Marcia Dixon reports on the voice-online.co.uk about the recording of a charity single by UK Christian artists to raise money for the survivors of the Haitian earthquake.
It was a day to remember. Over 250 of Britain’s leading gospel artists, plus members of various choirs from across the UK gathered at the world famous Abbey Road studios in St John’s Wood, London to record a charity single, Somebody Please, to raise money for survivors of the Haitian earthquake.
‘Somebody Please’, is a track originally recorded last year by US Gospel star Israel Houghton who wrote the song with leading UK praise and worship artist Noel Robinson.
The track featured on One Voice, a compilation CD released by Kingsway Music last year.
However the album’s executive producers Lawrence Johnson and Les Moir decided to re record the track with the addition of the leading names on the UK gospel scene in a bid to raise money for the island’s earthquake survivors.
The duo said they were moved to work on the project after watching television pictures of the devastation caused by the earthquake.
“We decided to record ‘Somebody Please’ because we felt the lyrics were very appropriate for the people we hope to raise funds for” Johnson explained “It tells the story of a child crying out for help and justice.”
Recording started at 10am and lasted well into the evening. There were two choir sessions, directed by Nicky Brown, followed by individual Christian artists singing their allocated parts.
Choirs represented in the line up included members of IDMC, Ruach Ministries Choir, the Beechcroft Chapel Choir, the Festival of Life Choir, New Wine Choir, Praise Comes First Choir and the Audrey Mattis Chorale.
Robinson, who co wrote the original version of the track sat through much of the recording session. He told Soul Stirrings “It’s great that this song is being used for such a worthy cause. It’s amazing and a real honour. I hope it will sell over 100,000 copies.”
Marcia McPherson, director of the Beechcroft Chapel Choir in Tooting, south London took part in the recording along with 10 singers from her choir. She said she was excited about being part of the project. “It was such a momentous occasion, with such a great spirit of togetherness and love. It’s great that Lawrence and Les have brought the Christian music community together to work on a project to raise money for the poor and vulnerable.”
Other well known artists featured on Somebody Please include Graham Kendrick, Martin Smith, Tim Hughes, Noel Robinson, Muyiwa, Guvna B, Victizzle, Rachel Kerr, Ken Riley, LZ7, Simon Brading, Tre Shepherd, Voices With Soul, E-Tizz, New Direction, 29th Chapter, Roger Samuels, Lurine Cato, Priscilla Jones, Faye Simpson and Nathan Prime.
Somebody Please will be released on April 27 and proceeds will be donated to Christian charity Compassion International, so that they can rebuild a hospital in La Gonave that will serve 100,000 people.
Ian Hamilton, Executive Director of Compassion UK was present at the recording. He said “On behalf of the people of Haiti, thank you. The commitment and passion I witnessed in everyone who was involved in this recording was astounding. Their heart towards the people of Haiti and their desire to help alleviate the suffering was inspiring. We are honoured to have such phenomenal talent speaking up on behalf of Compassion’s children. Thank you!”
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