Helena Blackman
at The Stage New Year Party 2011 (at the Theatre Royal,
Drury Lane -
(Should have some better quality photos of us
singing to upload soon):

You can't even tell if this one is definitely me!:

With Lee Mead who is currently still starring in
Wicked at the Apollo Victoria. Really nice bloke.

With the lovely Helena Blackman:

Me and Franny, again with Lee Mead:

With our accompanist for the day. MD George Dyer.

Was really cool for me and Francesca (my wife) to be invited down to London's West End, to the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane for The Stage Newspaper's New Year Party 2011 this last Friday (28th Jan).

It was exciting to be invited to perform a duet ("All I Ask of You" from Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical "Phantom of the Opera") with Helena Blackman of BBC's "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?"
I was surprisingly quite calm about performing, given that the room was full of people from the entertainment world, but did feel a flutter of nerves when I looked to the front row and spotted West End Star Lee Mead (who is currently still starring in the musical "Wicked" at the Appollo Victoria.) We had to opportunity to chat with him later and he was such a nice guy, very genuine. He mentioned he had played Roul in "Phantom" (the character that sings "All I Ask of You.") I said "yeah, I know, that's why when I looked down and saw you at the front I got nervous!"

It was fun to do a bit of famous person spotting! Was tempted twice to call out "Sibyl!", as Prunella Scales (star of classic sitcom "Fawlty Towers") squeezed past. And recalled having read on the way down on the train that Magician Paul Daniels had just that week sold one of his wigs on eBay, as he and his wife Debbie McGee walked in.

It was funny though, on several occasions I was sure I'd seen someone and would start a conversation with my wife and a lovely friend we made there (Marie-Ann) about that celebrity and what I knew them from... look round at them again and realise it wasn't them at all!!
I think I need to wear my glasses all the time!

Was great to see Rick Clark from Silva Screen records and the guys from Puresolo, who together with The Stage were the organisers of the competition I won in the summer to appear on the album "100 Greatest Musicals" along side stars such as Lesley Garrett.

On a side note, what an amazing building the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane is. It's one of, if not the most grand and beautiful of all the West End Theatre's. Apparently it's haunted. Well I don't know about that (I didn't see any ghosts!), but I can understand why someone would want to hang about there, what with those amazing grand staircases! (It's always been my dream to have a large grand central staircase... not a house... just a staircase!)

Well, after what seemed a successful soiree for The Stage, we headed straight off from the theatre (suitcase and bags in hand) to get something to eat and rush for the train. As always, after a trip to the big city, we were exhausted and although it was a fun trip, it's always lovely to get back to our little home up north and hit the hay :)

"Come 'ere...There's more..."

2011-01-30T12:23:00.000-08:00

Really enjoyed performing at the Thwaites Empire Theatre on Sat 22nd Jan along side the wonderful soprano Sarah Louise, who sang beautifully (her rendition of "Climb Every Mountain" was fab.) The evening was hosted by comedian Don Banks and also included some traditional Indian dance, which was fascinating to watch. It was also such a pleasure to meet and perform with Irish comic veteran Jimmy Cricket.

What a lovely guy Jimmy is. He was so excited about everyone else's life and his energy and enthusiasm was refreshing. It's so true that positivity is infectious!
What's more, this fella who's famous catchphrases include "come 'ere" and "there's more" is an old school clean act... and he really made me laugh hard. It just goes to show you can be clean and extremely entertaining :)
I remembered having had a book of his I used to read when I was a kid ("Letter's from Mammy") I used to read it on holidays. He has a clever way of amusing any age group.

It was a real pleasure as always, to be accompanied by my good friends Kevin Cookson on Guitar and Michael Greenhalgh on Piano. They both play so beautifully and I always feel in such good hands when they're backing me. Love it! :)

So glad to be over the flu, except for some irritating sinus pressure :(
Felt so good to just go for it at this concert and feel so comfortable. I LOVE TO SING!! YUP, I DO :)

With Jimmy Cricket and Sarah Louise:

100 Greatest Musicals album Out Now!

2010-12-24T03:08:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to let you know that the "100 Greatest Musicals" album on which I feature singing "All I Ask of You" with performer Gaynor Ellen is out now in all major music shops and online. You can download the songs off the album individually at Amazon.

It's a great album and features some amazing performers like Lesley Garrett, Dave Willetts etc.
And with 6 CDs is a bargain :)

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let... wait... that's enough!

2010-12-24T02:33:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's been a crammed couple of months. Fun but majorly crammed. And to top it all of, I've been sick with the flu. Got it quite bad this time. I'm actually out the other side now and feeling so much better than I did (spare you the details), but could really have done without it!

Busy-ness and illness got me well behind on letting you all know that there is now a New 2nd Edition of my Christmas album "His Name Shall Be Called Wonderful" available. This time with SIX extra recordings! This will now replace the first edition on my site and is available for download on Amazon too.

Well, I have always adored the snow, but our little spell of freak Arctic weather conditions here in the UK at the moment have certainly caused a little bother!
It was the United Voice Choir's Christmas concert this last Saturday and it was touch and go as to whether it would even go ahead. The snow was BAD here!!
We did go ahead (reduced choir, reduced audience, no sound guy, no lighting guy etc - good job I have such a game and supportive family to fill the gaps), but it was FABULOUS :)

(Better images to follow - this one kindly taken on
Christine Wright's mobile:)

The choir excelled themselves and put on a fantastically festive musical evening. It was a wonderful start the Christmas and well worth the struggle to get it up and running.
I was so proud of everyone and also so proud of those who were unable to get out of their housing estates, but understood that "the show must go on!"

Well deserved Happy Christmas for all! :)

A catch up on recent events...

2010-10-08T03:05:00.000-07:00

Been a bit absent blog-wise of late. You know that feeling... when you're so busy with things and your mind is so full that you feel like you've already told everyone all about it... but haven't?!

Guess I owe you a few blog updates!

Well...

Had a great time going down to London (Angel Studios) to record "All I Ask of You" from Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera" for the upcoming release of the "100 Greatest Musicals" album.

The journey on the train was pretty uneventful (which is always good), except for the fact that more people than usual seemed to have coughs and colds... not the greatest thing when already paranoid as to whether your going to have a voice or not when you get there!

I did make a brief trip to the loo to check if my voice was still working... but contrary to the article about the recording in The Stage newspaper, I didn't spend the whole journey singing in the toilets!! :)

The weather was particularly nasty that day and my heart sank when I came out of Angel Tube Station to see it absolutely pouring down... and me... a complete man, forgetting his brolly!

Well, I wasn't toooooo wet when I got to the studio, but boy was I glad to be inside and dry out :)

It was so much fun walking into the studio and meeting the people there, who were all really nice. Producer James Fitzpatrick was the man in charge. Also there, were Rick Clark (Media Manager of Silva Screen Records) and David Kaplan of Pure Solo.

I loved the fact that we got stuck straight into things and was really pleased that it sounded good when they played it back for me to listen without mixing it yet. Except for a brief moment of emptying loose change out of my pockets and removing my watch to try and remedy some clicking noises, it all went very smoothly!

It was lovely meeting Lalayn Baluch of The Stage and Times Newspapers and having a surprise visit from Helena Blackman of BBC's "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?" who came to give her support and was lovely. All in all a crackin' day! :)

You can actually preview a clip on Amazon mp3 downloads at the moment, but it will be available as mp3 download and on CD on Oct 18th... Hmmmm.... my brother's birthday... Haha! Guess who's getting it as a gift!

Will post links here and on my site when it's all available.

In the studio with Producer James Fitzpatrick:

Big cheesy grin from me... (hearing the recording back for

the first time on their ultra-fab studio monitor speakers):

Of course you have to listen with your eyes closed!

Being interviewed for The Stage by Lalayn Baluch:

With Helena Blackman:

Me and Helena again with Rick Clark of Silva Screen Records

(Left of the two fellas) and David Kaplan of Pure Solo (Right):

"Sweet Is the Work" receives special recognition!

2010-07-24T08:49:00.000-07:00

I'm very excited that on the first year of entering, my very own version of "Sweet Is the Work" was awarded 'Special Recognition' in the Annual Church Music Submission 2010. Yay!

Some of you will remember that this song made it's debut on my last album "How Can I Keep From Singing?" and I'm really thrilled that it received a special recognition, as the submission receives entries from all over the world! Cool huh?!

You can click (here) to see the list of all the 2010 entries.

You can hear a recording of "Sweet Is the Work" on the "Listen" page of my website (top player) and on the "Shop" page underneath the picture of the "How Can I Keep From Singing?" album, or you can download the sheet music free of charge on my "Sheet Music" page (all at www.jamesloynes.com)

Guess it's time to get back to writing then :)

Thanks so much for your continued support everyone!

Woohoo!...

2010-07-06T08:47:00.000-07:00

Just a quick blog post to say thank you so much to all those who voted for me and showed their support during The Stage/Pure Solo - "Mad About Musicals" competition... which I...

**drum roll**... WON! Yay!

I'm really thrilled. The prize is to feature as a vocalist on Silva Screen's "100 Greatest Musicals" album along side stars of the theatre, such as Dave Willetts and Lesley Garrett!

Entrants had to record a vocal for one of three song choices and post it to their "puresolo.com" profile so that members of the public could vote and give however many "hearts" they thought the recording deserved. I chose to sing the "Raoul" part for Andrew Lloyd Webber's "All I Ask of You" from The Phantom of the Opera.

The first stage of the competition was determined by public votes alone and then the top ten were judged by a panel including Helena Blackman (BBC's "How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?"), Rick Clark (Manager of new Media and Music Production at Silva Screen Records) and The Stage Newspaper's assistant editor Scott Matthewman.

Runner up in second place was Melissa Cavanagh, singing "Over The Rainbow" - Wonderful company as she has a fantastic voice. You can hear her singing a brilliant version of "On My Own" from Les Miserables on her YouTube channel (click here).

It's very cool to have been chosen as winner from a long list, to record with such well known and respected performers and I can't wait to find out what song they have in store for me!

Thank you again for your votes everyone, I'm so very grateful!

Wish me luck :)

PS - I have recently recorded some songs from musicals, which can be found on my YouTube channel or for MP3 Download at my website (www.jamesloynes.com/music)

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-18T06:07:00.000-07:00

Looks like my latest blog posts are on a theme!

Well, it's Father's Day this weekend and I wanted to make a brief post to tribute my own Father. I honestly couldn't ask for a more supportive and generous Dad, who would do or give anything to see that his children have all they stand in need of to be happy and successful.

But not only has he always been so generous, he has always made his love for the Saviour so clear and as my brothers, sister and I grew up, we always knew how important Jesus Christ is to my Dad.

Recently I had the great honour to be the first to perform composer Sally DeFord's new song (a tribute to Father's) "I Knew My Father Knew" - A song which explains that of all the great treasures we can pass on to our children, the most wonderful is that of faith and a testimony of our Saviour Jesus Christ, a thing that will become more precious (and useful) as time goes on.

Thank you Dad and all other Dad's who understand that to grow closer to our children we need to grow closer to the Lord.

Happy Father's Day! I hope your day is as special as you are to your loved ones.

Many thanks to YouTube user 'ElsieBird68' for providing this video for "I Knew My Father Knew"

Happy Mother's Day! (Majorly late!)...

2010-05-13T01:56:00.000-07:00

Here's an extremely late Mother's Day treat...

A while back, I stumbled upon a song, which I think has real charm. The song was originally intended to be used in Disney's movie, 'Aladdin," but was ultimately cut due to changes in the storyline.

In the song, Aladdin sings to his Mother of how one day he will make her proud.

I love this song, because I think it sums up how most of us feel towards our parents and how really, when it comes down to it, we all want to make them proud of us (whether we'd like to admit it or not!)

Bless my Mum, when she heard this recording, she called up to say that she hoped I knew she was proud of me. I know it without a doubt and I'm so grateful for it. We must all remember to tell each other how much we love each other and how proud we are of each other... never assume that someone knows how much you appreciate them... sometimes we just need to hear it.

Thanks Mum (and Dad) for being proud of me.

Here's to all you other special Mum's (or Mom's) depending on which side of the pond you reside! Hope you are treated to the luxuries a Mum deserves :)

Here's to the hero...

2010-04-15T01:29:00.000-07:00

It's been a sad few weeks. My wife's Dad (Jim) passed away. What a wonderful character. Full of fun and seldom a judgmental thing to say about anyone... even those in his life who had clearly wronged him. It was a real shock to us all, because although Jim definitely had some early signs of dementia (something which only served to enhance his playfulness), there were no signs of health problems. It was sudden though, and I guess if there was such a thing as a good way to go, this would be it. Clean shaven and showered just before, and napping in the chair. Always a gentleman, even until the end.

We'll certainly miss Jim Hindley, a definite community hero, who poured much of his time into charity work and the rest of it into making people feel good about themselves.

Each person that passes leaves a gap... but when a real character like Jim passes away, it feels like life will be a little bit more boring for a bit... time I guess, to start getting busy!

We love you Jim.

See you soon.

James never waits!...

2010-03-15T03:05:00.000-07:00

I really can't wait to go see Andrew Lloyd Webber's new musical "Love Never Dies" (a sequel to his international sensation "The Phantom of the Opera")

I usually prefer to be surprised when it come to birthdays, but I just had to ask my wife Francesca to get me tickets so we could make sure there were any to get!

I'm sure it'll be a great show from what I've seen and one particular song (the Phantom's main ballad for this show) really got me. "Til I Hear You Sing" is a song which tells us of the Phantom's longing to see Christine again and to hear her sing (of course!)

It's a beautiful song and I just couldn't resist recording it. Play the video below or visit my YouTube Channel. Hope you enjoy!

How can I keep from Smiling!

2010-03-08T04:13:00.000-08:00

Last month had a little surprise for me!... On 28th February, mine and Sally DeFord's arrangement of "How Can I Keep From Singing?" (the title track of my latest CD), was performed by a 300-voice choir at the tabernacle in Salt Lake City, Utah!

It really is a beautiful hymn, which I hadn't heard until Sally introduced me to it. I was so pleased that our arrangement was chosen for the event, I only wish aeroplane tickets weren't so bloomin' expensive, otherwise I'd have loved to have seen them perform it... Here's hoping they recorded it and send us a copy!

Keep checking back at www.jamesloynes.com & www.defordmusic.com for more new songs and arrangements.

Time Management

2010-03-02T01:35:00.000-08:00

Well it's been a couple of months since my last blog entry and a busy couple months at that. Between performing, recording, the choir, church responsibilities and DIY jobs around the home (amongst other things), I've certainly had my plate full! It's funny how when I have so much to do, I find it hard to get started on anything! In fact I enjoy my singing so much that I could wander around the house aimlessly all day and sing 'til I'm hoarse and get nothing done!

A word to the wise... "To Do" lists are all well and good, but when absolutely everything in your life that needs doing ends up on the same list, you can guarantee it's gonna be a horribly long one that you won't want to even start. Make separate lists for each area of your life, so you don't just focus on one thing and get nothing else done in any other area. Works a treat for me, I'm getting so much more done in a day! Can't you just tell I'm a bit excited about my lists?!

In fact, if you're anything like me and struggle to manage your time sometimes, you might find an article I read in the Natwest bank free magazine quite helpful. It's fairly long, but well worth a read I think!:

GET MORE DONE

Always put off important tasks until the last minute? Perhaps you never get to the end of your "to-do" list? "There's one problem with to-do lists," says life coach and time-management guru Mark Forster, "they don't work." His theory is that you end up with a long list of things to do and pick the easy things, while the difficult tasks remain unfinished, which simply breeds a sense of failure. His time-rotation method means you put concentrated effort into everything, so you get lots more done.

Time rotation

This is also a way to break down your inner resistance to a task you can't get started on, whether it's your tax return or sitting down to write that novel.

You learn by practice, so grab a pen and write down a three-item will-do list for today. It works better with a timer - a kitchen timer is ideal but your watch will do.

Choose the thing you dread the most and call it Task A, the others are B and C. Next to each, write 5, 10, 15, 20. These refer to the minutes you'll spend on each task, working in strict rotation. Start with five minutes on Task A. You don't want to do it, but you can do anything for five minutes. Set your timer and get suck in. When the time is up, stop! Cross out figure 5 next to Task A and move on to Task B, then Task C. Keep moving in rotation, working on each task for 10, 15, 20 minutes. If you finish one task you can add another or just concentrate on the unfinished tasks.

Staying focused

You may find you're happy to return to a task you previously dreaded. Why? Once you've got started, you'll want to get back to it. It's the same as when you get more done in the two days before a holiday than you would usually achieve in two weeks. Building deadlines into your day means you stay really focussed - you don't have very long, so you become more productive.

Once you've got started,

you'll want to get back to it

This method can be adapted to help you complete tasks you usually avoid because you don't have time. You could work in 30-minute blocks and make one of them exercising. Or, if your finances need reviewing, one five-minute task could be calling your local [bank] branch to make an appointment for Personal Review.

The rotation means you don't question whether you have time - you just get on with it because it's next on your list.

This has really helped me. Hope you can benefit from it! Though one bit of extra advice I'd give is to not just put, for example Task A - DIY... Task B - Gardening etc... but to have a little think about what specific things need doing in those areas before you start, otherwise you'll waste time sat there trying to come up with specifics

It Felt like Christmas to me!

2010-01-09T09:31:00.000-08:00

Christmas has flown by this year. Mind you, it always seems to. I know I'm a big kid but I always miss it when it's gone and all the decorations come down and only highlight how boringly drab your living room was before! Anyway, it comes round every year and I mustn't wish the days away, since there's always so much to get done in a year.

Even though Christmas went by quickly it's been really lovely. One particular event really helped to create the festive spirit... United Voice's concert "It Feels Like Christmas!"

Well it really did feel like Christmas. My choir, United Voice North West took the the stage at the Temperance Institute Ballroom again, this time with a seasonal repertoir, including many UK Christmas number one hits and some of our favourite traditional songs.

They put on a great show and I know from feedback that the audience had a fab time. The evening had a great mixture of good music and laughter and the choir and soloists were on top form.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Sefton were in attendance again after enjoying our summer showcase so much and we even had them joining in with the daft actions we had the audience doing for "The Christmas Alphabet" song!

A great time was had by all and it really gave our Christmas a magical start... oh and most important of all... my stained glass windows turned out great. (Thanks for your help Dad!)

Really proud of everyone. Thanks for all who helped make the event a big success!

My lovely Mother in law with the President of the Southport and District Temperance Society and the Mayor and Mayoress of Sefton:

The Ensemble sings "I Have a Dream" -

Take note of the brill stained glass window! :)

Bit blurry, but here Kermit the Frog makes an appearance, as we sing "It Feels Like Christmas" from the Muppet Christmas Carol:

Lots of fun as we even get the Mayor and Mayoress doing actions for "The Christmas Alphabet!" Think this was "S" for "Santa" :)

Jim (Fran's Dad) has always wanted the Temperance's windows like Harrods'. This year he got his wish!

Out of sync, but well worth a mention...

2010-01-09T07:54:00.000-08:00

Back in September, our good friends Dennis and Sally DeFord, from Colorado, came over to the UK for a vacation. I was so much fun for Francesca and I to be able to take some time off ourselves and join Sally and Dennis as they explored some great places on our lovely island, which we definitely take for granted.

It's funny how you notice and appreciate everything around you so much more when you have guests to show around.

below are a few nice pictures we took along the way, but click (here) to read Sally's blog entry. She has managed to nicely and concisely capture the main highlights of the visit. (I would ramble on for hours!)

There was one particular highlight that I must mention though. I was so glad that we were able to organise a musical fireside while Sally was over. (For those who don't know what that is, it doesn't involve a fire at all, it just means a gathering where there is some sort of inspirational presentation. I guess back in the day, the pioneers would have sat around a fire, so there ya go!)

The fireside took place at the Stake Centre over in Chorley and the place was chock-full of people. It was a lovely evening. Sally shared inspirational stories and background on some of her music, with performances by the Chorely Stake choir and myself.

It really was a very moving presentation, especially with the audience being so eager to join in with the songs they were involved in. One particular moment that I won't forget in a hurry though, was when I sat back down after a song, with what I thought was only my lyric sheet and left Sally with no notes and a perplexed look. I of course, rather than quietly handing the notes back, broke the awkward silence with "oh, sorry luv. Here ya go!"... trust me!... She's such a good sport!

It was a real pleasure to sing beautiful songs like "Whole Again," "I Have Not Seen, Yet I Believe," "If the Savior Stood Beside Me," and "For Me Alone" live and be accompanied by the composer herself.

The very grand Bath Abbey:

Roman Baths. This was very cool... can't beat a bit of geothermal heat!

The very impressive Circus and Crescent below it.

It so difficult to show how impressive they are on camera:

The amazingly untouched quaint village in Castle Combe:

Had to have a photo of this. A resident of Castle Combe, selling cakes outside their house,

with a little sign saying "please just post payment through the door"

I love it! Why can't things be like this everywhere. So glad some people still trust their neighbours :)

Fireside Sunday,Sep 13th 2009

Drum roll...

2009-11-12T08:53:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!

Thanks so much for your nicely impatient nudges about my next CD release!

I've received some lovely feedback since the Christmas CD was released - I had to laugh when someone said "James it's about time you brought out your next CD, I've been playing your Christmas one all summer!"

I'm soooo bad at juggling things, hence the long space of time between blog posts!

I've been working away busily, via emails (isn't technology fantastic!) with composer Sally DeFord, to put the finishing touches on my latest album, which I recorded the vocals for in Colorado Springs this last summer.

Well, I'm very excited to announce that... my new album "How Can I Keep From Singing?" is now available!

It was so much fun recording the vocals and working on the fabulous arrangements by Sally. I also had the pleasure of recording two duets with LDS singer Allyse Smith Taylor over at Soularium Studios in Alpine, Utah.

The CD also features some wonderfully talented instrumentalists. They include Pianist - Marvin Goldstein, Woodwind player - Daron Bradford, Cellist - Ramona McConkie and Violinist - John Leavitt.

It was so much fun working on this project and I'm really pleased with the outcome.

"How Can I Keep From Singing?" is now available at www.jamesloynes.com and if you are in the UK is also available at the Latter-day Book Stores in either Chorley or Godstone.

Also, Anne Bradshaw (Famous Family Nights) is doing a "CD Give-away" on her blog that gives you a chance at winning the new album!

http://annebradshaw.blogspot.com/2009/11/give-away-james-loynes-latest.html

Good luck!

:-)

Songs from the Heart - Video

2009-09-18T06:50:00.000-07:00

Quick post just to let you know that the show "Songs from the Heart" which was last Friday (11th Sep) was recorded on video in High Definition, so I'll be posting clips on my website and here on the blog when they are edited.

I had great fun performing in "Songs from the Heart." It was a real relaxed evening of live music and comedy, with Kevin Cookson and his band Koo°ler, singer Joyce Kearton and Comedian Don Banks.

Will keep you posted as to when you can see those clips :)

UV Summer Showcase was a hit!

2009-09-17T06:21:00.000-07:00

On the 29th August, my choir United Voice North West performed their 'Summer Showcase'. The concert was a mixture of songs they have performed in past concerts and things they have been looking at and working on at weekly workshops (which take place at 7pm, Thursday nights at the Temperance Institute, 65 London Street, Southport... Quick shameless plug there!)

The show was a resounding success and everyone there left feeling uplifted... music just does that doesn't it! (well... some music anyway!)

The Mayor of Sefton, councillor Alf Doran and the Lady Mayoress, Councillor Gillian Cuthbertson were both present. After the Concert, the Mayor gave an extremely complimentary speech saying "as Mayor, I am invited to attend many events, but I can honestly say that this has been one of the best musical events I have been invited to."

He then went on to thank the choir and request two encores, one of which was a favourite of his "Unchained Melody". (They really did do it well, I loved it!)

The entrance and foyer of the building had a revamp and looked great in "Roasted Red" (I'll put some pictures on of the new look and the concert with this post later)

I was so pleased at how well the evening went. The choir was wonderful, the soloists were wonderful and the acoustics in the Ballroom at the Temperance Institute were just brilliant.

As usual, I'm very proud of everyone involved, well done folks!

(Don't forget... 7pm, each Thursday, Temperance Institute, Southport! - All welcome)

US trip Part 3... Ghost towns, Lobsters and a whole lot of fun!

2009-09-16T01:24:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been such a busy time recently that it looks like I have a few updates to do at once. So firstly, the last part of our US trip... Our last port of call was with the DeFord's in Colorado Springs. It was wonderful staying with the DeFord's, they're such a great family. Sally and I worked on new arrangements and recorded my vocals for my next album, which will be available in the next month or so (Watch this space). It was so nice to be able to spend a whole month there and not just live out of our suitcases, and to know that we weren't moving on straight away to the next place. Fran and I had amazing fun... in fact what's actually amazing is that Sally and I managed to get any work done because we all had so much fun whilst we were there.

We got to see Garden of the Gods and during a trip to Blanding, Utah where Sally and I were scheduled to do a youth fireside, we all got to see Black Canyon, St. Elmo's (a ghost town) and Mesa Verde, where we saw amazing abandoned ancient Native American settlements, which were actually built into the rock face, sometimes 200 feet up the rock face. That was really cool! One of the best parts of the Blanding trip though, was Daniel (Sally and Dennis' son) having us in stitches of laughter with funny games and conversation. Award goes to Danny for most entertaining traveller on our road-trip!

I noticed Sally wrote in her blog:

One highlight of their visit was July 4... Independence Day... and to honor, er... honour the occasion, they regaled me with our national anthem. It was something quite out of the ordinary to hear "...and the rockets' red glare... the bombs bursting in air..." done in proper British accents by singers costumed for the occasion... a red, white and blue tiara, bow tie, socks... I have pictures, but I think I'll let James decide whether or not post one lest I leave myself open to retaliation.

It's true, we did! Below is a picture of the lovely get-up we donned for the occasion (it was first thing in the morning before we were truly awake and showered!)

It was also Fran's birthday the next day and so I planned a surprise trip to a very beautiful hotel complex called the Broadmoor in Colorado. It's a lovely place and the food was fantastic. We both decided to try something we hadn't had before. Fran wasn't so keen on the pheasant, though it was done well, but I loved the Steak and Lobster which I ordered... however I mistook the Price for an order number and won't be having lobster again until our bank account recovers!

But of all the eating places we visited, the most frequent was our new found love... the Rumbi Island Grill, a Hawaiian themed restaurant. We have lamented regularly since getting back home that we don't have Rumbi here... we miss their sweet potato fries... mmmmmmmm

It was a fantastic visit and we're so grateful to Sally, Dennis, Danny and Jen for making us feel so incredibly welcome in their home.

P.S. we also miss being honourary members of the Colorado Springs Academy Ward Choir :-(

We'll be back!

Garden of the Gods and the balancing rock (Held up by Fran!)

In the 2nd Picture also: Dennis and Daniel DeFord

Trying to get a stamp at the post office to no avail

(At the St Elmo Ghost town)

They also had humming bird feeders outside the gift store, (I managed to get one mid-flight) and you could feed the wild (well... tame now) chipmunks.

The amazing Ancient Native American settlements at Mesa Verde:

Me visiting Boulder... well, actually 'on' a boulder at Arches National Park in Utah.

And my favourite "falling of the cliff" picture which Dan and I staged (Sally was sat in the car, otherwise I don't think we'd have gotten away with it!)

Waiting for the fireside in Blanding:

The beautiful Broadmoor hotel complex and the slightly pricey Lobster tail... Not at all slimey like I thought it would be :)

4th July and all dressed up... (We'd only just got up, so we look rather disheveled!)

And the stack of games that proves how much fun we had and how remarkable it is that we ever got any work done! :)

Our favourite place to eat in Colorado springs (Rumbi):

Duets, Donkeys and Diners!

2009-08-09T12:28:00.000-07:00

The second part of our US trip took us to Utah. We stayed with friends in Pleasant Grove and South Jordan. It was great fun visiting friends. There's something so cool about knowing people on the other side of the Atlantic! It really is a small world. :)

Then we travelled to Soularium Studio in Alpine, where I worked on a recording project with LDS singer Allyse Smith Taylor. It was great to be invited over to record two duets with Allyse. They will both feature on Allyse's CD, which will be available sometime in August and my own next album which is due for release in September/October of this year.

We all had a lot of fun at the Studio. My very good friend composer Sally DeFord was there (she wrote all of the songs on the Album). Also involved were LDS pianist Marvin Goldstein, Violinist April Moriarty and Wind and Reeds player Daron Bradford. I also had the pleasure of meeting and working with vocal coach and talented performer Sam Payne and the owner of the studio Dan Carlisle, who has worked on such projects as "The Work and the Glory."

Also on a side note, between the restaurants 'Blue Lemon' and 'Kneaders', lunch time was a big hit. They both make fab soup and sandwiches!

I'll keep you updated on the albums, when they are to be released and where you can buy them. :)

Last year we visited a little eating place in Lehi called Porter's Place (a saloon type restaurant which tributes Orin Porter Rockwell, bodyguard of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young). Here we encountered drinks like "snake venom' and a burger like no other. We had to laugh at it's name (The Destroying Angel!) That was until we saw it and realised just how big this burger was. What was more concerning was just how easily I ate the whole thing, the potatoe wedges and it's side order of barbecue beans! When the waitress brought the burger over, she said "don't worry, I'll bring a box for you to take away what you don't eat" and when she returned: "wow, I don't think I've seen anyone eat the whole thing before!" So of course this burger is now to become a tradition. Below is a picture of the beast :)

As if the names of the meals in the menu weren't funny enough, the meal was brought to a unique finish when we stepped out of the door to a sight you don't see everyday... A man and wife walking their dog and... donkey! Ha! We couldn't help but laugh, to which the lady smiled and said "we're only walking the donkey"... brilliant!

Our final destination was with Jay Richards and his wife Carri in Logan. We had a lovely time visiting with our friend Jay who is a producer and director over in Logan with his own company Music Theatre West, who perform at the beautiful Ellen Eccles theatre. Jay gave us our own private tour of the theatre and rehearsal rooms. They really are fantastic, only strengthening my dream to one day own my own theatre. Back in October 2008, Jay produced and directed his musical production of the Louisa May Alcott novel Little Women. The songs are beautiful and his orchestrations are wonderful. I'm still hoping to direct a UK premiere of Jay's Little Women early 2010... so watch this space.

This time round we weren't able to fit a visit to the Salt Lake temple into the trip, so we were thrilled when Jay and Carri took us to see the Logan temple. It really is a wonderful building. It's castle like architecture holds such history and we were treated to some fascinating stories Jay and Carri recounted to us of the temple the couple were married in.

Utah was great. Watch out folks... we'll be back!

Dan Carlisle and Sam Payne at the controls in Soularium Studio, Alpine

Me in the booth!

Allyse Smith Taylor and I after recording

For a monster meal, vist...

Yum!

Walking the Donkey! :)

The beautiful Logan temple

Our trip to the 'Happiest Place On Earth!'

2009-07-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

Well It's been at least 7 weeks since my last blog post, and though there's no excuse, there's definitely a reason... I've been having way too much fun!

Our trip to the USA was more or less split into three separate chunks, so I'm dedicating a post to each...

Now, those who know me well will know that I've always been a huge fan of all things Disney (huge not being with reference to how much weight I've put on whilst on holiday!) But I'd never been to Disney World. Now, my wife Francesca loves me, but not necessarily my mild obsession with the Mouse, so I was so excited when she suggested we go to Disney World at the start of our US trip.

What can I say? Disney World is my favourite place ever! I loved it, Fran loved it, how can you not love it? You don't really have to be a big Disney fan to enjoy the fun and magic there. The shows are so well done and the attention to detail everywhere is fantastic. If you've never been, get saving, it's well worth the money (though from experience, make sure you say 'yes' when they ask you if you would like the meal plan option. It's not a scam, we said 'no' and now we're poor!)

Oh, and if you ever go to Disney, make sure you have a try at the 15 minute Character Drawing classes at Disney Studios. We both enjoyed it so much we went round several times!

- "For the third time, James drew forth the sword and there arose from the people a great shout..." :-)

- The house Fran and I are gonna move into when we can afford it! :

- The hotel lobby and exterior (and the cute Disney touch, with towels shaped like Mickey!):

- Our favourite Disney parade "The Pixar Street Party Bash":

- The very cool Disney Character Drawing class:

How to make friends and entertain people!

2009-05-31T07:16:00.000-07:00

I'd like to introduce you to a new friend of mine. It was my birthday earlier this month and my wife Francesca surprised me with how well she knows me… I’m such a child and I’ve always had a knack for talking in silly voices without moving my lips… well, on the morning of my birthday, I woke up to this little fella, a ventriloquist monkey puppet as my present (pictured below, entertaining Nana). His name is Ginger and I can’t resist taking him with me now to entertain family and friends every time we visit.

Hmmmm… maybe I’ll take up ventriloquism! ;)

I forgot to remember...

2009-05-30T06:46:00.001-07:00

You may remember me mentioning that I directed “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and played the lead role at the end of last year, but was waiting on some photos. It was a great success and lots of fun to do. Most of the cast had never even been involved with anything like this before and they did a fantastic job! I made a lot of new friends doing the show. The photos I have at the moment don’t really do it justice, but just for fun I have posted a few below. (Don’t worry, I’ve been given orders by Francesca to never really grow my hair long!)

Update at last!...

2009-05-29T08:36:00.000-07:00

Well, I made a point of not promising to blog every week, because I know what I'm like! Since my last entry there's been lots going on...

I had the great pleasure of performing at a private function at the Scarisbrick hotel for over one hundred lovely ladies, in aid of the North West Cancer Research. It was a fantastic afternoon, we all had a great time and a good laugh together and raised a substantial amount for the charity. Many thanks to all the ladies who sent letters of thanks. Apparently it was a first in a very long time for them to have a singer entertain them, as they usually have speakers after lunch. My particular favourite letter was from an elderly lady who said "I wasn't looking forward to sitting and listening to a singer, but I had a marvelous time. What a lovely voice and such a talent"... Thank you so much for that! It was a real pleasure to entertain you all.

There have been some very exciting updates church music wise. The "Angel to Watch Over Me" CD which I sang the title track for, made it into the 'Top Ten Best Sellers' list at deseretbook.com and since then I have been contacted by LDS female singer Allyse Smith Taylor, who is currently preparing for her next recording project. She has asked if I would make a couple of appearances on her next album, which will be accompanied by veteran LDS musician, pianist Marvin Goldstein. So I'm very excited that my wife and I will be flying out to the U.S. this summer so I can record on Allyse's album, after which we'll be heading over to Colorado to work on my own next album with Sally DeFord.

I'll also be meeting with producer Jay Richards and will discuss bringing his musical adaptation of "Little Women" over to the UK... so watch this space!

I guess in this business, you have to be flexible, so unfortunately, because Francesca and I are away for part of the summer, the United Voice North West choir's Disney summer concert "Once Upon a Song" has had to be postponed until further notice. However, there are still plans to do the concert early next year. In the mean time, they will be performing their "United Voice Summer Showcase", which will take place at the New Millennium ballroom, London Street Southport on 29th August 2009 @ 7:30pm (details will be on my home page at www.jamesloynes.com)

I mentioned in my last blog entry that I'll be doing some work on the Temperance Institute (where the ballroom is)... Well I've made a start! Just so you can see how messy I get when doing DIY (and because the building is really amazing inside) I've posted some photos below.

So amid making musical plans with Sally DeFord (over more than 5,000 miles, via e-mail) and undercoating every square inch of woodwork at the Temperance, Fran and I are rushing around like headless chickens, trying to make sure every needful thing is sorted before we fly... I guess it will be a good feeling once we're in the air... you know, when you really can't do anything about anything til you get back!

Will keep you updated on what happens while we're over in the States...

"Things To Do"

2009-02-23T02:53:00.000-08:00

Well, welcome to my blog! Gosh, I feel like such an old man. I've never written a blog before, but thought it would be such a good way of keeping you all up to date with what's happening, so everyone doesn't think I've vanished or something if I haven't added new songs or pictures in the last few weeks!

There's so much going on at the moment and I'm so badly organised that I sometimes only get as far as writing my "Things To Do" list and looking at it for a long time!

The church music side of things is quite exciting at the moment. Covenant Communications have produced a book inspired by the beautiful song "An Angel to Watch Over Me" written by Sally DeFord. It's a song about the wonderful things our Mother's do for us as we grow up (a perfect Mother's Day gift). They have also produced a CD to go with it, on which I have had the privilege of singing the title track accompanied by acclaimed pianist Marshall McDonald, on the grand piano which used to feature on the Donny and Marie show! "An Angel to Watch Over Me" which also features such artists as Jessie Clark Funk and Jenny Jordan Frogley, will be available March 2nd (2009) and can be purchased at all Deseret Bookstores or at www.deseretbook.com

I've also just finished mixing the CD my choir (United Voice) recorded. "Sing Out!" is their debut CD and was a lot of fun to do! I know they'll all be so glad to finally get their hands on their copy. We're having a CD release party on Thursday which should be good fun.

We're also building up to our next big concert, which will be taking place in the summer. I'm really excited about this next one. "Once Upon a Song" will be a celebration of over 100 years of Disney magic, with hits including 'Beauty and the Beast', 'Part of Your World', 'Under The Sea', 'A Whole New World' and many others... what more could you ask for!

We'll be performing in our home venue this time (The Southport Temperance Hall) It's a wonderful old building, built in 1836, with a ballroom and balcony (just lovely). However, it's a little tired looking, so were going to be giving the entrance and the ballroom a good makeover! (You know one of those jobs you keep telling yourself will only be a small one - a bit of emulsion, new carpet... easy!) Anyway, that's todays job. I'm off right now to go and start work on all that.

Lots more to tell, so keep checking back.

See you soon!

Above: Southport Temperance Institute